Last weekend, I had the opportunity to speak at an event called Project CRADLE Care, organized by the Mu Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. The free event, which was held in Round Rock, was geared toward new or expecting mothers in high-risk communities .
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority’s (SGRho) Project CRADLE Care is one of their essential programs designed to raise awareness of disparate and inequitable maternal and infant health outcomes that Black women endure. They accomplish this through community outreach, advocacy, education, and implicit bias training.
During my presentation, I focused on the nutritional needs during pregnancy, as well as post-partum nutrition for women who are either breastfeeding or providing formula to their babies. I also provided guidance on planning healthy meals during pregnancy, including which types of nutrients and food groups to eat, as well as the necessary amounts during each trimester.
Nutritional Needs for Expecting Mothers
Daily Food Checklist for Expecting Mothers
Postpartum Nutritional Needs
Breastfeeding is good for both mom and baby. Breastmilk reduces the risk that your baby will have:
- Ear infections
- Diarrhea
- Breathing problems
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Obesity
Through Project CRADLE Care, SGRho in partnership with the March of Dimes, collaborate to address issues ranging from chronic physiological stressors and underlying health conditions to structural racism and implicit biases in our healthcare system. The Mu Beta Sigma Alumnae Chapter of SGRho also partnered with other organizations like Project Gabriel and Any Baby Can to give moms goodie bags as well as bigger items like car seats, strollers, and pop-up play pins.
Thank you Mu Beta Sigma for inviting me to speak about such an important topic for new and expecting moms.
Written by Victoria Luera, Lone Star Circle of Care Registered Dietitian. Submitted by Ashley Wild
