during and after pregnancy to support moms who are dealing with those toxic stressors.
The film also spotlights NFP moms Latreta and Breanna who share the realities of their health, financial and parenting struggles. They share what it’s meant to have a supportive relationship with their NFP nurse Lori.
Latreta’s first two pregnancies ended because of preeclampsia. Today, she’s raising a healthy toddler. When Lori first met Latreta all she had in her apartment was a mattress. So, when Latreta got a second job she couldn’t wait to tell Lori. Latreta plans to go to school to become a nursing assistant.
In a similar way, Lori brought Breanna and her daughter support, love and consistency to their lives.
“It wasn't even just she was here as a nurse, she was here like a mom, like a second mom. So everything she ever told me, everything she ever gave ... even a little care, made me feel like I was loved by many,” Breanna said.
“Baby Brain,” highlights research from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child that shows the effects of poverty and toxic stress on pregnant women and fetal brain development. Stephanie discusses the findings from studying resilience in the face of poverty with Jack Shonkoff, a professor of pediatrics at Harvard University and director of Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child.
Dr. Shonkoff said research shows that the most important predictor of good outcomes in the face of adversity, “is the presence of at least one reliable, responsive, protective relationship with an important person.”
This new science shows that with the right support at the right time first-time moms can change the trajectory of their babies’ brains for the better. This is the fundamental answer to ‘why an NFP nurse.’ For many first-time moms, their NFP nurse is that one protective and supportive relationship in their lives.
Watch the film and start a conversation about “why an NFP nurse.” Help end maternal poverty and change children’s brain trajectory for the better.