Al0 Terrace Review — Wednesday, March 6, 1991 Group’ s aim to help mothers have healthier babies by Betty Barton "Building Healthier Babies" is alive and well and living in Terr- ace, But what is it? "Our program will help you have a healthy baby," says their bro- chure. Terry Gordon, maternity nurse, mother of four and coordinator of the program since October 1989, explains, "We’re here to make a difference, but we're not here to make you change your lifestyle. We're here to help promote positive lifestyle practices during pregnancy, but we will always respect our moms-to-be lifestyle choices. We’re here for information and support for all pregnant women, although for the most part, we deal with high risk ptegnancies." A high tisk pregnancy can include pregnant teens, low income earners, or women dealing with alcohol or drug use, personally or in the family. Any pregnant woman can start this program if she is from two to 28 weeks preg- nant. "Building Healthier Babies", funded through the Ministry of Health and administered through the Terrace Child Development Centre, offers a wide variety of services at no cost to the client. . Terry Gordon and her staff prefer a team approach, "We like to deal with the whole person and offer them whatever expertise we have collectively. Experience counts for a lot, (among us, we have 11 children) in addition to our pro- fessional training. We want to make them aware of other com- munity services, but not ‘profes- sionalize’ them out.” Clients can be referred to Build- ing Healthier Babies through open referral — by doctor, friends, family or themselves. The program. offers: One-on-one counselling for those who prefer not to attend pre-natal classes, although the team encour- ages pre-natal classes, if the client feels comfortable about it. *Paracounselling Margaret Koepke, a Human Service Work grad and mother of four, works "front line’ with client concerns and pregnancy issucs, keeps regular contact and encourages check-ups and ’chats’ with their family doctors. ‘Nutrition information, shopping and cooking tips are provided by nutritionist Linda McMynn. Linda has been with the program since its inception. Linda has done pub- lic health consultation with preg- nant women and now works as a nutritionist at Terraceview Lodge in addition to her consulting work with Building Healthier Babies. She has three children of her own. *Building Healthier Babies has a comprehensive lending library of books and videos. ‘Milk vouchers are available for those women requiring them. *An informal maternity and baby clothing exchange. «Pregnancy, labour, delivery and parenting information are available either through ‘drop-ins’ or by joining groups such as the Breast Feeding Support Group o -~ "Nobody’s Perfect”. "We try to deal with every aspect of pregnancy and being a new parent,” says Terry. The support team of Terry, Linda and Margaret initially assess the client’s needs and concerns when they first meet. They also ‘liaise with other agencies to aid the client with needs they can’t meet within their program. They provide direct referral to other agencies with no waiting. "We offer advocacy," adds Terry. Building Healthier Babies has a close working rela- tionship with the public health staff at the Skeena Health Unit and with school counsellors. All new mums are referred back to public health as soon as their babies are born. "We encourage them fo come back to see us, although our res- ponsibility officially ends when the baby is born." "Demand for the program is high in this area. We're a flexible pro- gram, We bring our service to people when and where they want it and adjust it according to their needs, We do provide outreach, but long-distance transportation is a problem, so most of our clients are within driving distance of Terrace," Gordon says. Building Healthier Babies also has interpreted materials on pregnancy for women who don’t speak english. To-date, Si they have dealt with Punjabi clients in this situation. BUILDING HEALTH IER BABIES - Clients Colleen Goddard (blond) and Debbie Scarborough (dark) discuss nutrition and pregnancy concerns with nutritionist Linda McMynn and co-ordinator Terry Gordon. Building Healthier Babies began in Terrace in January 1989, Cathy Ulrich from the Skeena Health Unit was instrumental in getting the program to this area. When the idea of a Pregnancy Outreach Program first came up in this area, Dr. Asante was working with Fetal Alcohol Groups and doing related research, From his work and statis- tics, it was confirmed that north- west B.C, is a high risk area for fetal alcohol syndrome and other pregnancy-related hazards for newborns. By March 1989, Building Healthier Babies in Terrace was ready for client services. In 1989, they assisted 49 clients. By 1990, that number had jumped to 84. "Support from the physicians has been tremendous," Terry notes. Last year, Building Healthier Babies compiled a cookbook called "Shared Secrets of Building Healthier Babies". The cookbook focuses in on nutritious, on-budget, easy to prepare foods. It also pro- vides gencral pointers on caring for newboms, nutrition tips and other baby-related advice. In their new "baby place" at the Child Development Centre on Eby (near Kili-K’shan School), Building Heatthier Babies is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Feb. 28 D. Hagen, Smithers March 1 Ron Gowe, Terrace March 2 Marilyn Powers, Terrace March 3 Trevor Logan, Courtenay March 4 Barrie Gieselman, Terrace March 5 Ann Evans, Terrace March 6 Ron Ward, Port Clements and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interested mothers-to-be are urged to drop in or phone 635- 7664 for an appointment. "There is a strong possibility that babies of high risk mums will eventually be referred to the Child Development Centre. Having our program set up in this location provides them a link and familiarity with the en- vironment at the Child Develop- ment Centre. "My vision for Building Healthier Babies," concludes Terry Gordon, "is to have a comprehen- sive variety of programs offered in: one place, preferably a friendly old house. Parenting, Nobody’s Per- fect, daycare for teen mums wan- ting to go back to school, nutrition programs... the possibilities are endless." Revenue Canada Taxation ivi your slips and receipts. Drop by or the tetas Revenu Canada Impét To assist you with your 1990 tax return, Revenue Canada, Taxation operates Seasonal Tax Assistance Centres in your neighbourhood. You can get free help and certain tax returns, schedules, and forms you need. Just drop in with your questions and bring along SEASONAL TAX ASSISTANCE CENTRES OPEN: March 12 - March 16, 1991 SKEENA MALL 4741 Lakelse Avenue During regular store hours. Service available in both English and French. Information disponible daris les deux langues officielles. “any ‘additional service we provide is T.1.P.5. (Tax Information Phone Service). Pléase reler to your income tax guide for more Hetails. Canada