‘Newborn Navigation Act’ could bring resources, support to postpartum parents
This bill will also call for a localized database of information, in all languages, so the materials are easily accessible for parents.
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A proposed bill will aim to place more resources in the hands of postpartum parents. Councilmember Jennifer Gutierrez created the "Newborn Navigation Act" to provide new parents with resource materials to enhance support.
These resource materials include essential child care items, child safety, breastfeeding and nutrition, available social services programs, postpartum care resources, support groups, vaccination schedules, anti-discrimination laws related to pregnancy, and workplace accommodations. This bill will also call for a localized database of information, in all languages, so the materials are easily accessible for parents.
Gutierrez told News 12 the goal is to give parents more support as they transition into this next chapter of their lives. "The idea is to give parents some sense of “If I know the information, I know exactly where to go to'" she said.
News 12 spoke with the founder of Ancient Song Doula Inc. about the new proposed bill and how it will affect the families in Brooklyn.
"My hope is that it will be promoted in an equitable way, right, where people will actually know about it, because I think we have a lot of resources... but that's a problem, people just don't know where to go," Chanel Porchia-Albert said.
Both the councilmember and doula noted that this bill will allow for more dialogue on postpartum care.
"I want us as a city to have more honest conversations about the way that we protect moms," noted Gutierrez.
Porchia-Albert stated that, "this is going to be a catalyst for a larger conversation where people feel like there is a true, genuine touchpoint and community for folks to reach out to that speaks to them in a way that is culturally congruent. You know, it is receptive to all different socioeconomic standings and people can feel like, okay, I'm finally being heard... not just in the pregnancy part of it, but also my postpartum phase."
A hearing is set for the proposed bill next week.
