A baby brings on the joys of being a parent, but for some teen parents it’s not always celebrated. Fresno EOC Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP) understands the stigma and difficulties some teen parents face when having a child, and so AFLP took the initiative to help teen parents embrace a positive outlook on parenthood by celebrating its first biannual baby shower.
“We are doing this because our youth don’t always have the opportunity or the income to have a baby shower,” said Ana Dominguez, AFLP Case Manager. “Not all our clients qualify for government assistance to buy baby clothes, bottles or essential baby items. This gives them a place to get a few things for their baby, while celebrating positive parenthood and providing them with educational opportunities.”
Baby showers are scheduled to be hosted twice a year, with one in the fall and one in the spring months. These provide parents with support from their peers, baby items, and additional education on the basics of parenting.
Parents can take part in games focused on labor and delivery, newborn care, and baby bonding; all are topics AFLP covers through case management services and its implementation of the Positive Youth Development Program (PYD) curriculum.
Another unique component of the newly launched baby showers is clients can get connected with other Fresno EOC programs. Attendees receive enrollment information and are notified of services applicable to them through WIC, Early Head Start and Health and Dental Services. These services include access to lactation consultants, infant dental care and parent education.
Like AFLP these programs are dedicated to the health, wellness and education of an individual and their family. AFLP offers teen parents one-on-one comprehensive case management and support as they navigate parenthood. This program address the social, health, educational and economic facets of adolescent pregnancy.