If we want to take better care of our world, we must first take better care of mothers. Protecting the precious, fleeting time that new moms need with their babies is essential to the well being of our communities. By nurturing this critical time for healing and bonding, we can foster more empathetic relationships and a healthier, happier world.
We passionately believe this to be true.
New moms don’t just need more time with their babies, they also need equitable access to resources and essential supplies.
How can a new mom focus on healing and bonding with her newborn if she’s consumed with stress about affording diapers and other basic necessities?
This is why we proudly partner with Welcome Baby, USA, a non-profit organization that pours its heart into supporting and encouraging new moms when they need it most. They provide low-income families with newborn essentials at no cost. A Welcome Baby package includes 200 diapers, 240 wipes, 2 rash creams, a baby carrier, bottles, a baby thermometer, a grooming kit, 2 footie pajamas and pants, 2 swaddle blankets, 3 short sleeve onesies, 3 long sleeve onesies, mittens, socks, hats, baby wash, moisturizer, and baby’s first book.
We had the privilege of chatting with Juliet Fuisz, co-founder of Welcome Baby, USA, about their achievements, future goals, and how we can generate greater support for new moms.
“2024 was incredible because we met our longtime goal of distributing 2,000 packages. It has taken so much work to reach that goal and we are really proud. Our favorite moment may have been going on CBS Mornings and getting to share our mission with families all over the country. We truly feel there should be a National conversation about the need for these supplies, and it was such a pinch me moment to impact the conversation on a national level. There are no government support programs for the items we provide. If you’re on SNAP or WIC it doesn’t cover any items like diapers, wipes, bottles or a baby carrier. There is a major gap in support at this moment of a mom and baby’s life, and we are trying to fill that gap. We also had our very best year ever for corporate sponsorships and partnerships. We are so proud that companies like Goldman Sachs, Good Inside, theSkimm, Johnson’s Baby, Infantino and Bonsie supported us in major ways through events as well as monetary and in kind donations. It made us able to reach our goals.”
Their goal this year is to support twice the number of families as last year, an ambitious and necessary goal. Consider the weight that is lifted off the shoulders of a new mom when she receives a Welcome Baby package, and knows that she does not have to worry about buying essential supplies for four weeks. This support is hugely needed and crucial to establishing a more peaceful environment for the first fragile weeks of life.
“Our goal for 2024 is to distribute 4,000 packages. This would be a huge jump for us, but we are doing our best to meet it. We distribute packages each month to hospitals and common health organizations that serve low income populations across 17 states. The feedback we get is overwhelming."
Families cry with happiness and relief knowing that they have these supplies. Mothers feel more confident about taking care of their newborns and worry less.
"We also continually get feedback that our partners need MORE PACKAGES. Despite our best efforts, we cannot provide all of their clients with boxes. This is why we need to keep fundraising to help get these into as many homes as possible.”
Juliet gave us a few different ways that our amazing audience can help provide more packages for new moms and their babies.
“We would love your followers' support! One easy way is to follow us on Instagram @welcomebabyusa. Donate! A full package is put together with a donation of $160, but $25 fills a package with a month's supply of diapers and wipes! We’d also love it if any followers have connections to brands that make the products in our packages to reach out to us at info@welcomebabyusa.org, or if they know of any companies that might like to partner. Truly, every bit helps!”
In addition to educating new parents about the importance of skin-to-skin contact and simplifying this essential time, Bonsie strives to promote and partner with businesses and organizations who give back to their communities, such as Welcome Baby, USA. When we focus on helping one baby and mother at a time, the difference we make has a ripple effect that will change the lives of so many families.