The first few weeks of a mother and her newborn baby can be some of the most crucial for bonding, which is why the United Way of the Great Capital Region is stepping in.
A new local United Way program called Jubilant Birth is paying new and expectant mom’s $1,000 per month, beginning before their child is born, and continuing throughout their babies’ first full year of life. They say the reason is to see if there could be real health benefits, to the cash benefit.
“We’re trying to see if we reduce financial stress during pregnancy, and in the year after the baby’s birthday. Can we improve the mother’s health? Can we improve those indicators of the baby’s health?” United Way Chief Impact Officer Claire Reid said. “That’s unique — using money as a maternal health strategy.”…