PKU’S VISITING MUMS PROJECT

 
 

PKU's Visiting Mums Project is not only continuing with its activities during the war, but is taking a lead to face the new challenges new moms are facing in wartime. 

Throughout Ukraine Project Kesher’s visiting moms have volunteered to create support systems for new moms in a beloved project supported by Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Boston and Jewish Community and Family Services. Since the start of the war, the mentor moms stayed in touch with postpartum moms, offer support on the phone and in chat. In cities where the people remain, visiting moms continue to meet with postpartum moms including helping them buy baby food and other important products. 

Last week, PKU began to conduct a survey of Ukrainian new moms in order to identify their most urgent needs at this time. Within three days of publication - the questionnaire has collected 500 views and more than 50 responses, which continue to pour in at the moment.
 
The survey revealed four main areas of concern from pregnant people and new mothers:

  • Baby nutrition

  • Baby hygiene items (diapers, wet wipes);

  • Psychological support groups;

  • English Language classes (for Ukrainian refugees who have landed in Europe, conversational English is a necessity for surviving and attaining resources).

In response, PKU is looking into the possibility of purchasing nutrition and baby care items and sending these supplies to volunteer centers. Volunteers in each city can distribute packages to new parents with a note providing information and a specific channel of access PKU visiting moms resources.      

PKU will offer a series of webinars, online resources and support meetings, for 3 groups of moms: pregnant women, moms with children under one year, moms with children from 1 to 4 years old. PKU will offer conversational English for Ukrainians with a facilitator who can help identify adaptive communication topics relevant for Ukrainian women refugees. For instance, conversation with a doctor about a child's health, consultation at a children's center, conversation with other moms in a foreign socio-cultural environment.

The program coordinator recently had to be evacuated from her home with her daughter and two grandchildren, to Poland. Despite all of the terrible circumstances of the war, the program keeps running and responding to the needs of new Ukrainian moms in real time.