A new program in New Jersey is helping new mothers deal with motherhood during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New mothers like Andreia Correia of Elizabeth have many concerns amid the crisis. Correia gave birth to her second child two weeks ago at Clara Maas Medical Center.

“We were concerned about going to the hospital and about coronavirus,” she says. “As a mom, you want best for your kids.”

Correia is one of nearly 1,000 new and expecting mothers who have or will receive new mom kits from RWJ Barnabas Health and the Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition.

“Almost overnight the in-person health care visits were transitioned to telehealth,” says Greater Newark Healthcare Coalition executive director Keri Logosso-Misurell. “So, important checkup elements like blood pressure, temperature, understanding fetal movement, become really important for women to know about.”

 

The kits are being given out at Clara Maas, University Hospital and Newark Beth Israel. They contain a blood pressure monitor, thermometer and masks – along with instructions on how to use the items. Other educational information is also included.

“Letting you know what the signs and symptoms are, when you should seek care at the hospital – are equally important, so we don’t miss opportunities to intervene when needed,” Logosso-Misurell says.

The kits are funded through a grant from the New Jersey Pandemic Relief Fund.