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June 13, 2024 Story by: Editor
BOSTON – Thursday, June 13, 2024 – The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) recently completed a 10-week pilot meal delivery program aimed at improving maternal and mental health outcomes for postpartum families in Boston, with a focus on families of color. This initiative, led by the Boston Healthy Start Initiative (BHSI) under the Commission’s Child, Adolescent, and Family Health (CAFH) Bureau, provided 14 families with snacks and two meals weekly, designed to feed a family of four.
Additionally, families received smoothie kits, fruit pouches, dry snacks, breastfeeding kits, and materials to support early breastfeeding continuity. Participants were also connected to other Commission programs and received home visits from nurses through the Welcome Family and Healthy Baby Healthy Child programs, fostering engagement, connection, and a smooth recovery for both mother and child. Feedback surveys were collected at the program’s conclusion to guide future support initiatives for postpartum families in Boston.
“Women and infants across our city face significant health and well-being challenges, especially during the postpartum period,” stated Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We are continually seeking ways to enhance health outcomes, particularly for Black women, who are at a higher risk of complications during pregnancy and postpartum. This pilot exemplifies a coordinated support approach during a critical time for mother and child.”
The postpartum period is marked by significant physical, psychological, and social changes for mothers and their families. State data indicates that Black women in Massachusetts are 1.9 times more likely to die during pregnancy or within one year postpartum, and they face a 70% higher risk of severe maternal morbidity.
Additionally, Black mothers often lack access to culturally competent postpartum support, support groups, and mental health care. The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data shows a higher prevalence of postpartum depressive symptoms among Black women compared to white women in the state.
The Commission’s Health of Boston Maternal and Child Report also highlights persistent disparities in morbidity and mortality between Black and white infants and Black pregnant women in Boston.
“In many cultures, there is a ‘lying in’ period after a baby is born where the mother takes time to rest and heal while the community supports her and her household,” said Tracy Skelly, owner of Little Cocoa Bean Company. “Too many mothers lack this community support, and this initiative aims to change that. We are thrilled to provide meals during the first 10 weeks after birth, promoting healing and more lying in.”
The program was a collaborative effort with Little Cocoa Bean and Feast & Fettle. The BPHC and Little Cocoa Bean have a long-standing partnership to provide essential resources and healthy, diverse food to families during a child’s first 1,000 days of life. Feast & Fettle, an online meal delivery service, was selected to participate in this pilot.
“I can eat the food for multiple days without worrying about cooking, allowing me more time to focus on the baby,” shared Jessica Beharry, a program participant. “I love being able to choose my meals and delivery times online. I look forward to the food every day.”
Carlos Ventura, CEO of Feast & Fettle, emphasized, “Good nutrition is vital for recovery and well-being. Our mission is to deliver wholesome, delicious meals that support physical health and emotional well-being for new mothers and their families.”
Families participating in this pilot were current BHSI families living in Boston or receiving services at affiliated health care centers in Dorchester, Roxbury, or Mattapan. They were chosen based on their delivery dates and desire for additional support.
“BHSI was established to support Black pregnant and parenting families in thriving,” said Uchenna Ndulue, Director of the CAFH Bureau at the Boston Public Health Commission. “Although this is a one-time pilot, it is part of a broader effort to address maternal health inequities and enhance access to culturally responsive services and resources.”
The CAFH Bureau offers various services to families throughout Boston. Programs like BHSI, Welcome Family, Healthy Baby Healthy Child, and Father Friendly provide direct support to expecting and parenting families, including home visits and case management services that promote father involvement and family engagement. All services are free, voluntary, and confidential. Since 2020, nearly 3,000 mothers and families have been connected with coordinated care, resources, education, and advocacy. Source: City of BostonFor more information on BPHC programs and services, visit boston.gov/bphc.
