LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Louisville nonprofit is working to make maternal healthcare and family support more accessible by bringing resources directly into the community.
Granny’s Birth Initiative hosted a free Maternal and Child Health Field Clinic, offering services and support for mothers and families.
Resources ranged from free diapers and ultrasound screenings to health care assistance and postpartum support.
Organizers said the goal is to help families overcome barriers that can make accessing care more difficult.
“There’s a big need around diapers, there’s a big need around transportation, there’s a big need to do whatever we can to support healthcare access, that’s what we try to focus on at the hub, but also there’s a need to support the everyday decisions that we take on as parents,” said Alexa Scisney, executive director and founder of Granny’s Birth Initiative.
Scisney said addressing maternal and child health disparities remains a priority.
“Anything to help advance racial equity in maternal and child health is what we’re here for, and anything to advance maternal and infant equity in general in women’s health is what we’re here for,” Scisney said.
For many mothers, support needs continue long after pregnancy and childbirth.
That period can bring new challenges as families adjust to parenthood and navigate resources and support systems.
For mother Inez Neblett, having access to help during difficult moments has made a difference.
“It’s helped out tremendously when times like now I couldn’t go and get it myself, so,” Neblett said.
She also said resources for mothers during the postpartum period are critical.
“Postpartum is a lot to deal with, so just having the resources that they provide alone will help tremendously if you need the support,” Neblett said.
Many families at the event said they appreciated having a space where they could connect with others and build community.
Neblett also offered advice for first-time mothers.
“Take it one day at a time and it gets better and easier,” she said.
Organizers said they hope events like the field clinic provide immediate support while also creating long-term connections for families who may need continued assistance.
Granny’s Birth Initiative also operates a maternity pantry open Monday through Friday and runs transportation assistance to the pantry and appointments for a fee when needed.
