Moms2B has paused its in-person sessions for the pregnant moms in the program, but that doesn’t mean the help stops.
Moms2B is an Ohio State Wexner Medical Center program that supports pregnant moms and families in low-income areas throughout Columbus in an effort to reduce infant mortality rates. The program typically meets once per week at each of its eight locations, providing food, education and support to moms and families.
Since the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak hit Ohio, Moms2B has worked with LifeCare Alliance to deliver food to moms in the program.
“This is a huge task, but it needs to be done and we are working daily to make sure it happens,” says Twinkle Schottke ’93 MA, the Moms2B director. “There is so much work going into this program and it’s worth every second to hear the joy from our moms.”
Each week, dietitian Michele Tiburzio organizes meals and Schottke, Linda DeGood and Julie Mercker assemble care packages that include 20 frozen meals to be delivered by Meals on Wheels to the doorstep of 56 Moms2B moms.
Dr. Pat Gabbe, who founded the Moms2B program with Schottke, says delivering meals relieves major stressors.
“By bringing meals to their doorstep, we’re relieving that anxiety," says Gabbe, a clinical professor of pediatrics in Ohio State’s College of Medicine. "And knowing Moms2B is sending meals reinforces that we are here to support them. They can talk to us.”
Also during COVID-19, Moms2B has continued its educational programs remotely to over 400 pregnant and parenting moms and dads through Facebook Live videos.
“This helps our Ohio State prenatal clinics because physicians, nurses and staff need to reduce face to face contact time while making sure pregnant women are connected to education, support and help,” Gabbe says.
Research data through the program shows that moms who take part in Moms2B have fewer low birth weight babies and better outcomes overall, which Gabbe says is “evidence that good food, education and reduced stress make a difference.”
Since Gabbe and Schottke started the program in 2010, it has helped nearly 3,000 pregnant women. In 2019 alone, more than 800 moms attended sessions. Even in hiatus, the program continues to reach out to newly pregnant women through social media.
During this time, Moms2B is asking for donations. You can provide support through their Buckeye Funder page.
Along with frozen meals, Moms2B also is assembling packages that include items like soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, paper towels and light bulbs. A current need is pillowcases for its partner agency, Van Buren Family Shelter, which helps pregnant moms who are homeless in the Franklinton area. To contribute to the resource bags, contact DeGood at 614-292-1605 to schedule a drop off at one of the Moms2B locations.
