Pilot Program Allows Newborns to Join Mothers in Class

The transition back to school after maternity leave can be difficult for many new mothers at Florence Crittenton. A new pilot program aims to make this transition easier by allowing new mothers to bring their newborns, up to 4 months old, into select classes with carriers generously donated by Boba.

Christine Watkins, Parent Educator at Florence Crittenton, believes this program 1) helps reduce the amount of time that young mothers spend out of class to breastfeed, 2) helps mothers acclimate to being back in class since they’re not separated from their baby the entire day, and 3) helps create healthy bonding for mother and baby.

Allison, a junior at Florence Crittenton, loves bringing her two-month old daughter to Study Skills class. She says “having my daughter in class with me allows me to keep her close. She is more calm because she feels my body heat.” Mothers may also bring their newborns to parenting classes. Boba carriers have been given to 16 mothers so far, and will continue to be distributed to mothers who return from maternity leave.