It Takes a Village Postpartum Program

Published on May 02, 2025

In response to the alarming maternal mortality rates in the United States, particularly among Black women, a new maternal health pilot program called It Takes a Village is launching this summer. The name, derived from the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”, is used to refer to the community support needed to support a child’s well-being and development. This initiative, aimed at addressing significant gaps in maternal health care, particularly during the postpartum period or “4th trimester,” is part of a broader commitment to combat the public health crisis of racism, which was officially declared by Manchester in 2019.

“The launch of the 'It Takes a Village' Maternal Health Pilot Program marks a transformative step forward in the fight against maternal health disparities. By uniting communities, leveraging resources, and prioritizing equitable care, this program exemplifies the power of collaboration to create a healthier future for mothers and families. It truly underscores the principle that no one should face the journey of motherhood alone.”

The U.S. maternal mortality rate is higher than that of many high-income nations, with Black women facing a staggering three times higher risk of death during childbirth compared to their white counterparts – most deaths, over 80%, are likely preventable. Research indicates that social and economic factors, including systemic racism and chronic stress, are key drivers of poor maternal and infant health outcomes. Data reports that two of three maternal deaths occur after childbirth during the postpartum period, and according to The Commonwealth Fund, strengthening postpartum health services should be a priority.

In 2023, The Board of Directors allocated $100,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to target these maternal health disparities. The funding was intended to support the Human Services Department’s development of a program inspired by similar initiatives such as the Born in Brooklyn Baby Box model and Finnish universal baby box support benefit, with the Health Equity team leading the design, planning, and implementation. The Born in Brooklyn Baby Box pilot initiative aimed to ease the financial burden on new parents and reduce mortality rate within the first year after birth by providing a little bit of financial and mental-health support by distributing 500 “Born in Brooklyn” boxes to new families at five hospitals and health centers Born in Brooklyn

Following the allocation, the Maternal Health Working Group was formed, comprising of doulas, healthcare professionals, town employees, fatherhood specialists, educators, parents, and Manchester residents. This collaborative effort aimed to create a comprehensive financial and social assistance pilot program that supports families during the postpartum phase. Initially, the program intended to provide a one-time box of baby supplies for new families, however, identification of barriers during monthly meetings highlighted a critical lack of structural support and informal social networks for new parents. This prompted the group to design a program that fosters a nurturing environment akin to having an extended family present during post-birth recovery. Formal partnerships were formed with town businesses and organizations, such as Eastern Connecticut Health Network (ECHN)'s Family Development Center and Women's Wellness Center, October Kitchen, Swiss Cleaners, Real Dads Forever, and Multiple Perspectives, to create a robust support network for families in need. Each provides unique supportive and evidence-based integrative health services free of charge to participants, such as wash and fold laundry delivery service, frozen meals, fatherhood support, postpartum massages, and acupuncture.

“The 'It Takes a Village' Maternal Health Pilot Program is a testament to the transformative power of community collaboration, said Director of Human Services Joel Cox. “The Town of Manchester is grateful for the support from our community partners.”

The It Takes a Village Program tracks 100 families throughout the duration of six weeks post-childbirth to provide wraparound support in the form of vouchers for services, financial support, mentorship, and education to address challenges such as isolation and loneliness, financial stress, and lack of support during the postpartum period. For six weeks, participants will be connected to these services while having empowering conversations with a member of our care team. Each week has a dedicated topic tailored to the postpartum experience such as community support, coordination of integrative health services, support systems, and more. Benefits include weekly financial assistance up to 6 weeks totaling $600, education and resources to address postpartum challenges, mentorship for fathers, and a postpartum care bundle. To qualify, participants must be 18 and older, onset of 32 weeks pregnant and up, or up to 8 weeks postpartum. Applicants must live, work, or receive pregnancy-related services in Manchester.

According to the WHO, where you live, work, and play accounts for more than half of your health and wellbeing. It Takes a Village imagines a world where Manchester, CT is a town that yields happy and thriving families. Rather than providing a one-time material benefit, It Takes a Village hopes to increase social connectivity of Manchester’s birthing community by acting as a bridge to community. It Takes a Village recognizes childbirth as more than a medical event, but a transformational experience that touches every aspect of life. So, clean laundry and someone to listen to your birthing story can go a long way.

The program is in its final stages of development and plans to officially launch in summer 2025. Currently, we are gathering interest forms for families/interested parties who would like to be contacted once our application is launched.

Interest Form

For more information, please contact the lead program facilitators, Health Equity Coordinator Precious Edwards (pedwards@manchesterct.gov) and Health Equity Worker Jenna Gaudette (jgaudette@manchesterct.gov). For more information on the Human Services Department, please contact Director of Human Services Joel Cox (jcox@manchesterct.gov).