The Blast Mar. 2023 Issue No. 10

FOUNDER’S CORNER

Hello from Better BedRest!

Spring is in the air as we continue to celebrate our 30th year of supporting moms with high-risk pregnancies!

Please enjoy this issue as we highlight the Collette Louise Foundation that is helping moms and families across the US.

We also want to ask that you reach out to us if you need any BBR business cards to have on hand or to hand out at your workplace. We want to spread the word so we may continue our mission.  Email joanie@betterbedrest.org to get some our business cards.

We have funds available to provide grants to moms that are dealing with a high-risk pregnancy if they prove they’ve had to stop/reduce their working situation due to their pregnancy.

 

 

What’s Inside:             -Founder’s Corner                         BBR is 30 years old!               -Caller’s Voice:                          Shana S. – A Caller’s Story                 -The Colette Louise Tisdahl                 Foundation                       –Community Outreach                                            Maternity Home References

Wishing everyone a wonderful spring and make sure you don’t forget to smell the flowers!

Sincerely,

Joanie Reisfeld

Founder

Better BedRest, Inc

CALLER’S VOICE

Dear Better Bedrest Family,

I was so blessed to be a part of the Better Bedrest Program. I was the recipient of a grant to help pay my storage fee since I lost my home due to my high risk pregnancy.  They also paid my cell phone bill.  Without their help, I would have lost all my belongings and would have no way to communicate while living in a shelter.  Better BedRest was my support system that helped me through this difficult time. I am extremely grateful for the weekly phone calls and blessed for their support. 

Shana S.

COLETTE LOUISE TISDAHL

FOUNDATION

A note from Michelle Valiukenas,
Founder and Executive Director:

 The Colette Louise Tisdahl Foundation was created in memory of our daughter who died at nine days old.  Our mission is to improve outcomes of pregnancy, childbirth, prematurity, and infancy, as well as aid in the grieving process through financial assistance, education, and advocacy.  Financial assistance is available nationwide to families in crisis due to high-risk or complicated pregnancy, NICU stay, or loss.  For more information, to apply, or to donate, please visit www.colettelouise.com.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

 We have generated a list of maternity homes that we have distributed as a resource for our callers. We hope this might be of help to others:

 

1. St. Ann’s Center for Children, Youth and

Families

4901 Eastern Avenue

Hyattsville, Maryland 20782

 http://www.stanns.org/

*Teen Mother/Baby

*Transitional Housing

If you are a local pregnant or parenting young woman facing

homelessness, St. Ann’s Center is just a phone call away. (301) 559-5500

Social Worker is a good point of contact –

shaneen.alvarez@stanns.org

Notes: Three levels to this program. They have a teen unit with 24/7 supervision. Hope House also has supervision, 15

rooms with 5 on 3 units. Clients have their own room, can make their own meals for themselves and children. These

clients can be working and/or in school. Faith House has 8 furnished apartments. There is a shared kitchen and lounge.

There are social workers there to help with employment counseling, GED instruction and clients can stay up to 2 years. Once accepted, they have 90 days to get a job. They pay a small amount of rent once they have a job.

 

2. Gabriel Network is a Christian ministry of loving service to women and families challenged with a crisis pregnancy. We have been helping women and children in Maryland and Washington, DC for more than twenty years. 

Home

If you need help, call us today at 1-800-ANGEL-OK / 1-800-264-3565

 

Note: They have several homes for pregnant moms in the tri-county area. Call (202) 483-7008

 

3. The Northwest Pregnancy

Center

Call: 202-483-7008

Maternity Home:

Call: 202-483-2857

northwestcenter@verizon.net

Notes: For Maternity Home – Point of Contact – Susan Gallucci

202-483-2857

Townhouse for ages 18-30, 4 women at a time can live here. Women can stay up to 18 months. Located in DC, but accept women

from surrounding areas. There is a 3 step interview process open to anyone except those with substance abuse issues. One must be in therapy if there are major mental health issues. It is a transitional home and they ask for 30% of a person’s income. 5% is put into a savings account and given back when a woman leaves. Social work services are available. There is a curfew and responsibility for chores.  Male visitors can come on the main level only and must be out by curfew. There is live-in supervision from 8:30pm-6am as well as volunteers and a social worker there during the

day.

 

4. Brenda House of Promising Future is a transition house for women and children, non-profit 501 c 3 in

Baltimore City started 2017.

We serve and empower young women in need by providing shelter, financial direction, nutritional needs and

education resources to become fully functional additions to

their family and community.

3905 Rokeby Road | Baltimore, Maryland 21229 (443) 743-0099

www.brendahouse.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Blast Sept. 2022 Issue No. 8

 

FOUNDER’S CORNER

Hello! We hope that everyone has had a wonderful summer and is gearing up for fall. It seems like so many people were out and about enjoying the nice weather and travelling!

I’d like to highlight a wonderful organization that is here in Maryland with wonderful goals of providing behavioral health and case management services

for all in need. Please check out Springboard

Community Services. They have a mission of changing the lives of children and adults by providing opportunities to build self-confidence, resilience and hope. For more information, you can visit:

https://www.springboardmd.org/our-story/

For additional assistance in Maryland go to:

https://singlemothersgrants.org/single-mothers-assistance-in-maryland/

 

 

What’s Inside:          -Founder’s Corner                         BBR is turning 30 in November!               -Community Outreach:                          Goodie Bag Deliveries!                 -Caller’s Voice:                           A Caller’s Story

 

In the meantime, take this opportunity to get ready for cooler temps and the beauty of the fall colors!

Better BedRest will be turning 30 in November! We are so excited to celebrate this huge milestone and our continued support of moms with high-risk pregnancies!

Stay healthy and safe everyone!

Joanie Reisfeld, Founder, BBR

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

 As part of BBR’s continuing community outreach program, we paid a visit to MedStar Montgomery Medical Center to surprise the hard working women’s healthcare workers with goodie bags for “Labor” Day. The handmade, crocheted bags were stuffed with a variety of comfort items to brighten their day. The bags included several sweet treats, tea bags, hand lotion and lip balm. As an added bonus, the handmade bags can also be used as a jewelry pouch or small trinket tote.

Deneen Watson and Claire Meltzer

 I would like to thank Claire Meltzer, Marketing and Communication Specialist for MedStar Montgomery, for helping to coordinate the drop-off.  She distributed the goodie bags to the women’s health care workers and even took this wonderful photo!

Women’s healthcare workers at MedStar Montgomery

 Our next community outreach event is scheduled for November—right before Thanksgiving.

CALLER’S VOICE

 A client of BBR for the past two months, who wishes to remain anonymous, was our latest grant recipient!  She was working for Amazon at the time and her doctor told her she could no longer work while carrying her baby. She lives alone and was faced with no income to pay her bills. This particular mom had just a few days before her gas and electric was to be shut off and her car was in jeopardy of being repossessed. Because of all of you, who have generously supported BBR in the past and continue to support BBR, we were able to pay her gas, electric and car payment. Most importantly, we were able to eliminate the financial stress this mom was feeling.

 

For more information on how to donate to BBR, please visit our website at

www.betterbedrest.org

 

 

Happy Fall!!

       

The Blast Dec. 2021 Issue No. 5

FOUNDER’S CORNER

Hello all!

It is so hard to believe it is already December. Better BedRest is going into our 29th year! We have so much to be proud of and still so much more to do. What can you do to help? Go to www.betterbedrest.org and tap that donate button. Every penny helps. Our Maternal Assistance fund has helped so many during a very scary time. You can also send a check to BBR, PO Box 2625, Windermere, FL 34786.  Lastly, make us your designated charity on Amazon Smile! Open the app and find “Settings”. Tap on AmazonSmile and follow the onscreen instructions.

In this issue, you will hear from Akiva Katz who was part of the 211 Maryland staff

 

What’s Inside:             -Founder’s Corner             -Message from Maryland 211                   Guest Contributor – Akiva Katz             -Caller’s Voice             -Community Outreach:                  Crafting on Bed Rest

assisting Better BedRest callers! Check out our tips for things to do on bed rest that are crafty and hear from one of many callers talk about how BBR helped them.

From the entire Better BedRest family, we want to wish you all a very Happy Holiday and may the coming year be one of good health and happiness. We are so grateful for your support.

Joanie Reisfeld

Founder, Better BedRest

 

CALLER’S VOICE

My name is Judith Osbourne. In February 2010, I found out that I was pregnant. I was 

living in Baltimore City at the time. I was 29 years old and I was excitingly happy to find out that I was having my first baby. It did not take long to find out that my pregnancy was high risk. It was then that I learned what a “mucus plug” was and the definition of the term “High Risk Prepregnancy.”

I started complaining to the doctor of the cramps I was experiencing. The doctor told me after an examination that I was already dilated one centimeter at one month pregnant, thus she placed me on bed rest. I also learned that I had gestational diabetes and preeclampsia a few months later. When I got to six months pregnant, I thought the baby was moving a lot, but

the movements were contractions. I went to the office for a prenatal visit which resulted in me having to be admitted to the hospital. While in the hospital, I was on strict bed rest.  I had to do everything and anything in the bed without any exceptions. This wasn’t how I envision my pregnancy, so it was very emotional for me. It was then at one of my darkest moment I turned to face a wall with a poster that read “Better Bedrest (BBR).” After calling the number from the poster and speaking to a very soft spoken lady, who assured me that I wasn’t alone. Knowing that I could speak to a live person who could relate was a blessing. 

 

After a month of being hospitalized and months of not working, I was needing all sorts of help. BBR gave me a grant of $500, for my bills. I honestly believed that God sent BBR. They were there for me not only financially, but having the support, and knowing that there is someone who understood what I was going through made it easier for me. I delivered Ava at 34 weeks and she only stayed two extra nights in the hospital because of jaundice. BBR, you helped make it possible and I will forever say THANK YOU a million. I will forever love you all. 

MESSAGE from 211

What is it like speaking to a BBR caller?

Although every pregnancy is different, there were a few experiences common to almost all the conversations that I had during my time with Better Bed Rest. One of these was the high expectations that are placed on pregnant women. Many expressed feelings of shame when they needed more rest, or because they had to take time off of work. They reported feeling like they had to do everything they’d done before they were pregnant, despite experiencing a serious medical condition! Women with children were often expected by their partners to continue playing the same roles they had played before they were ordered to bed rest. So one of the things that I found myself doing, besides searching for resources and making referrals, was discussing how it felt to be less capable than before. No one likes to feel less able, especially when the people around us don’t recognize that it is actually the person on bed rest who needs more support! In some cases, I was able to help some women plan conversations with their partners, children, and doctors in which they could explain their need for increased support during this time. This often helped increase a sense of self efficacy and control that was lost while required to be on bed rest. 

Since the Better Bed Rest program is designed for women who’ve lost income, I also heard a lot about financial struggles. Many women were frustrated, understandably, that it felt like there were few resources to assist them in this time of need. Specialized medical care, on top of normal monthly bills, really adds up when you aren’t able to work. A further complicating factor was that in two income households, sometimes the other earner also lost their job due to Covid-19, and many jurisdictions were slow to provide unemployment benefits and financial assistance to those impacted. Sadly, many programs were forced to shut their doors due to the pandemic as well. I found it challenging to sit with feelings of being powerlessness to help, but found that sitting with someone else made a bigger impact for them than I had thought. It led to fruitful conversations about plans for after delivery, and hopes for the future. I was able to help one woman find agencies that would help her finish her degree online while she was on bed rest. 

My time with Better BedRest was, to say the least, immensely educational. As a man, I’ll never be pregnant, yet all of the sudden I found myself asking women about medical conditions that I wasn’t sure how to pronounce. So, I had to do some learning about pregnancy, and about the numerous complications that can arise. Together with my supervisors at 2-1-1, as well as the Better BedRest administrators, we were able to show up for women who needed us, and I am grateful to have had this opportunity. 

Akiva Katz, MSW Candidate

 COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Crafting on Bed Rest

 Being told that you have to be on bed rest for the duration of your pregnancy is daunting.  You may feel scared, frustrated, lonely and very, very bored. Engaging in craft projects is one way to entertain yourself and create something nice for you or your new baby. Two very popular needlecrafts are knitting and crocheting. If you don’t know how to knit or crochet, there are many tutorial videos on www.youtube.com that can walk you through the steps to learn the crafts.  If you’re not up for learning one of these crafts, I suggest trying the Knifty Knitter.

This loom is fun and very simple to use and can be purchased online or at most craft stores that sell yarn. The repetitive motion used to create with this loom is quite soothing and relaxing. Go with the round loom starter kit first (usually around $15). There are many shapes and varieties of looms to choose from when you become a super Knifty Knitter!

Of course, there are many other crafts you could enjoy while on bed rest such as scrapbooking, adult coloring books, embroidery or cross stitch, origami, or jewelry making to name a few. A good resource for crafting is www.pinterest.comwhere you can find a multitude project ideas and tutorials.

Also, for other ideas for surviving bed rest visit the BBR resource page:  https://betterbedrest.org/resources/

Happy Crafting!

Barbara Banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Blast Sept. 2021 Issue No. 4

FOUNDER’S CORNER

BBR is looking to expand our Board! If you know a community member or medical professional in the OB/GYN field that would be interested in joining us, please have them send an email to joanie5reis@aol.com We have quarterly zoom meetings and it’s a great group to be involved with. 

In this newsletter you will hear from Dr. Donna Neale, Director, Center for Maternal and Fetal Medicine at Howard County General Hospital talking about being pregnant in Covid times and a heartfelt memory from a past caller who got a BBR grant.

Last, but not least, we are about to enter that holiday giving time of year. We ask that you consider a donation to our Maternal 

Assistance Fund that offers $500 grants to women who are losing an income due to a high-risk pregnancy. To date, we have given out approximately $75,000 to help moms pay a bill for rent, utilities, car payments, insurance and medical bills. Every penny helps. You can make a donation on our website www.betterbedrest.org

Wishing you and your families wonderful fall and please stay safe and healthy out there.

Joanie Reisfeld

Founder

Better BedRest, Inc

CALLERS VOICE

My name is Paige and I am from Louisiana. In 2011, I found out that I was pregnant and to my surprise I was pregnant with triplets. It was a surprise and a shock because this is rare without the use of fertility drugs. My doctors told me that I would have to be on bed rest for the duration of my pregnancy. I started to research and read about how to cope with bed rest because I am a very active person. I had no support or anyone who could understand my situation. When

I felt under pressure from the situation, I came across Better BedRest. I began corresponding with them and they provided the emotional support I needed. Not only did they provide me with that love and understanding, but Better BedRest offered to assist financially. Better BedRest was my godsend. I know that this organization is a blessing and will continue to be a blessing to all the women who are in need.

(l to r) Brylee, Braylon, Brylon

(l to r) Brylee, Braylon, Brylon today

DOC’S CORNER

Pregnancy during Covid 19 – Is it possible?  Is it safe?

Donna M. Neale MD

The SARS-COV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID 19 infections.  Other viruses such as Ebola, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) are much deadlier than SARS -COV2, killing 50%, 10% and up to 40%, respectively, of those infected.  So, why is COVID 19 so dangerous?  First, this virus has never been seen in humans before. This means that NO ONE in the world had immunity to the virus when it first started in 2020.  Secondly, the virus spreads easily from one person to another and thirdly, it infects the upper and lower respiratory tracts.  The upper respiratory tract includes the mouth and the nose. Therefore, the virus can be spread thru coughing, sneezing, huffing, puffing, singing and even talking loudly.  Plus, an infected person can show no symptoms for days yet be spreading the virus.  Moreover, an infected person can remain asymptomatic for the entire time that he/she is spreading the virus. Lastly, the SARS-COV-2 virus is very sticky.  In fact, it is much stickier than the SARS 1 virus. This sticky property literally allows the virus to quickly attach to cells, stay attached to cells and quickly spread throughout the body. The combination of all of these things makes the novel SARS-COV2 virus very dangerous for us. With this background, let us discuss whether it is possible to have a safe and successful pregnancy during the COVID 19 pandemic.

First, there is no direct effect of the virus on the pregnancy.  Women who become infected with COVID 19 during their pregnancy do not have an increased risk of poor pregnancy outcome.  However, it is very clear from the data that pregnant women who develop COVID 19 are more at risk for hospitalization, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death than their non pregnant counterpart. Those women who require hospitalization may get so ill that they require a preterm delivery.  So, there have been reports of increased preterm births with COVID 19 infections but these preterm deliveries are indicated (to improve maternal outcome) versus a spontaneous preterm birth (an early birth that happens because labor starts too soon).

So, how do pregnant women keep themselves safe?  Get vaccinated.

Although none of the original COVID vaccine trials included pregnant women, the CDC has followed almost 4,000 women who received the vaccine throughout different points in pregnancy – 1^st trimester; 2^nd trimester; 3^rd trimester and no adverse pregnancy outcomes or short term neonatal outcomes have been observed.  There were no increased pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm birth, small for gestational aged baby, birth defects or neonatal deaths.  Moreover, and equally important, COVID 19 antibodies have been identified in the cord blood samples and breastmilk after vaccination which indicates passive immunity of the newborn.  Thus, the newborns have some protection from COVID 19 after the mother has been vaccinated. In addition, no decrease in pregnancy rates have been observed in women who have been vaccinated, which refutes the claim that the COVID 19 vaccine is linked with infertility.  

Because pregnant women infected with COVID 19 tend to get sicker than their nonpregnant counterparts – more chance of ICU admission, intubation and death, and to date, there is no evidence of poor pregnancy outcomes after vaccination, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Society of Maternal and Fetal Medicine both advocate for pregnant women to receive the COVID 19 vaccine.   For those women who do not want to get vaccinated, we are encouraging them to be vigilant with mask use, social distancing and hand washing protocols.  These interventions are very effective; they kept us safe before a vaccine was available.  Plus, every pregnant woman should receive the Flu vaccine during flu season, which is typically October – March.  The Flu vaccine protects against the flu not COVID 19.  But, it is well documented that pregnant women with the Flu can get very ill.  So, the combination of the Flu plus COVID 19 puts the pregnant patient at high risk for respiratory failure.

It is very important that your medical care not be interrupted during the pandemic. We recognize that patients want to minimalize their potential exposure to the virus.  Some visits can be done via telemedicine. Inquire about this with your provider.  Consider trying to bundle medical appointments. For example, consider having your blood drawn or your ultrasound on the same day as your prenatal appointment.  Inquire with your provider about their COVID 19 cleaning protocols and visitor policies.  It is important that you feel comfortable during your visits.  Plus, there may be times that you need an unscheduled visit with your provider.  If you ever experience vaginal bleeding, change in fetal movement (once you’re able to feel it), water breakage, contractions before 36 weeks of gestation, burning when you pass your urine, fever, headache that is unusual for you or is unresponsive to Tylenol, blurry vision, spots in front of your eyes, nausea/vomiting, pain under your right breast, these all may be examples of obstetrical emergencies that warrant a call to your provider.  Plus, a fever, shortness of breath, cough, heart palpitations, sore throat, loss of taste or smell may all be signs of a COVID 19 infection.  Please notify your provider if you have of these symptoms, been exposed to anyone with these symptoms or known COVID 19 infection or have new symptoms of any kind.  There is very effective treatment for COVID 19 infection during pregnancy.

Lastly, become familiar with your delivering hospital COVID 19 protocols, such as whether your husband can come with you to Labor and Delivery, can other family members (your other children) come too, will you have a COVID 19 test when you come to Labor and Delivery.  The more prepared you are in terms of these things, the more your expectations will be aligned with the reality of what happens in the hospital and you will be able to enjoy your labor and delivery experience.

So, although the COVID 19 pandemic is not over, a woman can have a safe and successful pregnancy. Call your provider if you develop any symptoms of COVID 19.   Get vaccinated; stay masked, maintain social distancing at home, work and play, practice vigorous handwashing, get your Flu vaccine, keep up with your prenatal visits, and Enjoy!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Labor of Love Full Circle

Better BedRest, Inc recently honored frontline workers for “Labor Day” in Labor & Delivery and Maternity floors at Holy Cross Hospital at Germantown, Howard County General Hospital and St. Agnes hospitals. We cannot thank the entire staff enough for their many hours of care “full circle” during these challenging times. The staff received Bundt cakes from Nothing Bundt Cakes, Columbia, Maryland! It was a sweet treat to help them enjoy their day. We want to thank Bryan and Alice Pax for working with us on this project!

Joanie Reisfeld (Better BedRest  founder) and Bryan Pax (owner)

St. Agnes MFM healthcare workers