The nurses hosted a diaper drive during Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week in May 2022 to benefit the community and to raise awareness about the critical issue of concern.
An expensive yet basic necessity for every infant, according to the National Diaper Bank Network, half of U.S. families cannot afford enough diapers to keep their infant or child clean, dry and healthy.
The Impact of Diaper Need on Moms and Babies
Without clean diapers, babies are more vulnerable to painful rashes and urinary tract infections. In addition, mothers are at risk for increased maternal depression; parents are more often unable to access childcare, which requires a daily supply of diapers; and parents more frequently miss work or school.
Nationwide, more than three million diapers have been donated by nurses to diaper banks throughout the U.S. since 2015.
Association of Women’s Health, Obstetrics and Neonatal Nurses
Assistance programs such as WIC, SNAP and Medicaid do not cover diapers, and TANF is rarely enough to help pay for them along with other basic needs. The poorest families spend the highest percentage of their income on diapers because they cannot afford to buy them in bulk.
Recognizing this need, the perinatal nursing team at Salinas Valley Health took action, soliciting diaper donations from staff, visitors to our medical center and corporate donors. The nurses successfully collected 150 cases of diapers, which our Mobile Clinic staff distributed along with baby wipes to underserved families.
Making a Difference in the Crisis
“For families that are struggling financially,” says Adrienne Levya, BSN, RNC-OB, IBCLC, Labor and Delivery Unit, “diapers are a basic need. Access to clean diapers can make the difference between a highly stressed family and one able to provide a clean and healthy environment for their child.”
Because it is too often a silent crisis, Salinas Valley Health nurses are committed to continue helping meet this essential need and raise awareness about the impact of lack of diapers on maternal mental health. “We know we can alleviate a lot of stress some mothers feel if they have the diaper products they need and often can’t afford,” explains Marisol Soria, RNC-OB, Perinatal Unit Practice Council Chair.
Access to clean diapers is essential for healthy babies and healthy moms. Together with support from our staff and our community, Salinas Valley Health nurses are working to reduce diaper need in Monterey County. In doing so, they serve as advocates to build a strong foundation for essential child health and well-being.
