Jami was once taught not to ask for help, but when she found Marisol Health and a supportive community that helped her through pregnancy and the challenges of early motherhood, life only got better.

“Now we can sleep at night,” the 28–year–old mom said about herself and husband Aaron. “We went so long without asking for help, just struggling. We didn’t need to—and once we had (our daughter) we didn’t. From the time I knew I was pregnant, we knew who to call for resources.”

The new parents accessed almost every resource offered by Marisol Health—a medical clinic that provides a full range of women’s health care and social services—in Lafayette. Jami relied on a case manager, a mentor and a medical team before she sought community with other mothers.

“We had some struggles through the pandemic but we’re still able to get diapers,” said Jami, adding that it reduced their stress. Now a member of a post-partum mom’s group at Marisol Health called New Beginnings, Jami said the community she’s found is invaluable. “It was really nice to meet other moms and hear they’ve had other issues, too, and not feel so stranded,” Jami said. “Just emotionally, the mom’s group has been that support network that we’ve been missing out on. It’s been very nice to see healthy family dynamics. We didn’t know what that looked like.”

Lara O’Shaughnessy, a Marisol Services specialist, said many mothers are like Jami who are seeking support after starting a family.

“Many of the mothers who are in most need of our social services are young, alienated from their former social circles, and feel isolated,” O’Shaughnessy said. “Realizing they are not alone in their struggles as new parents is transformative in reinventing their identity and building their self-confidence.”

Jami shared that she and her husband each grew up in abusive households and experienced trauma.

“I feel like most people when they are pregnant go to their moms. I didn’t really have that help,” she said. “Before we had our daughter, we cut off ties (with our families). At Marisol, they’re all so welcoming. It’s absolutely wonderful there.”

A friend first told her about Marisol Health and Jami went to get a pregnancy test. The staff walked with her through the pregnancy and the birth of their daughter, Aella.  “She was born a little early and they were super-concerned about her,” Jami said about their daughter who was born underweight. “It was scary. The beginning of her life was long and frustrating.”

Now potty-training their healthy 2-and-a-half-year-old, Jami says the staff and other moms continue to show support. From the phone calls and holiday dinners and resources, Marisol is the community she was missing.

“There’s this big stigma on having to do things yourself. There needs to be more emphasis on community,” Jamie said. “Nobody is an island unto themselves. You can’t do it alone. … There’s no shame in it. I feel like I’ve gone in to a welcoming and loving community from the beginning.”  O’Shaugnessy, who leads the mother’s groups, said she has watched Jami become a more seasoned and confident mother while also offering support to others.  “Over the past two years, I have witnessed Jami grow as a woman and mother,” she said. “She has shared with us her challenges and successes as a new mom. Both she and Aaron share a beautiful partnership in raising their daughter.  We are so proud of how they have grown as committed and loving parents.”