Helpful Tips For Parent Allies.

       
     
     On April 22, 2015 our collective hosted the "Don't Leave Your Sisters Behind" workshop at CalState LA as part of the Mujeres De Maiz 2015 Spring event series. This workshop focused on exploring issues parents and families face and how to find solutions to these issues collectively. For those who were unable to attend this workshop, we are sharing a list of helpful tips that can serve as guide to parents and parent allies. We hope this helps and sparks ideas to create avenues of support for us all...

Thank you to Mujeres de Maiz and to MALCS for all your hard work and aide during this workshop and beyond!

-Ticicalli Yahualli



TIPS FOR PARENT ALLIES

Pregnancy

• Offer help in any way
• Provide Self-Care gifts such as: Massage, Acupuncture, aromatherapy candles and pregnancy-safe teas
• Assist them in raising funds for their labor support (Doula) and/or Midwifery Care
• Check-in: Keep an open line of communication. Ask how they are doing and how you can support them
• Provide positive affirmations about birth

Postpartum

• Help set up a meal train: Drop off warm ready or frozen meals for the family
• Offer to help clean the house
• Hang out with older siblings
• Gift them a massage
• Assist in raising funds for a postpartum doula

• Check in: Again, keep an open line of communication. Ask how they are doing and how you can support them

• Wash your hands before holding the newborn baby. Even though it’s hard to resist, refrain from kissing the baby. If you sick wait until you are better to see the family

Holding Space for Children

• Children play a major role in Society. They are the future generations and everything we model they will be imprinted with
• Babies need to held and loved. Keep a positive environment around the baby
• Understand the developmental milestones for children. Be mindful of where they are in present moment
• All adults in spaces where children are present are responsible for safety and security of children
• Be mindful of what you may be modeling in the presence of children

Parenting

• Be intentional in your parenting journey
• Be aware of different parenting styles. Refrain from judging or shaming other parenting differently
• Be gentle with yourself in your parenting journey
• Seek support when times are tough
• Don’t be afraid to seek community and/or intuitional resources such as parenting classes
• Have fun and enjoy the ride!