Caring for Families from the Very Beginning

When a baby arrives, everyone asks about the newborn. But who is caring for the parents?

That simple question sparked a new collaboration between Caring Ministries and Children & Family Ministry, resulting in a growing collection of programs designed to support families during one of life’s most joyful and most challenging seasons.

At the center of this effort is Nurturing New Life, a ministry created for families during the baby’s first year. Led by Parish Nurse Colleen Catania and developed in partnership with the Rev. Rachel Pedersen, the program recognizes what healthcare professionals often call the “fourth trimester” — the months after birth when parents are adjusting to a new reality and often need community as much as they need information.

“People spend nine months preparing for the baby,” says Colleen. “Then the baby arrives, and everyone says, ‘You’re good!’ But that’s often when parents need the most support.”

The ministry began as an eight-week series featuring experts from both the congregation and the community who addressed topics ranging from newborn care to maternal wellness. While the educational sessions were well received, the organizers discovered something even more valuable: parents wanted time simply to be together.

“They wanted to share their stories,” Colleen says. “They wanted to talk about what was happening in their lives and realize they weren’t alone.”

That insight shaped the ministry’s next chapter. Throughout the summer, Nurturing New Life joined Playground Playdates, a program run by Children and Family Ministry for the past eight years, where caregivers gather with little ones for conversation, encouragement, and connection. While children enjoy the playground, parents and grandparents build friendships with others walking a similar path.

The ministry reflects a broader vision of caring that reaches across departments and generations. “Caring Ministries couldn’t do this without Children & Family Ministry,” Colleen explains. “We care for families across generations, and that means working together rather than in silos.”

That partnership is already expanding in meaningful ways. The church’s Medical Equipment Closet now includes postpartum recovery items and newborn supplies. Baby formula has been added to the list of donations accepted through the church’s food collections, with some designated for Grands Stepping Up, which is a nonprofit in Delaware County that gives to grandparents who find themselves caring for their grandchildren. A new resource guide for parents is also in development, connecting families with support available through the church from the moment they welcome a child.

This fall, Nurturing New Life will resume its educational series while also introducing new affinity groups for young parents, including gatherings for dads, working moms, and stay-at-home moms. Existing Children and Family Ministry offerings, including summer playgroups and parent-led fellowship events like the Toddler Tailgate, continue to create opportunities for families with young children to build lasting relationships.

For Rachel and Colleen, these ministries all share the same purpose: helping young families discover that they don’t have to navigate this season on their own.

Whether through a support group, a playground conversation, or a shared meal, BMPC is creating spaces where parents can find friendship, encouragement, practical resources, and a community ready to walk alongside them — one stage of family life at a time.