2 years ago
For Dekima Thomas -- pregnancy is a learning experience.
"You might think you know a lot about babies, but there's definitely something new that you learn every day," she said.
Seventeen-year-old Dekima is participating in S.M.I.L.E., which stands for Start More Infants Living Equally-Healthy. The recent high school graduate will soon be a teen mom.
"It will definitely help me a lot just catering towards to my child more than I probably would have," she explained.
The S.M.I.L.E. program provides free nurse care management and prenatal classes to African American women living in Montgomery County.
"Our focus is on education," said S.M.I.L.E. nurse Nia Williams. "When your water breaks, even if you're in Target, you will recognize the signs and symptoms and know what to do."
The program also teaches women how to communicate with their doctors, proper breast feeding methods and understanding the stages of labor.
For Brookfield mom-to-be Chiquita Battle -- the classes have helped her learn how to prepare a healthy environment for her baby.
"I feel more prepared and I'm excited about the process," said Chiquita.
This week's prenatal classes will begin tonight and continue until Wednesday. The program will be held in Silver Springs from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and registration is required.
For more information on the S.M.I.L.E. program, or to register for a class contact Nia Williams RNH at (301) 421-5489 or Melanie Hunter at (301) 421-5490.
You can also check out the S.M.I.L.E. program online at www.onehealthylife.org
Comments 
