Anya Maria is the parent of a 2-year-old in an early childhood program for which you are the executive director. She has just told you that she is 4 months pregnant with her second child. During your initial conversation, you discover that she has not yet seen her doctor, that she is trying to maintain a healthy diet, and that she plans to visit with a doctor soon. She is taking over-the-counter prenatal vitamins and has recently quit smoking and drinking. Her job as a certified nursing assistant is a bit stressful, and she is hoping to cut back on the 12-hour shifts that she is currently working.
She confides there are several things she is concerned about when she thinks about the birth of her child. She and her 2-year-old are new to the community and unaware of available health resources. The father of the children recently left the family, and paying for child care and other bills represents a pressing concern. You are concerned that Anya Maria has not connected with other families in the program, and you learn that her extended family lives more than 4 hours away.
To prepare:
Reflect on this quote: The fetus is an active being from the start, responding to stimuli but also actively initiating events (Music, 2017). Consider information presented in the Learning Resources about impact of prenatal development on a childs healthy development and learning, and the importance of supporting healthy contexts for mothers and the developing fetus.