Doubling the Joy: Baby & Me Expands Support for Ward 8 Mothers

As Mother’s Day approaches, we celebrate the extraordinary love and leadership our mothers share every day. The journey of new parenthood is transformative, but often comes with challenges. That’s why the Baby & Me Program is so important. It’s a safe, joyful community where new and expecting mothers in SE DC’s Ward 8 can truly connect, learn, and grow together.

We recently had the opportunity to speak with two mothers from our current cohort, Asia and Aniya, who shared how this program has impacted their lives.

“When you are preparing for a baby, you don’t know what to do. You don’t know how to prepare mentally, prepare psychologically, or prepare financially,” shared Asia.”This is my first child, and I don’t have a lot of mommy friends, so it’s great to connect with other women going through the same things and to get some insight.”

This feeling of uncertainty is why our holistic, supportive Baby & Me program is essential: it builds competence, confidence, and community from the very beginning. As Aaliyah Wright, the Baby & Me Program Coordinator, explains, “A lot of moms don’t have that support system that we had from back in the day… they don’t have time to decompress or talk about what they’re going through.”

Aniya found the program provided the support she needed as she cared for her newborn. Describing the powerful connections in the cohort: 

“For me, I look at it as a backbone. When your back is against the wall, it’s about having people in your corner supporting you, rooting for you, and loving you even from afar. It’s a reliable backbone. It really is the best program for new mothers and even for those on a second or third child.” – Aniya

Full-Spectrum Support

Baby & Me Orientation

We believe uplifting a mother is the most powerful investment we can make in a child’s future. Through our yearlong Baby & Me program, new and expecting mothers in Washington DC’s Ward 8 have access to essential resources and knowledge designed to ensure a healthy and confident start with their new baby:

• Education and Connection: Together as a cohort, moms explore topics such as safe sleep and nutrition, child development and social skills, financial management, goal-setting, early education, and emotional wellness.
• Hands-On Resources: Beyond education, Baby & Me provides the physical tools needed for success. This includes distributing cribettes during the sleep safety session and baby food-making kits so mothers can practice preparing fresh, nutritious purees at home. To further reduce barriers, we provide diapers, formula, and a program stipend.
• Friendship and Community: Baby & Me offers a welcoming space to share experiences and reduce isolation. Aniya explained, “I experienced a little postpartum depression, and I was able to connect with other mothers in a judgment-free zone. I could sit with other women and hear their perspectives, whether it was a new single mother or someone who just needed support because they didn’t have a ‘village.'”

Join Our Next Cohort!

Are you or someone you know an expectant mother or new parent in Ward 8? We are actively accepting applications from mothers living in Ward 8 who are pregnant with a due date after May 2026. 

To learn more about Baby and me, including eligibility requirements, visit www.marthastable.org/babyandme

Join us in celebrating Mother’s Day by making a gift in honor or memory of an inspiring parent, friend, or family member. Your gift supports Martha’s Table’s commitment to creating a Washington, DC, where everyone can thrive.