Books, Babies, and Bellies

For expecting and new parents.

New and expecting parents drop-in for free books, healthy snacks, and childbirth and parenting resources from Healthy Babies Healthy Start and the Portage District Library.

New and expecting parents can drop-in any time between 10:00 and 11:30 for free books, healthy snacks, and prenatal, childbirth and parenting resources from Healthy Babies Healthy Start and the Portage District Library. All new and expecting parents from Kalamazoo County and beyond are invited and welcome.

Can't join us in person? A Zoom option is available on request. 

What is Healthy Babies Healthy Start?

Healthy Babies Healthy Start (HBHS) is a long-standing community program built to address Kalamazoo’s infant mortality disparity. Together, we can accomplish this through community collaborations promoting changing systems that negatively impact families, providing one-on-one support through home visits, and undertaking community health initiatives. The program focuses on the health and well-being of expectant and postpartum mothers and their child(ren) until 18 months of age. Additional support is also extended to fathers and other caregivers as well as women preconception.

We support mothers, fathers, and families in many ways and advocate for those of all backgrounds and income levels to support babies and help families to thrive. Our team helps remove barriers and provides guidance as needed, empowering participants as they discover and pursue what is best for them and their loved ones.

Learn more at https://www.kalcounty.com/hcs/mch/hbhs/

Accommodations
All expecting parents, parents with babies under 12 months, and babies under 12 months are welcome. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Andrea Smalley at asmalley@portagelibrary.info in advance of your visit.

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