Care for Women is looking for mothers who want to help other mothers who are in their first 6 weeks of postpartum. This is a unique opportunity to come alongside mothers who feel alone in their motherhood journey and provide tangible encouragement, empowerment, and support.
How long is my commitment?
Each mother is up to an eight week commitment because sometimes babies are late or early. You’ll meet the mother once prior to birth, once at the hospital after birth and twice a week up to 6 weeks postpartum.
We ask our volunteers to support two mothers per year, up to 20 hours per mentor match.
What do I do?
We divide your visits up into 3 main time frames:
Prior to birth: You’ll meet our mother at her house to connect, get to know her, and learn any barriers she might have with transportation to and from the hospital and subsequent doctors visits. (approx. 1 hour visit). This visit will take place approx. 3-4 weeks prior to her due date because sometimes babies are early.
At the hospital: You’ll be contacted after the mother you have been matched with has given birth. You’ll meet her at the hospital where you can congratulate her with a small gift (we’ll provide it) and help her home. After you’ll meet her at her house and help her settle in. (approx. 3-4 hours).
Post birth: Support through Care For Women is up to 6 weeks after the baby is born. During this time, you’ll visit periodically to connect with the mother, support and help her in practical ways, bring her meals, arrange a professional cleaning service to come to her home and take her to appointments, if needed. Each visit will be vary in time between 1-3 hours.
Volunteer benefits?
Many of our mentors find this to be such a unique and rewarding experience to be able to be there for a mom and a new baby. We know the incredible impact our mentors make on the moms our in community so we host semi-annual appreciation events and we give milestone and recognition gifts to our mentors.
As a mother you probably remember all the things you felt, the first time you held your newborn: excited, fearful, curious, timid, powerful, overwhelmed, capable, love and everything in between. This mentorship is an incredible opportunity to make a big impact on a vulnerable mum and a new baby’s first stage of life. Each of our mentors have a program coordinator that will journey with you each step of the way!
Each mentor volunteer can apply at www.careforwomen.ca/become-a-mentor/
Thank you and look forward to hearing from you!
For more information, please contact:
Joyce Hill
Program Coordinator