Newborn Encounters
Baby TALK Family Engagement staff connect with families and their newborns at Decatur Memorial Hospital and HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital Obstetrics Units. Staff come alongside families to celebrate the arrival of their new baby and honor the growing bond between parents and their baby using the Baby TALK Family Engagement Approach. During this time, staff also listen for ways Baby TALK or other community partners might scaffold the family with additional resources. Staff follow up with families in the days and weeks following their newborn encounter when appropriate.
Connection to Community Resources
Because Baby TALK connects with all families who have a baby in Macon County shortly after the birth of their baby, we are in a unique position to identify families who would benefit the most from the rich resources that our community offers. Baby TALK also partners with local OBGYN providers, the Macon County Health Department, Crossing Healthcare and SIU School of Medicine.