At Gentle Path we firmly believe in putting children and families first .
Although there are times in which family preservation may become unsafe and alternatives must be explored, evidence suggests that adoption is tremendously traumatic for infants, children and families.
We support finding ways to support families whenever it is possible to do so safely.
Babies are not blank-slates and know their mother's at birth;
they see her as an extension of self for the first year of life, and often beyond.
Separating an infant from their mother causes significant harm,
a form of preverbal trauma which is difficult to treat, even with the most promising modalities.
Help for moms and babies
If you are pregnant, thinking of getting pregnant, or breastfeeding and have questions about medications, drugs, chemicals, and other environmental exposures that can harm an embryo, fetus, or infant, call our MothertoBaby experts at 1-800-822-2229 or 801-328-2229.
You may also text your questions to 1-855-999-3525, email your questions to expertinfo@mothertobaby.org, or use our online chat feature at https://mothertobaby.utah.gov.
Call the Baby Your Baby staff at 1-800-826-9662 or visit https://babyyourbaby.org/ if you need financial help during your pregnancy. Monday through Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM.
Utah Maternal Mental Health Referral Network is a directory of professionals and support groups with training in perinatal mental health (perinatal means during pregnancy and postpartum). The resources listed can provide help for depression, anxiety, infertility, miscarriage, birth trauma, and more.
WIC is a nutrition program that helps families with healthy eating through nutrition education, providing nutritious foods, breastfeeding support, and help accessing healthcare. These services are provided to women and their children with low or moderate incomes through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program, also known as WIC. You can call WIC toll free at 1-877-WIC-KIDS (942-5437) or email wic@utah.gov.
