January Was Birth Defects Awareness Month

FASD and Birth Defects.pdf

January's Training Slides

Jennifer Werden, BSW

Parent Advocate & TBRI Practitioner

January's Guest Speaker Jennifer earned her bachelor's degree in social work from Florida State University in 2021 and is currently pursuing her master's degree in the same field. She is a certified Trust-Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) practitioner. Jennifer has had experience working with multidisciplinary teams providing services to children and adults with trauma histories or who are victims of crime. She is the parent of a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and has assisted in helping families involved in the Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Clinic. Jennifer enjoys connecting with other caregivers, especially in the areas of foster care and adoption. Interacting with others who have encountered similar experiences helps provide a sense of community and support.

FAIMH Endorsement Competencies related to session:

Theoretical Foundations

Pregnancy and Early Parenthood

Infant/Young Child Development and Behavior

Disorders of Infancy/Early Childhood

Cultural Competence

Systems Expertise

Service Delivery Systems

Community Resources

Observation and Listening

Screening and Assessment

Responding with Empathy

Advocacy

This is the time to shine a light on various efforts within the birth defects community that:

Promote healthy pregnancies
Highlight ways to reduce the risk of birth defects
Share resources/support services available within communities across the nation
Advocate for the health of children and families living with birth defects across the lifespan

We fully acknowledge that not all birth defects can be prevented. Yet, we also know that there are certain behaviors before and during pregnancy that may be linked to an increased risk for birth defects. We strive to promote healthy choices that increase the chances of having a healthy pregnancy, and in turn, reduce the risks of pregnancy complications and/or birth defects.

Resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/awareness-month/index.html

January 2024: National Birth Defects Awareness Month

Every 4.5 minutes a baby is born with a condition that affects the structure or function of their body; these conditions are referred to as birth defects;

They can vary widely in how and where they affect the body; While medical advancements have greatly improved the health and survival of these individuals, many of these conditions are lifelong and require extended care.

Everyone’s journey is unique, shaped by their specific condition, individual strengths, and the support system in place.

Knowledge empowers parents to make the best choices for their child’s future. Understanding the child's condition is essential to making informed decisions about their health and well-being;

Early identification and early intervention also can help a child receive the right care and resources they need to thrive;

Family members and healthcare providers can ensure that individuals with birth defects receive the care and services they need to be as healthy and independent as they can be; Community plays an integral role in the lives of individuals and families affected by birth defects;

Families navigating this journey, connecting with others who share similar experiences can be a helpful source of support, advice, and understanding.

A community-wide focus on inclusion encourages an environment of acceptance that benefits everyone; Every community member can make a difference and play a part to help create a place where everyone knows that they belong.