FAQ

Who is eligible for the free, in-home support Many Mothers offers?

All Santa Fe families with a new baby 6 months or younger qualify for our support regardless of income level, marital or immigration status, sexual orientation, race, nationality, or religion. If you are pregnant, have a newborn, or have recently adopted a baby, you qualify. Stay-at-home fathers are also welcome to benefit from our support.

What other programs does Many Mothers offer?

We offer several other programs in addition to the Maternal Support Program. They are: Safe Sleep, Community Navigation, Babies’ Basic Needs, and Farm-to-Families. Note that these additional programs are available for income-eligible families only. Find out more at /our-programs/ Please inquire to see if you qualify.

Why might I need this service?

When the volunteer offers assistance, mothers feel less stressed about managing the day-to-day needs of household management and have more time to spend with family. Additionally, our volunteers offer the opportunity to discuss the challenges (as well as the joys) of new parenthood. If postpartum depression is a concern, our volunteers can connect you to the appropriate professionals in Santa Fe.

When should I contact Many Mothers to schedule an interview?

It is best to contact us while you are still pregnant so our staff can invest the appropriate time to recommend a volunteer who can meet your needs, complement your personality, and be available once your baby arrives. However, you may contact Many Mothers and initiate support any time in the first six months after the birth of your baby. If you or your baby have extenuating circumstances, the Program Manager will assess if we can offer you and your family support beyond the parameters described here.

How long is the support period?

All families with a single baby will be offered 3 months of support with a volunteer visiting for 2-3 hours each week. If you gave birth to twins, you will be offered 2-3 hours each week for up to 6 months. If you have triplets, three weekly visits of 2-3 hours each will be shared for up to 9 months. Expectant birth parents under doctors’ orders of bed rest can initiate the support prior to giving birth. We also support families that have adopted or have extended family raising children.

How can a volunteer support me?

Our fully vetted, background-checked, and trained volunteers welcome the opportunity to focus on your needs as a new parent. They will support you in a non-judgmental manner. They can support you physically and emotionally, and can guide you to appropriate educational, professional, or community services. Your volunteer can support you with infant and child care, encourage your breastfeeding efforts, help with meal or snack preparation, encourage relaxing stroller walks for fresh air, offer time to share personal stories, and so much more.

How can this support possibly be free?

Thanks to the generosity of our passionate volunteers, there is no charge for the support they offer. However, as you can imagine, there are expenses in managing such an organization. These are covered through the grants from local foundations, businesses, and individual donors that believe in the mental and physical well being of all families – mothers, fathers, parents, and children, in particular.