​The SISTER Mom Program is a New Mother Mentorship Program. SISTER stands for Self-Image Support Team and Emotional Resource.  Developed by Postpartum Society of Florida, Inc., SISTER Mom trains an elite team of women to confidently connect women with vetted resources, triage perinatal crisis, and most importantly, mentor and encourage new mothers one-to-one through their perinatal year.

The Seventh Mom Project, Inc. is excited to bring this program to Tampa Bay.  We are looking for interested participants for our pilot launch.  

SISTER Mom Mentors will be required to:

Read the following:
I’m Listening
This Isn’t What I Expected
"Life Will Never Be the Same”: The Real Moms’ Postpartum Survival Guide

(books can be purchased via amazon through our store link!)

Create a Tampa Bay "Lighten the Darkness Resource Guide" as a team
 
Attend:
Introduction session: Will be held June 22nd at 7 pm. location to be determined. 
4 - 2 hour training sessions (virtual or in person)
      July, August, Sept, Oct, Dates TBD

Attend our SISTER Mom Saturday Retreat: Saturday, November 4, 8 am to 4 pm. 

Complete Writing Assignments:
​Listed in training syllabus you will receive at the introductory session. 

Graduates will be matched with moms for ongoing mentoring in January of 2018.

In case you are new to Florida or perhaps you are oblivious to weather news, June 1st kicked off hurricane season 2017. That means from June 1st through November we will be in what is called storm season or hurricane season or as my family calls it the near daily rain season. The State of Florida is pretty good about hurricane education and information.


It seemed like a really good topic to write about mom-to-mom, because I have noticed myself that how I prepare for hurricanes or potential rough weather has totally changed as a mom versus pre-motherhood. Pre-motherhood I stocked up on coffee and adult vices, now I need to have everything necessary for a family of seven in one place. Children really do change things! For those of you who are currently expecting here are some special tips for hurricane preparedness during pregnancy.

Now if you just want a lot more information on what to expect or how to be prepared for hurricane season check out the survival mom .

I want to specifically touch on today are the 5 must haves in your hurricane weather kit as a mom. 

Depending on your living situation factors like your relation to a flood zone, type of house, special needs are things you must consider when deciding if you're going to stay to ride out the storm or evacuate your home. Either way it helps to be prepared ahead of time Which brings me to the 1st item on our list;

1. Large plastic storage totes with lids. 
Now I know it's customary to see people recommend backpacks for evacuations however you're a mom whether you've got one, two, or five kids, you're likely going to need to pack a bunch of stuff. Plastic can get wet, should something such as bottled water or formula inside get a leak it will be a contained leak, and a sturdy tote with a lid on top can become an instant game, picnic, or changing table when necessary. And you can even find large ones with wheels and handles for maximum portability. You can easily fit emergency supplies clothing and diapers for a family of 5 in one of the laundry basket sized storage tote.

2. Plastic zipper bags of various sizes
You've got this big ole plastic tote you're going to store all the supplies in, how are you going to keep it organized so that you're not going crazy digging through this tote when junior has a diaper blow-out? You are going to have a stash of plastic zipper bags in many sizes. Next time they're on sale go ahead and grab snack, sandwich, quart, gallon, and might as well get a box of the big 3-gallon bags while you're at it. In a pinch, a 3-gallon zipper baggie can become an excellent emergency diaper pail, dirty clothes bag, or ice bag, should you have to get ice from a public ice machine.  No matter how green conscious or frugal you normally are, when it comes to survival and preparedness this is at time it is worth you and your family's safety, sanity, and survival. Plan ahead and spring for the zipper bags. As a bonus if you really want to be that super organized mom take the gallon zip-lock bags in a bag throw in a complete change of clothes including diaper or underwear and socks for each member of the family (including yourself). Easy to grab changes of clothes when needed can be one of those small steps to saving big stress later.

3. Fans and Blankets
Speaking of stress, for me personally when I am not comfortable temperature wise I tend to feel stressed out a lot faster which is why I feel a portable battery-operated fan is a must have for me. Whether you're at home and the power has gone out thus the air conditioning with-it, or you're in a crowded storm shelter and the air is a bit stale, a small fan will feel like a great luxury. I recommend checking out the baby stores for those clip-on stroller or car seat fans. They're small they only take a couple of batteries and you can clip it onto the side of that plastic tote you've turned into a table.
If you tend to go in the opposite direction and know that you are often cold, inexpensive travel blankets are a game changer. A large comforter will take up too much space, but if you can find a blanket you swiped from your last flight, the hospital blanket you brought home from a trip to the ER, or even an old flannel sheet, it will roll up small and not take a lot of space in your tote. When needed, it will keep you cozy.

4. Babywearing
While we're on the topic of staying cozy, you know how much we love Babywearing here at The Seventh Mom Project, we obviously think it is a good idea to have a baby carrier ready for emergencies. Especially if you need to evacuate, a carrier can make it easier while standing in lines at public shelters.  Whether sheltering in or at evacuating, keeping little ones close to you will help keep them calm and feeling safe in a precarious situation. Knowing exactly where they are at all times will give you a sense of safety and comfort. 

5. Family and MOM activities
If you have ever had to spend an afternoon with your kids sans electronics, you know you need to include small toys, coloring books, stickers, storybooks, and anything that can break up the monotony of hunkering down in a storm. However, the most important part of number 5 is that you must include something for you in the tote. Self-care important it is in a high stress situation. Whether you are cooped up in a storm shelter or stuck in your house with boarded-up windows and no power for a week, you're going to need that self-care for survival. Throw in a paperback and a clip-on light or maybe a small manicure set and a fun color nail polish, a puzzle/brain teaser/coloring book you enjoy, a favorite no melt candy or treat. Whatever it is it should be just for you to enjoy. It is not necessary but makes you feel good and will help you stay focused.

These are just 5 things that came to mind quickly related to surviving a tropical storm as a mother. There are more items you will need that will easily pack in your storage tote.

Click here for a more complete list of storm preparedness supplies. 

Special Note:
If you or anybody in your home are currently taking medication it is important to make sure that you have a copy of your prescription in the tote. Should a storm warning come about please ensure prescriptions are filled as early as possible prior to the storms landfall and that you have a week's worth of medications in case of emergency.  Additionally, include a list of emergency numbers and addresses. This includes your contact information as well as any of  your children's care providers.

Florida residents this weekend June 2nd, 3rd & 4th  happens to be our sales tax holiday on hurricane supplies. Click here for the detailed list of what is and is not tax exempt this weekend .

What other things do we prepare for differently now as moms? Let us know in the comments. 

Lost my poncho, but I can #holdtheumbrella,

Rebecca 

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