+ What is MomsBloom?

MomsBloom is a non-profit organization that provides hands-on postpartum support to families with newborn babies in the comfort of the family’s home. We connect passionate community volunteers to families looking for support. Learn more about receiving postpartum support, or learn about how you can help

+ Who is “eligible” to receive MomsBloom support?

Our organization is for families with babies birth to three months old that live within the Greater Grand Rapids area. We strongly encourage families to sign up during their pregnancy so support can start as soon as it is needed. There is no income or medicaid requirements to receive our services.

+ Is MomsBloom only for moms?

No! MomsBloom is proud to support any parent or individual caring for a newborn. This may include LGBTQ+ families or individuals, grandparents, single parents, foster parents, or any other parent or primary caregiver. We also have a range of gender representation among our volunteers, committees, and board.

+ What support does MomsBloom provide?

Our volunteers provide 12 weeks of practical and emotional support in the family’s home. Each family is “matched” with one volunteer that will consistently support a family for at least one day per week and for a minimum of 2 hours. Learn more and sign up for support.

+ Do you have staff and/or volunteers that speak Spanish or other languages?

We often have volunteers that speak Spanish as well as other languages (French, Creole, and Kinyarwanda). Due to the high demand and volunteer availability, we are not always able to match a family with a volunteer that speaks the same language as the family. Contact our program director at kimber@momsbloom.org to see if there are volunteers available for a certain language.

When we don't have a volunteer that uses the family's language, we will utilize an interpreter through the Hispanic Center or Liaison Linguistics.

Do you speak Spanish (or any other language) and want to learn more about volunteering with us? Learn more and sign up here.

+ What can my volunteer help me with? What can’t they do?

MomsBloom volunteers provide non-judgmental support and companionship. Their hands-on support is individualized to each family’s needs and is meant to provide the parent(s) with needed support, rest and reassurance. The volunteer may provide newborn or sibling care, meal prep, light housework, and help families connect to other community support. Learn more and sign up for support.

Our volunteers are unable to babysit or watch the baby or children without a family member present, drive or ride with families, bring prepared food or groceries, or provide medical diagnosis or care.

+ Do you provide any support during pregnancy?

No, MomsBloom does not offer support during pregnancy. We encourage our families to sign up during pregnancy, so they can rest assured that they will have the support ready for them when they bring their baby home.

If you are looking for pregnancy support, please check out Bright Beginnings or your local Maternal Infant Health Program (for Medicaid eligible families)

+ When should I sign up for support?

During pregnancy! We accept sign ups anytime during pregnancy and until the baby is 3 months old. If a family signs up during their pregnancy, this allows time for our team to match the family with a volunteer before they bring the baby home. This may help alleviate some worry and can give you time for a “meet and greet” ahead of baby’s arrival. Learn more and sign up for support.

+ How much does it cost to have MomsBloom support?

There is no service cost to families receiving MomsBloom support. We are funded by the generosity of individual and corporate donors along with Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage.

To help MomsBloom stay and grow in our community, you can donate or join the I Love Moms Club.

+ Are the volunteers trained and background checked?

Yes, all of our volunteers attend a 2.5-hour training and must pass a background and reference before supporting a family. Our volunteers receive regular support from our staff to provide the highest quality service to our families. Additional trainings are offered throughout the year to continue our education.

+ What are the benefits of having postpartum support through MomsBloom?

Families that have received MomsBloom support have shared with us that our program relieves parental stress, alleviates symptoms of perinatal mood disorders, and helps them feel more connected to their community.

+ How is MomsBloom funded?

By people like you! We are funded by the generosity of individual and corporate donors along with Kent County taxpayers and the voter-approved Ready by Five Early Childhood Millage. Donate or learn about the I Love Moms Club.

+ Why does MomsBloom need funding?

So we can remain a part of our community and grow! With 3 paid staff and over 100 volunteers, we are able to provide a large return on investment for our donors and funders. Our staff are there to connect volunteers to families in need of support, manage volunteers safely and effectively, and keep our village growing. As we continue to increase the number of families we support, we need to grow our volunteer base - this requires us to have financial security to pay our staff, insurance and printing to help us get the word out! Donate or join the I Love Moms Club.

+ Who can volunteer? Do you have to be a parent or meet certain requirements to volunteer?

Our volunteers must have a passion for supporting postpartum families, a few flexible hours each week to visit a family, and have the ability to provide non-judgmental support. Our volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and be able to meet the physical demands of caring for newborns and/or young children. No prior experience as a parent or providing postpartum care required. All volunteers must be able to pass a reference and background check. Learn more about volunteering here.

+ I love MomsBloom’s mission and want to help but I am not available to provide in-home support. How else can I get involved?

There are many ways to be involved with MomsBloom! Check out all of our volunteer opportunities here.

+ What happens after the 12 weeks of support is done?

MomsBloom hopes to be part of your parenting journey as long as possible. While our mission focuses on postpartum, it is important to us to see our community connected with one another.

Our families and volunteers are allowed and encouraged to stay in touch with one another when their formal “match” is complete with MomsBloom. As a match is nearing the end, our volunteers focus on creating a sustainable support plan for families that are looking for ongoing support. MomsBloom is fortunate to have many community partnerships to ensure that families continue to have support.

+ I work for a community organization and want to learn more about MomsBloom. How can I get connected and learn more?

Check out our events and sign up for an upcoming information session. You can make a referral for a client, or request our brochures on our website. If you would like to talk with one of our staff members, please reach out to our program director, Kimber, at kimber@momsbloom.org.

+ I want to get connected to other parents with babies, where can I go?

MomsBloom has launched Virtual Villages so parents can connect with one another - learn more and join here. In the future, we hope to offer meet ups for families.