Group brings ‘merry to the mommies’

A group in Iowa City is working to make the holidays a bit easier for families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

This is the second year that Iowa Medical Partners, which consists of spouses of hospital residents and fellows, has done the service project 'Bringing Some Merry to the Mommies.”

Ali Holt, who is the president of the organization, said last year, the project was really well received.

'I had a friend who did her own version of the project in Salt Lake City, where I'm from,” Holt said. 'I thought this (project) was a super good idea to help moms feel helped and cared for. They're fighting some hard battles up there over the holidays.”

Last year, the group delivered 80 care packages to the NICU, which included a mamaRoo infant seat for each family. They also included delivered packages to 15 women on bedrest at the hospital.

Holt said the project is closer to her heart this year, because not only has she had a son in the NICU, but she was on bedrest earlier this year as well. 'I know what those moms are going through,” she said. 'I can't imagine not being with your kids or home during the holidays. It's supposed to be the merriest time of year but it must end up super depressing.”

Holt said when she was on bedrest, she was taking notes as to what moms would want, such as a towel, adult coloring book, nail polish and cozy socks. The moms also will get things for their babies, Holt said.

Several of the items in the care packages are donated by small business owners who are on Etsy, Holt said, adding that makes the packages even more personal.

'A lot of them are moms helping other moms and it makes it more special,” Holt said.

Other donors include larger businesses, such as Chik-Fil-A, which donates gift cards.

Last year, the members of Iowa Medical Partners also made blankets for each of the care packages, and this year they are making burp cloths, Holt said.

The group will deliver the packages on Wednesday, but Holt said donations are always welcome at https://fundly.com/bringing-some-merry-to-the-mommies-again.