At La Casa de Don Pedro, compassionate care is more than just a value; it’s a daily commitment. This dedication was clearly demonstrated at the Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) Maternal Health Breakfast, where our team united to address urgent issues impacting mothers and newborns across the state.
While listening to experts and advocates, we learned something remarkable: our own Prenatal Family Worker, Stefany Abreu, recently played a crucial role in saving the lives of two mothers in our prenatal program.
Just weeks earlier, Stefany had completed specialized training called “Pressure Points: Standing at the Frontlines of Black Maternal Health and Preeclampsia.” The training focused on recognizing early warning signs of one of the most dangerous and often overlooked maternal health conditions: postpartum preeclampsia.
Armed with new knowledge, Stefany carried out her regular newborn home visits, which in these instances proved to be life-saving.
During two separate visits, Stefany noticed concerning symptoms in the mothers she was assisting. Using her training, she advised both women to contact their doctors immediately to check for preeclampsia. Both followed her advice, and both were quickly diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia, a condition that can be deadly if not treated.
These two mothers had already gone through emergency deliveries caused by related complications. Without Stefany’s care, compassion, and swift response, their postpartum symptoms might have been overlooked.
Because Stefany intervened at the right moment, both mothers received the immediate care they needed, and today, they are home, healthy, and safely raising their newborns.
This is central to La Casa de Don Pedro’s work: a dedicated staff member, a trusted relationship, and a timely intervention. Two families are protected and supported during one of the most vulnerable moments of their lives.
We are very proud of Stefany’s professionalism, compassion, and dedication to maternal health. We are also equally grateful for the partners who help strengthen our efforts. This year, we look forward to working with Dr. Harris and the CUFF IT Perinatal Equity Initiative to expand the resources and knowledge we can provide to expectant and new mothers throughout our community.
At La Casa de Don Pedro, stories like these remind us why our services matter and why our community’s support makes all the difference.
