Moms in Nashville don’t have enough diapers. 1 in 3 moms, to be exact. This is partly due to the fact that diapers are not covered under WIC or food stamps. They are classified as a “luxury,” along with sanitary pads, tampons, and deodorant.
Diapers are a necessity to keep healthy children and life moving forward.
Besides putting babies at risk for diaper rash and infections, diaper need contributes to the cycle of poverty for those who are experiencing it. When families don’t have enough clean diapers to send to daycare, their child cannot consistently attend, and they therefore cannot consistently work. Diaper need is directly linked to poorer maternal mental health. Women in poverty who experience diaper need are more likely to experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis than women in poverty who do at least have enough diapers. Diaper need is directly linked to child abuse. Babies who must sit in soiled diapers are less likely to have the necessary interaction and access to early education that spurs their cognitive and emotional development, and down the road are less likely to attend higher education. Their peers are twice as likely to do so.
I could have easily suffered as other mothers do, but I had a safety net that spared me the pain of not being able to diaper my baby and keep my life moving. I don’t want anyone to have to go through that pain.
Join us May 27th
On May 27th at Centennial Park, our community is coming together to lift up families who experience this every day. The Nashville Diaper Dash is a 5k and Family Fun Run benefiting Nashville Diaper Connection, our area’s only diaper bank. The event also includes kids’ activities: a bouncy house, a crafts table, an appearance from Booster the Rooster of the Nashville Sounds, face painting, and a fire truck meet and greet. ALL proceeds from race registrations and donations go to Nashville Diaper Connection. Last year we raised 14,000 diapers, and this year our goal is to raise 20,000.
We want you involved! Leading up to the event, you can donate diapers at one of the many drop off locations around town. Register for the 5k or Family Fun Run, which is stroller and walking friendly! You can also donate or sign up to volunteer with us the day of.
Let’s come together and support the moms, babies, and families who need diapers. Let’s make sure no family in our community has to choose between diapers and food, or miss work and be unable to lift themselves out of poverty, or suffer emotionally, physically, or mentally from not being able to provide and from living uncleanly.
I cannot wait to see you on May 27th!
This post was written by: Arielle Fears, Owner of Music City Doulas, Director of Nashville Diaper Dash
PS- If you use SMS® Nashville you can give diapers to your sitter. Or drop your diapers off at their office. They’ll send them over to Music City Doulas for the event!