Healthy babies impress nurses
Mothers thanked with fundraising photo calendar and gala
Stewart Burnett
Northern News Services
Monday, November 23, 2015
SANIKILUAQ
New mothers in Sanikiluaq have impressed nurses so much they're throwing a special event for them and their babies.
Abigail Takatak, left, and Axel Arragutainaq look sharp as the August-born babies of Sanikiluaq. They will be part of a calendar celebrating their peers and mothers. - Pete Brennan/One Earth Photography photo |
"I felt really inspired by this awesome group of women who have all had babies born in 2015," said nurse Manya Quinn.
By the end of the year, the community will have welcomed 25 new little faces, and these ones are healthier than ever.
"This group of moms in particular have just been incredible," said Quinn.
Mothers were diligent about showing up to their prenatal appointments, she added.
More than half are breastfeeding and their newborns have been getting all their vaccinations.
"We've had a lower number of medevaced babies this year," said Quinn. "I think it's largely because the moms are doing the breastfeeding and because they seem to be really on the ball with child care and want to have healthy families."
Each year, the nurses do something to thank the community. Last year they put together meals for single men without families. This year they've organized a photo shoot and red carpet event for the newborns and their parents.
"I felt it was really important to let this group of women know how special they are," said Quinn. "We have a lot of young mothers as well, some are 16, and they really stood out to me as a group who have made a difference in the lives of people in this community. I see a lot of strong leaders in this group of moms."
Nurses and mothers wrangled almost 20 babies to pose for a photoshoot on Nov. 15, with the shots to end up on a calendar of the year's newborns. The only babies missing were those yet to be born or those in Winnipeg for medical treatment.
Pete Brennan, a nurse and photographer, had the challenge of capturing each child with the perfect expression, while the mothers helped out with pillow adjustment and positioning.
"The mood was good, they were very excited and everybody was having a lot of fun with it," said Quinn, adding that it was an example of community teamwork.
The photos from the event will be edited and made into a calendar. Preorders will be accepted by the nurses at an upcoming red carpet event.
Babies will be dressed as movie stars, celebrities - all decked out - and the community will have a chance to meet them.
All the money raised during the gala will go back in the pockets of the mothers.
"The nurses want to give back and let them know how awesome they've made our year," said Quinn.
The event is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1.
