‘Shockingly Unique’: Why St. Louis Program for Antepartum Moms Is Getting National Attention

The Arts + Healthcare Program at Barnes-Jewish hospital brings emotional support and comfort to mothers in the antepartum unit.

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Sewing machine on a table at the Arts + Healthcare Program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital

A program at Barnes-Jewish Hospital is combating isolation and emotional challenges of high-risk pregnancy through therapeutic craft time with sock monkeys and painted onesies.

For the past 15-some years, the hospital’s Arts + Healthcare Program has offered a unique approach to supporting women waiting to give birth, says Emily Paino-Brenneman, the program’s coordinator.

Following a Missouri Independent story about the program, Emily and Sarah Colby, the program's previous coordinator, spoke with St. Louis Public Radio about how the weekly craft time helps moms build community while in the hospital.

The Missouri Independent coverage also included discussion on the emotional impacts of high-risk pregnancies from Joanna Rosenthal, a coordinator with the perinatal behavioral health service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.