Finding Balance: A Mom’s Journey with Bringing Healthy Home
At 30 weeks pregnant with her fourth child, Sarah juggles a demanding schedule that would leave most people breathless. Between managing a household with two elementary school kids and a toddler, pursuing her PhD in Nutrition online, and carefully monitoring her health due to high blood pressure and a troublesome gallbladder, Sarah has a lot on her plate.
Pregnancy has never been easy for Sarah, with her three previous children born between 36 and 39 weeks, in part due to high blood sugar and other health concerns. According to the Ohio Department of Medicaid, there is a greater risk for preterm birth (birth before 37 weeks) if the mother had a previous preterm birth. But her passion for health and wellness keeps her determined to give her family the best start in life. A former lactation consultant, Sarah brings a wealth of knowledge to her journey, yet even with her expertise, the challenges of keeping up with three active kids and a growing baby are immense.
Grocery shopping, for example, is no small feat. "It’s hard to visit the store when you’re pregnant and have three kids in tow," Sarah admits. She tries to plan trips for when her partner is home, though she hates asking after his long, grueling days doing physical labor. Thankfully, the Bringing Healthy Home (BHH) program delivers supplemental food directly to her home each visit, limiting how often she needs to make trips. "Our SNAP benefits only stretch for two or three weeks, and with how much my kids eat, it’s tough to keep up," she shares.
Sarah was thrilled to discover the BHH program. “I wish I’d known about it sooner,” she says with a smile. Through the program, she not only receives fresh, nutritious food but also thoughtful support tailored to her unique needs. For example, her Community Health Worker (CHW), Lauren, adjusted the foods provided to accommodate Sarah’s gallbladder limitations and lactose intolerance.
One of Sarah’s favorite aspects of the program is its holistic approach. Lauren recently reviewed a list of toxins commonly found in household items, and Sarah, always eager to learn more about health, found the worksheet fascinating. The program even helps with practical needs, like providing produce vouchers for local farmers markets. Using these and her SNAP benefits, Sarah bought fresh produce, local bread, and honey to help with her allergies. "I love honey," she beams, adding that shopping local feels good for her family and her community.
Beyond food, BHH supports Sarah in ways that other programs haven’t. She’s particularly grateful for the postpartum kit and the regular check-ins from her caseworker. “It’s not just food—they empower your choices and focus on health and wellness,” she explains. Sarah also appreciates how discreet the program is. She notes that the CHWs do not drive branded vehicles, which provides more dignity when receiving help. “I feel so comfortable with it,” she adds.
Sarah is determined to advocate for programs like BHH despite her busy life. “People need to know how much this helps,” she says. “It’s more than just food. It’s support for your health, family, and well-being.”
As Sarah prepares for her baby's arrival, she is grateful for the guidance and resources BHH has provided. “It’s hard, but programs like this remind you that you’re not in this alone,” she says, her voice steady with gratitude.
For Sarah, Bringing Healthy Home is a lifeline that helps her navigate the beautiful chaos of motherhood with strength and hope.
