You’re a mom or a dad, maybe new to the deal. Where do you go for support and information? Do you wander Midtown with your children, longing for a connection? I notice that babies are everywhere during my many walks around Midtown Sacramento with my baby boy. Perhaps I now notice babies all around me since I am a new mom (or maybe there is a baby boom in the area!). Occasionally, the mommies and I exchange knowing smiles and nods and end up talking about our children — how old they are, how they are sleeping (or not!). Some notice my son sporting one of his colorful cloth diaper covers and ask where I got it. There is a need for Sacramento parents to get support and supplies but do not know where to go, so here are some starter tips.

I get many of my cloth diapering supplies at the Moonfaeries store through Mothers’ Support Network (MSN), and realize that even though this organization has been in the Sacramento area for 17 years, some parents are not aware of it.  Located in Sacramento off El Camino Avenue, Mothers' Support Network is a non-profit, 100 percent volunteer-run resource center for parents and children to find personal empowerment, rest and understanding. MSN is open to all parents who seek to learn more and receive support in caring for their children in a style that emphasizes personal choice and responsibility in a loving manner. MSN was created in 1992, when a group of concerned mothers and their children met in a mother’s home in Downtown Sacramento. The main reason was to create a forum where mothers could learn and grow together in the context of raising healthy children, form a community for sharing information, and have their children with them and welcome at all events. The main focus of MSN’s meetings is to learn more about the different aspects of children’s and families' physical, mental and spiritual health.

“Each aspect of my involvement has brought an element of joy, knowledge and peace into my life," said Kim Loutzenhiser, a mother and devoted MSN supporter. " And for this reason alone, I am delighted to (make a donation) each year. It is a small gift I can give to a group that I get so much from.”  

You can get to know the group better, help them support their programs and have a fun day at the free MSN-sponsored event, Tread Lightly: A Fall Family Resource Fair. The event is a community-building resource fair for sharing information regarding the health of both family and Mother Earth. It takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Carmichael Park band-shell area, 5750 Grant Ave. This is a FREE family entertainment with musical guests, art activities and dance. Snacks and refreshments will be provided by local bistros, including Sher E Punjab, and an organic bake sale. There will be raffle items worth hundreds of dollars. Vendors include doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, safety experts, clothing sellers, child ID services, massage therapists, art therapy, health care professionals, baby carriers and providers, boutique items made by moms, local schools, financial specialists and many other community businesses. Potential vendors contact Amala at a.easton@gmail.com or Temperance at temperance@motherssupportnetwork.org.  

Since I found Mothers' Support Network, when I walk around Midtown I always have a conversation starter, and occasionally, I even have a buddy to walk with. 

More information can be found at www.motherssupportnetwork.org