Baby Talk

Baby TALK (Teaching Activities for Learning and Knowledge) is a program designed to encourage parents in the nurturing of their infants and small children. New parents whose babies are born at MDH receive a hospital visit from a trained Baby TALK volunteer who presents them with informative handouts, a developmental newsletter and a children's board book of their choice. New parents are encouraged to begin immediately caring for their babies by:

• Holding, touching and cuddling them
• Talking to them
• Singing to them
• Reading to them

Four months after going home, the family receives a follow-up newsletter with developmental information that encourages parents to continue reading aloud to their children. At one year, a birthday certificate and a newsletter with further developmental information is sent.

This program functions solely on donations in order to furnish books and newsletters to the families. Financial support comes from MDH, service clubs, and community individuals. To support the Baby TALK program, click here and designate Baby TALK.

Since inception at MDH in July 1997, the Baby TALK program has been operated by volunteers. There are approximately 20 dedicated and trained individuals who are committed to this program and its mission. A volunteer is scheduled to visit new moms and their babies every day, including weekends and holidays.

Click here to apply to volunteer in the Baby TALK program.