Hi! My name is Jen and I am the owner and founder of Your Village STL. As a pediatric nurse practitioner with a background in critical care and pediatric sleep I went into parenthood VERY confident that I would transition easily into parenthood. It was all I had ever wanted and, after several years of infertility, I knew I was ready to be a parent. However, I quickly learned that navigating the everyday struggles as a parent without a "village" is HARD. I lived away from family where we had not yet developed a support system around us. I was the new mom at home with a fussy infant who was overwhelmed and falling apart. I was the “Sleep” Pediatric Nurse Practitioner that could not get her baby to sleep. The isolation and loneliness that I felt, I know has been felt by so many other new moms.
In recent years, there has been growing concern about the loneliness epidemic and its profound effects on the population. Even prior to the pandemic, approximately half of adults reported experiencing loneliness. Disconnection fundamentally affects our mental, physical, and societal health. One of the highest-risk groups is parents of young children and babies. Thankfully there is a readily available treatment: social connection!
“Our epidemic of loneliness and isolation has been an underappreciated public health crisis that has harmed individual and societal health. Our relationships are a source of healing and well-being hiding in plain sight- one that can help us live healthier, more fulfilled, and productive lives. Given the significant health consequences of loneliness and isolation, we must prioritize building social connection the same way has prioritized other critical public health issues such as tobacco, obesity, and substance use disorders.”
- U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy
Parenthood is often romanticized as a period of joy, fulfillment, and connection but the reality for many parents can be quite different as they navigate the complex emotional and social landscape of bringing a new life into the world. Your Village: Health & Wellness, Education & Play was created to provide community, support, education, and connection. Helping hands make a difference when it comes to raising children and the experts at Your Village are here to help you navigate the ups and downs on your journey.
Our mission is to bring together a collective of professionals to a shared space that support families in their journey from pregnancy through parenthood. This collective space will serve as a location for healthcare, community, support, education, and connection.