Through a shared commitment to maternal and infant health, Priority Health and MomsBloom are helping more Michigan families access the support they need during the postpartum journey.
At Priority Health, we understand welcoming a new baby can be one of life's most joyful moments, but also one of its most challenging. While families often receive medical care and attention during pregnancy and childbirth, the weeks and months that follow can bring feelings of isolation, exhaustion, financial stress and uncertainty.
That's why organizations like MomsBloom play such an important role in supporting the health and well-being of families across West Michigan. MomsBloom was founded in 2008 by two mothers who connected through a local support group and shared a desire to ensure parents facing postpartum challenges had the support they needed. Their vision was simple: help families know they are not alone and connect them to a strong support system.
Over time, that vision evolved into a community-centered model focused on creating a "village" for families during the postpartum period. Through its In-Home Program, trained volunteers provide practical and emotional support to parents navigating life with a newborn. Whether that means holding a baby while a parent takes a much-needed shower, helping with household tasks, or simply offering a listening ear, MomsBloom's support is designed to reduce isolation and help families feel seen and supported.
Challenges families face after bringing baby home
Through her work with Priority Health members, Amy Loftus Tutiel, a care manager who regularly refers families to MomsBloom, sees firsthand the challenges many families face after bringing a baby home and the importance of having support beyond medical care during the postpartum period.
"The biggest need is financial," Amy says. Many families do not have access to paid parental leave and may face challenges related to food insecurity, housing stability and mental health, which can be intensified by financial stress. For parents who also lack family or friends available to help after delivery, the postpartum period can feel especially isolating. Amy has seen firsthand how MomsBloom fills those gaps by connecting families with support, community resources and a trusted source of encouragement during a vulnerable time. Families often report feeling less alone and more confident as they navigate life with a new baby.
Building connections that matter
As MomsBloom continued listening to families, the organization recognized opportunities to better support underserved populations. In 2022, MomsBloom launched a pilot program designed to increase access to culturally responsive postpartum support. With support from Priority Health, the program helped more Medicaid-eligible mothers, women of color, and families whose primary language is not English by increasing access to Spanish-speaking mentors and reducing language barriers to receiving support. These efforts are helping ensure more families can access the support they need during the postpartum period, regardless of language, background or circumstances.
According to MomsBloom Executive Director Kimber Wagner, one of the greatest outcomes is the confidence families gain through connection and support. Families move from simply surviving the newborn stage to understanding that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but an important part of caring for themselves and their children. Many families leave the program with stronger connections, greater confidence, and a deeper understanding of how to build their own support systems. Some even return later as volunteers, providing the same encouragement they once received.
Amy Loftus Tutiel continues to refer families to MomsBloom because the program helps address a critical need in the community. At Priority Health, we see the value of connecting families with trusted community resources that support maternal well-being during the postpartum period.
A shared commitment
The partnership between Priority Health and MomsBloom reflects a shared commitment to improving maternal and infant health, advancing health equity, and supporting families beyond traditional healthcare settings. By connecting parents with practical assistance, trusted relationships, and community resources, MomsBloom is helping transform postpartum care and ensuring more families have access to the village of support they deserve.
Together, we are strengthening families, improving well-being, and building healthier communities across West Michigan.