University of Maryland Medical Center created an innovative new program, “New Moms Pilot to Reduce Newborn Exposures to Pesticides.” The program was launched by UMMC’s Mother/Baby Unit nurses in partnership with the Integrated Pest Management in Health Care Facilities Project. The program offers education and strategies for implementing safer alternatives to pesticide use in the home through an education and an environmentally friendly gift bag.

Hospitals are community leaders with the capacity to educate patient populations on healthy lifestyles and safer alternatives to toxic pesticides found in baby care, cleaning, and pest management products. UMMC had already made a commitment in 2006 to its patients, staff, visitors, and community to eliminate unwarranted exposures to toxic pesticides. The hospital then decided to go further and help make the home safer as well.

The team began by educating the Mother/Baby nurses on the health risks associated with pesticides. The nurses now educate their patients and give the new moms a tool-kit which includes an educational DVD and booklet and non-toxic pest control, cleaning, and baby care product samples, all provided in a reusable tote. Materials are available in English and Spanish. Nurses also encourage their patients to view the educational video on the “On-Demand Educational Channel” at the hospital.

Nurses give out a survey card so UMMC can continue to assess the project’s impact. From December 2011 through August 2012, approximately 350 bags were distributed. This first-of-its-kind project will have a tremendous impact on the future well-being of numerous babies as new moms learn to avoid hazardous pesticide use at home.