Special to IFN

Welcoming a new baby can be one of the most exciting — and most terrifying — moments of people’s lives.

Pharos Parenting, a local parenting resource center, has teamed up with The Birth Place at Iredell Memorial Hospital to address new parent worries with personalized support.

Pharos Parenting has long distributed information to each parent that delivers at Iredell Memorial Hospital about their services and practical information about baby’s milestones. This partnership has now evolved to include personal visits to The Birth Place by Pharos representatives, including trained volunteers and staff.

“The Best Beginnings hospital visitation program is a valuable resource for parents in our community because it provides awareness, knowledge and support,” said Susan White, Best Beginnings program director. “Whether it’s their first child or their fifth, parents can learn about the different support services that we offer.”

Pharos staff and volunteers undergo background checks, health screenings and training before they start completing visits. During the initial visit and subsequent follow-up contacts, these representatives find out any specific needs or concerns that a family has and work to address them. This could include assistance in applying for community resources such as diaper pantries and food banks, learning how to bond with your new baby or understanding safe sleep.

“It’s so important that parents realize they are not alone on their parenting journey, and we can help them at any stage in their child’s development,” explained White.

Pharos Parenting, formerly SCAN of Iredell, has provided evidence-based parenting resources in Iredell and surrounding counties since 1987. Offerings include their in-home Parent Aide program, a variety of classes at their facility on Davie Avenue in Statesville and the Best Beginnings program for new and expecting parents.

The best part?

All services are offered at no cost through generous donations, sponsorships, and grants. Their mission is to build positive parenting skills through targeted education, in-home coaching and supportive intervention programs.

Iredell Health System has been a strong advocate for the work Pharos Parenting has done in the community for many years.

“I’m so excited about the opportunity to partner with Pharos Parenting,” said Sharon Paul, The Birth Place director. “We are hopeful that this collaboration will have a positive impact on the well-being of mothers and their babies after discharge. This partnership is yet another way to demonstrate our commitment to serving our community and letting people know that our level of caring and compassion exists beyond the walls of our hospital building.”

Pharos has made over 130 visits with new parents in The Birth Place since the program’s inception in February 2025. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive from both parents and community members. Around 90 percent of parents have agreed to a follow-up contact from Pharos after going home with their new baby. They have also expressed interest in parenting classes and several individuals are considering in-home services.

LEARN MORE

To learn more about Pharos, including how to register for classes or other services, call (704) 878-2227 or visit pharosparenting.org.

About Iredell Health System

Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest and only nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; more than
2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health
System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.