The
Resource Mothers Program was designed to help women with PKU gain metabolic
control before or during a pregnancy by providing social support and
promoting positive outlooks on life through home visitation. The Resource
Mothers are women who have children with PKU, and thus understand the
diet and hardships associated with the disorder. They provide social
support, and act as role models for women with PKU, teaching them confidence
in their ability to follow the strict diet while maintaining a relatively
"normal" life.
Congratulations
for choosing to help others by becoming a Resource Mother! You are participating
in what will hopefully be a very rewarding experience. By acting as
a role model, you are helping a young woman to learn how to avoid the
possible effects of PKU in order to have a healthy child. By giving
your Daughter the confidence and skills she needs to maintain the strict
diet, you are helping the next generation start off right.
You
are a role model: a teacher, a friend, a communicator, a liaison, a
mentor, and most importantly, one who gives unquestioned support. You
have a child with PKU, and you are an expert on the PKU diet. You are
a trained professional. You are a Resource Mother.
You
listen, shop, cook, give advice, keep records, accompany your Daughter
to the doctors, and teach necessary skills. You provide support; you
are a role model. You make a difference.
You
are focused, always keeping track of metabolic levels, formula intake,
weight gain, and general health and well-being of the mother and baby.
Through
it all, you are objective. The rewards can be great, but at times, frustrations
are unavoidable. You are patient and know where to turn for support.
You remember that the greatest challenges produce the greatest rewards.
You are a role model.
