Paramount Preemies Birthed Into Greatness
OUR MISSION
My Kota Bear is a global company that provides services and goods for, primarily, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) families by bringing awareness, and education to prevent pre-term labor and births and overall wellness including post-partum depression (mental health) and health equity for women and children, including maternal and infant mortality prevention.
ABOUT DAKOTA
Our Story
My Name is Dakota and I was born 5 months premature at 22 weeks. I made my grand entrance into this world on January 2, 2017 weighing in at a whopping 1 lb.
I, even, went under 1 lb during my hospital stay at Hillcrest Hospital (Cleveland Clinic) in Ohio.
My parents did not expect me until May 2017, so, yes, I was 4 months early, but I was ready to meet my beautiful family.
I resided in the NeoNatal Intensive Care Unit for 141 days until I got big and strong enough to go home.
So, just like me, there are thousands of premature babies that come into the world and their families are not prepared. So, it is our mission to help them!
OUR IMPACT
My Kota Bear's Goal
Servicing over 1,000 families to date, our goal is to raise funds and collect items to give back to NICU families in communities by donating baby clothes (including preemie size), diapers, wipes, car seats, strollers, toiletries, formula, gas cards, gift cards, etc.
Also, our goal is to provide education and awareness to help prevent pre-term labor and births as well as education & awareness of postpartum depression & overall postpartum health.
My Kota Bear's Vision
My Kota Bear Vision Statement:
A world where every mother and baby receive the education, resources, and support they need to thrive by promoting equity, physical and mental well-being, and lifelong resilience.
Paramount Preemies Birthed Into Greatness
Paramount means "more important than anything else; supreme. When families give birth to a preemie baby, there is nothing more important than getting them well enough to come home and continue to thrive.
WHAT ELSE?
Providing education and awareness to help prevent pre-term labor and births, Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, postpartum care, maternal and child mortality, advocacy, perinatal and birth equity, and providing resources and wrap-a-round services for the success of the entire family through:
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Support Groups
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Workshops
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Empowerment Sessions
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Educational Components during events such as our Community Baby Showers
Anonymous Mom
MKB - Hello, I’m a first time mom and a NICU mom. I was given a Uber gift card from you guys. Thank you for helping me with transportation to see my baby. It’s greatly appreciated 🙏🏾
Former Head NICU Nurse,
University Hospital, Newark, NJ
"You guys are truly an asset to the community. I can always pick up the phone and get resources to connect the parents with or for physical items for parents in need. We really do appreciate you."
Postpartum Support Group Participant
I learned how to keep my relationship going better. And dads can have postpartum depression too.
MAMA BEAR
By Shirley Smith
NOW AVAILABLE
One Black Mother's Fight for Her Child's Life and Her Own.
“Brave. Compelling. Provocative. ” —Gabrielle Union Wade, actress and New York Times bestselling author
In this moving memoir, Shirley Smith, wife of NBA Champion and All-Star J. R. Smith, tells the story of giving birth to one of the youngest premature babies to survive—using her experience to heighten awareness of the crisis of Black maternal and infant health and pay tribute to Black women’s resilience.
OUR PARTNERS
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