Chicago-Area Moms Give The Mommy League Two Thumbs-Up

March 8th saw the launch of The Mommy League (www.theleagueofmoms.com), anICNA Relief Chicago offering that includes free babysitting, help with a grocery-run, errands, light-housekeeping, home-cooked meals and lactation consulting services, for moms of babies.

Moms have been helping moms since the beginning of time. But I wanted to make sure that moms who are new to the area, or move to a city after marriage, too have the support system they need once they have a child, said Sammar Zahra, Director of The Mommy League, who herself moved to the Chicago area from Mississippi. 

"They, too, need someone they can go to." 

“This project is much needed,” said LaTonia Anthony, a Villa Park resident and mom of four daughters under the age of five. Other mothers at the launch agreed. “If your child or you are sick, you can’t even go and get Tylenol yourself, unless your husband is at hand. Since first-time moms are often going through these experiences alone, they really need a support system to overcome these new challenges,” said Khadeeja Iqbal, of Hoffman Estates.

As Khadeeja Iqbal sees it The Mommy League also has the potential to bridge the gap between new mothers and grandmothers. “My son had ulcerative colitis which is severe diarrhea, and it results in terrible diaper rash. I’d use the doctor’s remedies with no results. Finally, using a tip from my mother- in-law, I applied butter instead. It cured the diaper rash by as much as 80%. The nurses in the hospital were astounded to see that much improvement. New mothers can be dismissive of the older generation and traditional knowledge but the Mommy League can invite grandmothers and have them share their insights. Personally speaking, I find it really helps to have an older person in the house guiding you.”

“I would love to volunteer because I would have given an arm to have this help when my twins were born,” said Huda Quraishi-Ahmed. “I would like to see these services extended to the elderly population also. (It’s a) great community service opportunity for youth also. Where do I sign up?”

For further details, please contact ICNA Relief Chicago; (866) 552-ICNA, (630)-506-2312; moms@icnarelief.org ; 1701 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights, IL 60139.