By Julie Snyder
C & G Staff Writer

ST. CLAIR SHORES — Even before Patrick and Amy Chesterton returned home with their newborn son Henry, they knew they would need a little help around the house.

Amy had a cesarean section, which would mean a slow and lengthy recovery, and Patrick was required to return to work immediately.

Fairly new to the area, the Chestertons sought help from St. John Hospital, where Henry was born.

It was through the hospital that the couple learned of a new service called Mommy Rescue located in St. Clair Shores, only a short distance from their home in Grosse Pointe Park.

Founded two years ago by St. Clair Shores resident Lisa Flaherty and Macomb Township resident Lynne Maloney, Mommy Rescue provides non-medical support, companionship and assistance to new moms, and guidance in the care of the newborn.

Flaherty said the concept of Mommy Rescue is based on documented research, conducted by the U.S. Department of Health, which states that postpartum depression can be substantially lowered when new mothers are supported and shown a little extra attention after childbirth.

Services are provided in the family’s home.

Flaherty said Mommy Rescue’s personal and pampered care services are designed to reduce stress and fatigue, and help prevent exhaustion, which are known triggers of postpartum depression.

“After the first couple of days home from the hospital, it became obvious this was a lot tougher than we thought,” said Patrick Chesterton. “We needed help and in a hurry.”

Mommy Rescue provides emotional support and offers necessary assistance to restore balance and normality to the home and provides new mothers with opportunities for much-needed additional rest.

“The service was wonderful,” said Amy Chesterton. “She (Flaherty) would come in smack dab in the middle the day and help out with anything and allow me to rest.

“And she is wonderful with babies,” Chesterton said.

Specific services include calming a fussy baby, diapering, record keeping of feedings and diaper changes, circumcision and umbilical cord care, feeding, and even light housekeeping and running errands. Mommy Rescue also helps educate siblings on how to care for a baby.

Services are currently available from one day to up to six weeks with a minimum of three hours per day.

Flaherty said she hopes to soon expand her services and hire additional employees, all of whom must be certified through the American Red Cross in infant, child and adult CPR, and preparing for emergencies.

Flaherty said she made the decision to start Mommy Rescue after the birth of her first son 15 years ago.

Now with three children, Flaherty has the experience to help others.

“My first child was born at St. John, and the support and care I received there was a huge benefit to me,” Flaherty said. “I couldn’t have done it without the support of the nursing staff and the support of family.

“But there are so many others who just don’t have the support of family and friends nearby,” Flaherty said. “That’s where we come in.”

For more information, go to www.mommyrescue1.com or call (586) 764-8280.

You can reach Staff Writer Julie Snyder at jsnyder@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1039.