The 40-Day Project was created by a group of mothers to share resources, education and support to Somali parents and caregivers during the postpartum period. The first 40 days following birth can be a beautiful time, but they can also be challenging and isolating. Our collective experience as women and mothers has inspired us to learn from one another and from others, and to share what we’ve learned with you.
As you begin this journey, we hope these resources remind you to practice self-care, reach out to others, enjoy your baby and celebrate you! We do this work together because:
"Far kaliya waji madhaqdo."
"You can't wash your face using only one finger.”— Somali proverb
Current Team Members
- Cari Michaels, MPH, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing
- Silvia Alvarez De Davila, PhD, Extension Professor, University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing
- Munira Salad, MPH, Public Health Specialist, City of Bloomington
- Ruby Joy Kinney, MPH Student, Center for Leadership Education in Maternal & Child Public Health
Past Consultants and Contributors
Pictured above, from left to right
- Mollie Kohler, mom of two, MSW, MPH, LICSW, PMH-C, Licensed Psychotherapist
- Cari Michaels, mom of two, Extension Educator, University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing
- Maryan Ali, mom of six, Interpreter/translator, community leader, future business owner
- Ifrah Nur, mom of ten, childcare owner an advocate for the community, founder of Somali Women Network
- Sahro Abdullahi, mom of five, master's student in education
- Lauren Moberg, mom of three, Infant & Early Childhood Director with the MN Association for Children’s Mental Health
Partners
The 40-Day Project is a collaborative effort supported by the University of Minnesota Extension Department of Family, Health and Wellbeing, the Minnesota Association for Children’s Mental Health, the University of Minnesota Center for Leadership Education in Maternal and Child Public Health, and many parent and professional content experts.
Above: 40-Day Project program
