Supporting young mothers and their children with care, compassion, and dignity is central to the mission of Catholic Care Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, the social welfare agency of the Diocese of Parramatta.
Through Catholic Care’s nationally accredited Houses to Homes program, a partnership with parenting education provider WOTBaby is giving young mums practical tools and steady individualised support in the critical early years of parenting.
Supporting a good night’s sleep
At the heart of this work is Jennifer, a nurse with more than 35 years’ experience and a mother of three, who now works alongside mothers as a sleep consultant and educator.
Jennifer, creator of WOTBaby, a parenting education provider. Image: Supplied
For many of the young mothers in Houses to Homes, sleep is one of the biggest daily challenges. Many have experienced trauma from homelessness, family and domestic violence, and other complex circumstances. Jennifer brings calm guidance and practical strategies to help build confidence and routine.
“I trained as a mothercraft nurse at Karitane 35 years ago and throughout my career have worked with families and babies in Tresillian, well baby nurseries in Sydney maternity hospitals and privately within the community and abroad,” Jennifer said.
“I then went on to create WOTBaby, a resource available to new parents which educates and supports them through the first few years of early parenting. WOT stands for Windows of Time – a philosophy to help you create a routine that’s right for you and your baby, and for you to get some much-needed sleep!”
Practical guidance where it’s needed most
Jennifer’s connection to Houses to Homes came through a referral from a former client and Catholic Care representative.
“I was approached by a former WOTBaby client. She wanted to offer education and support to the young mums in the program,” Jennifer said.
Jennifer’s past work prepared her well to understand the challenges faced by homeless young mothers.
“I had experience working with underprivileged mums with histories of substance abuse within the Tresillian residential program, as well as young mums in a shelter in Randwick. These experiences have been an asset to my learning. When asked by Catholic Care if I was interested, I was very much in, as I knew it would make a positive difference.”
Brooke McGilvray, Head of Services at Catholic Care, said, “Jennifer’s expertise brings practical guidance and reassurance to young mums who need it most. Her work has an immediate impact on both mums and babies, and it’s another facet in how we can provide holistic care to young mothers escaping trauma.”
Maree Hanna, Coordinator of Houses to Homes, added, “I enjoy seeing the impact Jennifer’s work has on the mothers and children in our care. Our goal is to empower young mothers. Jennifer gives them tools, confidence, and the reassurance that small, consistent steps can make a big difference.”
Helen Emmerson, Executive Director, Catholic Care, said programs like Houses to Homes demonstrate how practical support, education, and compassion work together to help young mothers build confidence and resilience.
“Jennifer’s work is a shining example of how we can make a real difference in their lives, providing care when it’s needed most.”
No perfect parent
Jennifer focuses on practical strategies, not perfection.
“Common sleep challenges are settling, bedtime routines, setting boundaries around sleep, night waking, cat napping, and co-sleeping,” she said.
Image: Toa Heftiba/Unsplash
“I provide practical advice, explain why it’s helpful, and follow up so mums can see what works for their baby. Consistency is more important than perfection.”
She also respects each mother’s choices.
“You take the circumstances into account and work on what you can control. Tips like swaddling can help, but if mum is not keen, we focus on hands-on settling. Making small changes is always progress.”
Why sleep matters
“Sleep is the golden chain. Everything is better when both mother and baby are getting better sleep,” Jennifer said.
“When babies sleep well, they feed and play better and are more relaxed. A mother’s wellbeing is profoundly improved. Risk of depression and anxiety is lowered, energy levels are boosted, immunity improves, and the bond between mother and baby is strengthened.”
Jennifer says what surprises her most is the eagerness of the young mums.
“They are genuinely thirsty for information and grateful to be told. Most try the practical solutions and feel proud of themselves for doing so.”
Through Houses to Homes, Catholic Care is helping young mothers gain confidence, build healthy routines, and give their babies a stronger, more settled start in life.
This partnership aligns with the Diocesan Pastoral Plan priority of Walking Together. Visit Synodality to learn more.
