Welcome to Beginnings of San Luis Obispo

This web site provides information on the effects of alcohol, tobacco and drugs on pregnant mothers, their unborn babies and the effect on the baby after birth.

This site also has links to resources to assist mothers in ending unhealthful activities such drinking, smoking, and drug use.

United Way Awards $75,000 to SLOCAP



Link to press release and full article PDF file

San Luis Obispo, Calif.- United Way of San Luis Obispo County has awarded a new Community Collaboration Grant to the San Luis Obispo County Child Abuse Prevention Council (SLO-CAP). The grant will be used to expand the Beginnings program, a collaborative effort that aims to make San Luis Obispo a community where every child is born free of the effects of alcohol, tobacco and drug exposure. The three-year, $75,000 grant will ultimately enable SLO-CAP and their partner agencies to reduce alcohol, tobacco and other drug use by pregnant women.

Video - How Much Is too much?




Play the Video "How Much IS Too Much" :10 Minutes

This educational video outlines in human terms the effects of drinking while pregnant.

Produced by San San Luis Obispo Child Abuse Prevention Council
(SLO-CAP)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Video - The Listening Heart


Play the Video "The Listening Heart" :37 Minutes

The Listening Heart is the story of four families, all of whom adopted a child with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Unlike any other film produced about FAS, The Listening Heart utilizes the voices of the children and parents to tell their stories about how FAS has affected their lives. Each family’s story focuses on a different aspect of FAS, ranging from the behavioral difficulties to the learning disabilities and social problems that affect the children’s everyday functioning. Because The Listening Heart was originally produced as an educational documentary for professionals, teachers, and adoptive parents, it utilizes interviews with medical experts who navigate through the information provided by the parents’ testimonials, and, using hands-on methods, offer solutions and techniques to dealing with the issues of FAS. The Listening Heart is a simply told story of both the harsh realities of living with a disability and the hope that endures through the love and selflessness of dedicated parents. It is a tale of fostering children’s strengths and embracing patience while battling a devastating disease that cannot be cured. The Listening Heart both teaches and compels; it is one of those rare films that has the potential to change lives.

Help

Links provide local and general resources during pregnancy and early childhood.

San Luis Obispo
Maternal, Child and Adolescent Health
provides information and referrals to the local community to help families obtain access to pregnancy care. Web site  
San Luis Obispo
San Luis Obispo Postpartum Depression Support
Provides information and referrals to the local community.
One in every six women experiences postpartum depression . Web site  

 

More Info.

Call 805 543-6216

Use these links provide additional information on this subject..

SAMHSA
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) Center for Excellence Web site. The FASD Center is a Federal initiative devoted to preventing and treating FASD  Web site
Government research
National Institute of Health Smoking Information  Web site