Empowering Love - Help for Baby G

Hi, My name is Dominique Clothiaux. Some of you know me as your family member, some of you know me as your midwife, yoga instructor, massage therapist, friend and or enemy. Some of you may not know me at all. And others may know about me in passing but we have no idea our stories. Others may know me because we sit quietly beside each other in some community settings.

Please bear with me, this cause is not not for me.

The summer of 2023 Spirit called me to care for a newborn, who was born at 32 weeks gestation to a mother, whom I did not know, but who was incarcerated. Wanting desperately not to lose her baby to the foster care system. Knowing that the foster care, under her situation, could create an impossibility. He was wanted and loved. She had no family to take him and the biological father was not a possibility either.

There was no question in my mind, to ever say no. I had wanted more children in my life but at the age of 45 I was unable. I don't know why but to love and care for this newborn for a woman I didn’t know, pulled on my heart and I knew I wanted to help her. The fate of this little one has purely been guided by love.

I call him Baby G for Baby Gavin, Baby Grogu (his big sister called him the baby yoga), Baby Gee (a slang word in Hindi for friend). He was born June 22nd 2023. Baby G endured a 5 week NICU stay. He was strong and even survived necrotizing endocolitis. I have been by his side from the moment his mother was discharged from the hospital, at day 2 postpartum.

The journey of becoming a foster mom has been way harder that I ever anticipated. I am a single parent, as well and, I work full-time. Baby G's birth mother re-entered society in October and we have agreed to share Baby G together! She insists that he will always know me and he has the best of both worlds: his birth mom and his foster family who is dedicated to being here for him whenever he may need. For those who truly know me, I do not abandon people. From the moment Baby G was born I committed to becoming his family. He is one loved baby. He has 4 sisters, me, his birth mom and my mother (nammy) who all care for him. He is a special little guy and the whole situation has all been in his favor.

His birth mom loves him and all her children very very much. The problem is that at the age of 36, she does not have any family or really any safe persons in her life. The one person who is helping her financially to get on her feet (I am learning) is a very dangerous/toxic person. It will be best for her to try to become independent from controlling persons. She is working very hard and diligently to get all her ducks in a row. A few of her other children were in unloving situations and, she has gathered them to her side. She has found housing and moved in only 3 weeks after she got out. She is a fierce protector of her children. She has gotten them all registered and in school. She has a case worker with social services who is also helping her. She does have a vehicle but her drivers license is not completely in order. She has set herself up as a personal shopper for work. To make a long story short, she is very poor and the mole hill ahead of her is huge. So much about getting a life set up requires funds. And inflation is really high.

Some of you may or may not know this but, our system for helping people in her situation is very broken. For instance I called every women's shelter in the state and not a single one could take her even though her supposed "god" father is demonstrating very unsafe behavior and is controlling her cash flow while instigating sexual volatility at the expense of his help. Not only this but she has to undergo treatment for hepatitis C which is an 8 week brutally treatment that is likely wipe her out physically. She is also actively seeking out mental health support. To top it off Baby G contracted RSV in November and has been sick for over 2 weeks. I guess premies have lower immune system’s and it takes longer for them to heal from general illnesses. Caring for a sick infant means not being able to work. She faces the rest of the month without any funds at all. I see her working so hard for the best of her kids. While I am here to support her with Baby G (for as long as she needs and/or for his whole life if needed) with my whole hearted love, my resources are very limited. Even with a very well paying profession I mostly live pay check to pay check.

This is your opportunity to make a huge difference in someones life! She has never once had this kind of help. She also is not asking for help. I myself, have never asked for this kind of help and I will likely never ask again. But at this time I am asking you to consider donating. Many of us are privileged to have family and financial support when faced with a situation like this. I can't imagine not having my family if I found myself in dire straights. Not only that but to be a felon carries another burden in our society. The funds will help to secure her funds for the next 4-6 months while she gets on her feet and gets a good job and a safer living space. I vouch for this mommy. She is good hearted but she needs help. She does not have anywhere else to ask. And she does not know I am trying to crowdfund these funds on her behalf.

This is an opportunity to give alms which is the spiritual practice of giving money for the poor. For most of us 12,000 is not very much money. But to someone in this position who has never had any support like this, where a system and family society have failed, it can mean the whole world and maybe even change a life forever.

Please consider this. If everyone who receives this plea for help were to donate 3 dollars we could easily make this goal unburdened. I am begging you to help me to help her. Help give a good fighting start on this new life of her's with her children.

All her children are dear hearts by the way. They are at testament to the love she provides for them even in the stress she is facing.

With love and deep prayer, gratitude,

Dominique