Children First’s Healthy Families is part of a statewide program that offers home visiting services to families of newborns. Services are provided at no cost to families who choose to participate.
Parents typically receive weekly home visits by a Family Support Worker during their infant’s first six months. As the baby gets older, visits are offered bi-weekly or monthly and can continue until the child is five years of age. |
Another opportunity within Healthy Families begins prenatally. Home visits are available, beginning at the fourth month of pregnancy, to provide support and information for a safe, healthy preparation period for both mother and baby.
During monthly home visits, the focus is on shaping a healthy start for the pregnant mother and her developing baby. Understanding and preparing for the numerous changes that take place, for mother and baby, can be reassuring and helpful. Taking the steps during this time to prepare a safe, nurturing environment for the baby’s arrival can make the first weeks and months, after birth, easier for both the new baby and the family.
Because pregnancy involves so many decisions about nutrition, medical care providers, insurance, labor and delivery, breast or bottle feeding, equipment for the baby, and family adjustments, a Family Support Worker can offer essential information, referrals to community resources, and ongoing support. All of this can be a comfort during the exciting, yet sometimes overwhelming, prenatal months. |