The Lancaster County Health Department has launched a program to support newborns and parents. Health Director Pat Lopez says Family Connects is a home visitation program that will begin in September.
“All families of newborns will be offered a home visit from a highly trained public health nurse within three weeks after birth.” The program is voluntary and there is no cost. Services offered by Family Connects nurses include checking on the health of the baby and mom, helping with breast and bottle feeding, assisting with bathing, diapering and safe sleep environments, providing parents to providers and resources and recommending quality childcare options.
“Having a child is a life-changing event and it can be overwhelming and stressful for parents as they adjust to a new family dynamic,” Lopez says. “Friendly and knowledgeable nurses are here to lend a helping hand, to listen and answer questions and provide support and resources for families to get their children off to a healthy start.”
According to Family Connects International studies, mothers who used the service felt less anxious, were more likely to complete a six-week postpartum health check and learned about quality childcare options available to them. Child emergency room visits were reduced by 50% through age 12 months.
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