Overview
The Nurse-Family Partnership program at Spokane Regional Health District helps transform the lives of moms and their babies. This program allows nurses to deliver the support moms need to have a healthy pregnancy, become knowledgeable and responsible parents, and provide their babies with the best possible start in life. The relationship between mother and nurse provides the foundation for strong families, and lives are forever changed – for the better.
From pregnancy until the child turns 2 years old, nurse home visitors form a trusting relationship with the mom, instilling confidence and empowering them to achieve a better life for their child - and them self.
Eligibility
A woman is considered eligible for the Nurse-Family Partnership program in Spokane County if she:
- Is pregnant (within the first 28 weeks of gestation) or has never parented
- Is 28 weeks pregnant or less
- Meets income requirements
- Lives in Spokane County
Pregnant?
Spokane Regional Health District's Nurse-Family Partnership program offers public health nurses with specialized training for visits to eligible, low-income mothers in their homes, providing services to the pregnant women and her infant until the child is 2 years old.
Dads can participate, too!
Fathers, family members and friends are welcome to participate in the program with you! NFP developed materials specifically for dad.
Nurse-Family Partnership @ ChildStrive Informational Video
SRHD NFP 2017 Statistics
98%of NFP moms initiate breastfeeding at birth
Mothers and children who participated in the program have consistently demonstrated:
- Improved prenatal health
- Fewer childhood injuries
- Fewer subsequent pregnancies
- Increased intervals between births
- Increased maternal employment
- Improved school readiness
- Less child abuse and neglect
Participation in the Nurse-Family Partnership program is free to eligible women. The program is funded with federal, state and local public funding sources, including the Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting program, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and local general revenue funds. Nurse-Family Partnership works collaboratively with other home visiting providers to meet the needs of eligible families.
Stay Close, Sleep Apart
A sad topic like infant death deserves to be talked about among moms, dads, and people who care for babies. When a baby dies suddenly and unexpectedly, these deaths are called sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID).
“If a baby isn’t sleeping alone in the crib, it increases the risk for SUID.”
In recent years, 27 Spokane County babies died from SUID—about 3,500 babies die each year in the U.S. In deaths where a public health nurse talked with affected families, over half of these babies were
sleeping with an adult or child.
‘A’ is for Alone
Always have baby sleep alone, even during naps. She or he should never be in a bed with another person where he could be rolled on and smothered.
‘B’ is for on Baby’s Back:
Place baby to sleep on his or her back in a crib or bassinet, with a tight-fitting sheet.
‘C’ is for Clutter-Free Crib
Do not use crib bumpers, blankets, pillows, or soft toys inside crib or bassinet.
“Make sure all of the baby’s caregivers, including babysitters, child care providers, and grandparents know these ABCs of safe sleep.”
Tips for Calming a Crying Baby
Courtesy of Jupiter Images
Things to try:
- Feed baby slowly and burp often
- Make sure baby’s diaper is dry
- Give baby a warm bath
- Dim lights and lower noise level
- Play soft music, sing or talk to baby in a calm voice
- Hold baby close and rock gently
- Take baby for a car or stroller ride
- Call a friend or relative you trust
- Put baby in a crib or bassinet and take a break
- NEVER SHAKE OR HIT A BABY
Call 800-4-A-CHILD, 24 hours/day
First-time mom finds support, strength in relationship with public health nurse.
“NFP is rigorously tested”
“NFP is one of the most rigorously tested maternal and early childhood health programs of its kind. Research over the past 30 years demonstrates multi-generational outcomes for families and their communities.” ~ SRHD NFP manager, Sue Schultz
Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program
WIC has an extraordinary record of preventing children’s health problems and improving growth and development. Locally, the health district supports this vision by offering WIC services in several convenient locations.
Infant Toddler Network
Early support for infants and toddlers who have disabilities or developmental delays. Families who have concerns about their child’s development can contact the program to receive assistance and information.
Weed to Know for Baby & You
Providing facts around harms associated with marijuana use during pregnancy, breastfeeding and caregiving.
