Newborn Postpartum Home Visiting

Home visits by a registered nurse are made to mothers and newborns who are receiving Medicaid benefits or are receiving Pregnancy Care Management services from the Health Department.

What will the nurse do?

  • Weigh your baby
  • Do a physical exam or your baby
  • Check your blood pressure
  • Help you with breastfeeding, if needed
  • Help you with getting health care provider's appointments for you and your baby
  • Make referrals to other community resources as needed (WIC, local parenting and support groups)

To help care for your baby, the nurse will talk to you about:

  • Your baby's well child check-up
  • Your baby's brain development
  • Immunizations
  • Safety in the car, home and other places
  • The importance of hand washing
  • Signs and symptoms of illness
  • Taking care of baby's skin, mouth and diaper area
  • Feeding your baby
  • Safe sleep, infant sleep patterns and SIDS risk reduction

To help you care for yourself, the nurse will talk to you about:

  • Breast care
  • Signs and symptoms of illness
  • Postpartum hygiene and activity
  • Nutritional needs
  • Birth control methods