Oregon sends free nurse to check on new babies, parents

Unless you grew up as an older sibling in a large family, you may have little experience when you have your first baby. What’s normal? What’s not? Why won’t he breast feed? Why does she cry all night? The US has one of the worst statistics on infant and new mother deaths so Oregon is mimicking the Canadian model: send a nurse to check on baby and family.

The program offers any family with a new baby a no-cost visit at home with a trained nurse, like Ibrahim. It’s the state’s response to a grim, American reality: The U.S. has one of the highest death rates of any wealthy nation for infants and new mothers both.

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/23/nx-s1-4918855/parents-babies-mothers-health

Family Connect was originally founded in Durham, North Carolina. It provides up to three free visits to address a wide range of range of issues.

If a family is struggling with housing or food insecurity or addiction, the nurse will connect them with local groups and agencies that can help. Mental health counseling, marriage counseling, child care while mom or dad finishes their degree online. They can even help grandma get a hearing aid if she’s living in the home and helping take care of baby.

https://www.npr.org/2024/07/23/nx-s1-4918855/parents-babies-mothers-health