NewboRN Home Visiting Website Launch

WellFlorida is thrilled to announce the website launch of NewboRN Home Visiting, the newest program being offered to mothers and babies by Healthy Start of North Central Florida.

NewboRN Home Visiting is dedicated to improving the health, safety and future of all children born in Alachua County. The program — made possible by a collaboration of local hospitals, home health agencies and childbirth providers — sends registered nurses and licensed midwives to the homes of mothers who recently gave birth in order to check on the family, offer advice and physical exams, and connect them to other health services or resources.

The program is available to any Alachua County woman who gives birth within the county. All one has to do in order to participate in the program is sign a consent form with a Family Partner at the hospital, home or birthing center they’re giving birth at. After that, participants can expect a registered nurse (RN) or licensed midwife to visit within one week of the baby’s birth or hospital discharge.

The RN or midwife will ensure the new mother is adjusting well by asking questions about her sleep schedule, support system, eating habits and whether or not she may be feeling upset or depressed. The program will provide mothers with advice on a wide array of issues, including proper nutrition for a new mom and her baby, how to calm a newborn, properly bathing and changing a baby, safe sleeping arrangements and parent-infant bonding and interaction.

NewboRN Home Visiting is funded by the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Children’s Services Advisory Board. The program is made possible by the coordinated efforts of Healthy Start of North Central Florida, North Florida Regional Medical Center, UF Health Shands, UF Health Shands HomeCare, NurseCore, birth centers, licensed midwives conducting home births and the Florida School of Traditional Midwifery.

For more information about the program, please visit www.newbornhomevisiting.org