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First-time mothers graduate from Nurse Family Partnership program

November 20, 2016

Chantal Brittingham proudly held her daughter Lundyn at their graduation from the Nurse Family Partnership program offered by Children and Families First. "At first I confided to my mom, I couldn't do this. I couldn't be pregnant, be a mom. I was too scared. But she encouraged me to go see a doctor, and then the doctor recommended this program. Now she is almost 2 years old and I love being her mother," Brittingham said. 

In total, there were 12 mothers and 12 toddlers who graduated. All of the mothers began the program in the early stages of their pregnancies back in 2014, and most of the children were either 2 years old or just about to have their second birthday. Nurse Family Partnership's maternal health program introduces vulnerable first-time parents to caring maternal and child health nurses. The free and voluntary program allows nurses to deliver the support first-time moms need to have healthy pregnancies, 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.

"I wouldn't be as comfortable or as confident as I am," said Selena, a mother who wished to only provide her first name. "My nurses taught me so much, especially when I realized a lot of the advice I got from other people around me wasn't good." Although the program is built around guiding physical, social and emotional health, with things like helping clients gain access to specialists, supporting breastfeeding and talking openly about what defines a healthy relationship versus an abusive relationship, nurses and social workers often go even further to ensure the success of the participants. Nurse Family Partnership nurses and social workers also assist with filling out custody paperwork and finding family court lawyers, getting clients access to baby pantries for diapers and formula, and helping mothers find employment and safe, appropriate child care.

The Nurse Family Partnership program model is to have the nurses meet with mothers in their own homes an average of once per week throughout the pregnancy and up to the child's second birthday. "Even though I am a single mother, I never felt like I was doing this alone," said Brittingham. "I had my notebook with all sorts of information, and I could call my nurse any day, at any time, and I totally did that, called at weird times because I was worried she had the sniffles and wanted to make sure that what I was doing was the right thing for her."

The loudest message Brittingham wanted to make certain every first-time, scared mother heard loud and clear was that this program is voluntary, and they take privacy very seriously, She said, "I am the first to say I was sure I could not do it. But my nurses made my pregnancy easy, made me a better mom, all while respecting who I am. Why wouldn't you want to be the best possible mom you can?"

To enroll in the program, mothers must be pregnant with their first child, meet certain income requirements and live in Delaware. "Please reach out to us as early as possible in your pregnancy. You can call any time of day using our toll-free number, 800-734-2388," says Zakiya Bakari-Griffin, chief program officer for Children and Families First, "Even if this pregnancy is not your first child, we can still help you through our Healthy Families America program. We are not here to be a threatening or criticizing program; we will embrace you and your child with open, supporting arms."

As the graduation party went on with snacks, face painting, pumpkin crafts and playground fun, there was a tangible feeling of both pride and comfort. All the mothers and children graduating that day had not only bonded with their nurses, but with one another, forming a support network which none of them wanted to see come to an end. In fact, they won't, because before the end of the day they could be heard making plans to start a motherhood group meeting once a month for crafts and ongoing support of one another. "I am so tremendously proud of these mothers," said Marneda Bailey, nurse and program manager of the Sussex County program. “Watching them grow loving bonds with their children, knowing how scared so many of them were initially, and seeing them all today actively engaged and confident in themselves is such an amazing reward to us as nurses."

"Children and Families First continues to offer the Nurse Family Partnership program and its partner program Healthy Families America for free thanks to the generous support of our funders," said Laura Rimmer, development coordinator for Children & Families First.

For more information, go to www.cffde.org.

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