“I’m so overwhelmed with all the information available online today about pregnancy and having a baby, I don’t know how to know what’s best for me and my pregnancy!” shared Michelle, who was 15 weeks into her first pregnancy. Not only was the first trimester full of morning sickness, but she was obsessed with reading all the latest tips on healthy pregnancy and newborn care. This led Michelle to turn to MotherToBaby’s confidential and free texting service asking about prenatal vitamins, but she also wanted to know what other resources were available for first-time parents.
As a MotherToBaby expert, I knew the perfect resource to direct Michelle to: Nurse-Family Partnership. Elly Yost, a nurse with over 35 years of experience explains how this evidence-based community health program can help first-time mothers and their children affected by social and economic inequality.
Mothers enrolled in the Nurse-Family Partnership program benefit by receiving the care and support they need to have a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, families develop a close relationship with the nurse who becomes a trusted resource they can rely on for advice on everything from safely caring for their child to taking steps to provide a stable, secure future for their new family. Learn more about the Nurse-Family Partnership here.
Q: What is the relationship between an NFP nurse and the parent-to-be like?
Elly: The relationship between an NFP nurse and an expectant parent is based on trust and support. We prioritize the client as the expert in their life, ensuring their wants and needs guide our approach to supporting a healthy pregnancy. Our role is to meet them where they are and provide the personalized support to effectively navigate this transformational journey.
Q: What health benefits can a person get from participating in the NFP Program?
Elly: Participating in NFP can have a number of health benefits for first-time parents. Through regular health assessments conducted by a registered nurse (RN), participants receive personalized health screenings aimed at promoting overall wellness. This holistic approach not only addresses the parent’s immediate health needs but also extends to their child’s well-being. By closely monitoring factors such as blood pressure and weight gain, NFP nurses work with mothers-to-be to identify and understand potential danger signs, such as swelling or headaches, that may indicate underlying health concerns.
Recognizing that pregnant women are the experts on their own bodies, NFP empowers them with knowledge and support to recognize and address anything that seems troubling. We learn about each person’s health history to tailor care to their needs.
NFP nurses also regularly check the baby’s growth and development after birth by measuring length, weight and head circumference, along with developmental milestones using the Ages and Stages Questionnaires®. We look at what the parent and child need emotionally and socially, understanding how their health is connected and creating a nurturing environment for them to bond.
Q: Why does the Nurse-Family Partnership model work?
Elly: The NFP model is proven to work because it prioritizes the needs and wants of the parents it serves. By adhering to customer-centric principles, we believe in listening to every first-time mom we work with because we know she knows her life best. We’ve seen that even small changes can lead to big, positive results, so we focus on finding solutions together.
A big part of what we do is to make sure mums feel heard and supported. We talk to them about how they feel during pregnancy, understanding that it’s normal to have all kinds of emotions during this time. We are here to offer guidance and reassurance, helping them navigate any concerns they may have.
Our team of RNs is vital to our work. With their training and experience, they provide mothers with the best possible information and support. They are here to make sure every mom gets the care and guidance she deserves on her journey.
Q: How long does the relationship between the NFP and the family last?
Elly: Something unique about the role of an NFP nurse in working with moms is the length of the relationship. Families have the freedom to stay connected with the NFP nurse until their child is two years old. This extended period allows for the development of a deep and meaningful relationship between the nurse and the parents, fostering trust, support and continuity of care throughout the critical early stages of the child’s development. This extended duration highlights the uniqueness of the bond created within the NFP partnership, reflecting a commitment to long-term support and empowerment for both parents and their child.
Q: How does the role of an NFP nurse change after a baby is born?
Elly: After a baby is born, NFP nurses adapt their role to support the special bond between mother and newborn. While the basics of care remain the same, the focus now extends to the dyad and family unit. The nurse’s attention is directed both to the individual needs of the mother, to developmental milestones, to the well-being of the newborn, and to the family.
Despite this adaptation, the nurse’s key role as a source of guidance, support and support for the mother remains, ensuring that she continues to receive personalized care and attention throughout her journey into motherhood.
Q: How do NFP nurses support the mental health of first-time parents?
Elly: NFP nurses play a critical role in supporting the mental health of first-time parents through a combination of clinical expertise, compassionate care and advocacy. Clinically, nurses conduct thorough assessments for depression and anxiety. In addition, nurses assess mothers’ temperament and emotions, providing personalized support and referrals based on individual needs and preferences.
What sets NFP nurses apart is their dedication to building trusting relationships and providing personalized care. They invest time to get to know each client, creating a supportive environment where parents feel comfortable expressing their concerns and feelings. This level of care and observation allows nurses to offer not only clinical support but also emotional reassurance and guidance.
NFP nurses also act as advocates, guiding parents through the health care system and connecting them with resources for mental wellness. Addressing both the clinical and emotional aspects of mental health, NFP nurses empower first-time parents to face the challenges of parenthood with strength and confidence.
Q: What would you like to see improved about the current state of pregnancy and/or postpartum care?
Elly: I think one area for improvement in current pregnancy and postpartum care is the practice of listening and truly listening to the experiences and concerns of expectant and new parents. For example, the CDC’s “Hear Her” campaign highlights the importance of this simple but profound idea: actively listening to and believing pregnant and postpartum people.
By taking the time to truly listen and understand clients’ needs and perspectives, healthcare providers can build trust, enhance communication, and deliver patient-centered care. Empowering women to share their stories and validating their experiences can lead to improved outcomes and a more supportive health care environment for all.
Q: What additional guidance would you give a first-time parent?
Elly: The additional guidance I would offer to first-time parents is simple but powerful: You are doing a great job! Loving your child is the cornerstone of effective parenting. Embrace the idea of ”good enough parenting,” where you do your best without feeling pressured by unrealistic standards. In a world full of advice and expectations, what matters most to your child is your love and care. Trust your gut, show them love, and believe in your ability to navigate the journey of parenthood. If you are a first-time mother who is 28 weeks pregnant or less, you can find a free, personal NFP nurse in your area here.
NFP is here for you!
After sharing the NFP resources with Michelle, she texted back the next day saying “Thank you! I’ve been reading their website and it’s just what I need to make me feel confident in my decisions for the rest of my pregnancy and to have someone to help me through the early days of parenthood. I have already signed up for the program and hope to start soon.” It’s so great to hear that NFP was just what Michelle needed, and I hope she and other first-time parents continue to benefit from this resource for years to come.
