Nurse-Family Partnership

A free public health program for women who are having their first baby, and are at less than 29 weeks gestation. Open to all pregnant women age 19 and younger, and to women age 20 to 24 years who are experiencing social, financial, or housing challenges such as being a lone parent, having less than grade 12 education, having a low income, or facing homelessness. Women enrolled in the program are visited by a public health nurse throughout their pregnancy, continuing until their child reaches two years of age. Over this time, a woman and her nurse may explore topics such as healthy pregnancy, preparation for childbirth, nutrition, exercise, parenting, child development, future life planning, and accessing community resources.

Goals of the program include improving pregnancy outcomes, improving child health and development, and improving family economic self-sufficiency. Women are encouraged to enroll as early in their pregnancy as possible (ideally before the 16th week) to get to know their nurse and begin the program. Access to the program is through the Public Health prenatal program.