Are you a new mom who has just delivered a new baby? Do you live in Meeker, McLeod or Sibley County? Whether you’ve just had your first baby or your third, fourth or fifth, Public Health would love to meet you and your baby!
It is the goal of Public Health to contact every parent in our county who has recently had a baby. This contact is called a “Universal Contact”. A Public Health Nurse will attempt to call you after you return home from the hospital. The phone visit offers an opportunity to set up an appointment to visit you and your new baby. This visit is free, confidential and in the convenience of your own home.
When the nurse comes to your home, your baby will be weighed, and time will be spent with you to educate and answer questions about your newborn and your own recovery. Newborn education could include eating/sleeping patterns, baby care, growth and development, safety, immunizations and well child care. Information for mom could include postpartum recovery and care, signs and symptoms of postpartum depression, rest and activity, nutrition, breastfeeding or bottle-feeding questions, and connection to community resources. Our nurses have extensive training in breastfeeding support.
Public Health learns of births to residents primarily through two ways. Many area hospitals send delivery/discharge referrals to Public Health, so moms can be contacted. The Minnesota Department of Health notifies local public health agencies through a weekly Vital Statistic report (birth records). Notifications that are received through Vital Statistic reports do not include phone numbers, so in those instances, letters are mailed to moms. Referrals from hospitals almost always include a phone number, which makes contacting moms much easier.
Public Health has been fortunate to receive grants that help purchase newborn items for a gift bag. These items may include a baby toothbrush, outlet plugs, books and a “Baby’s First Year” calendar. A resource packet is also given and may include information on local and state programs (i.e.; Follow Along and Imagination Library), growth and development, postpartum recovery, immunizations and safety.
Here’s what some moms have said about their new baby visits:
~ “She was so kind and helpful! I learned a lot about growth and development of children, and what will help my child. Thank you for coming into my home and giving me all the different information new moms and/or parents need!”
~ “It’s nice to have a nurse visit that isn’t rushed. I enjoy having the time to ask questions. I also really enjoy being able to have my baby weighed; as a breastfeeding mom, it’s great to know my baby is gaining weight.”
~ “I wasn’t going to take a visit at first, but then my friends said I should because the visits are fun and so helpful. They were right, and she came to me, so I didn’t have to bundle up my baby and go somewhere during this really cold weather!”
~ “The support at the beginning helped tremendously. Made me feel like my struggles were normal.”
If you are a resident of Meeker, McLeod or Sibley County, and would like more information or to schedule a visit, please contact your local public health agency.
