Disclaimer :: This is a sponsored post from Nurse-Family Partnership at United Way of the Coastal Bend.
Expecting your first child can be a time of excitement and joy, but for most women there are also a lot of questions, nerves and uncertainties that come with it. How can a pregnant woman sort through all the advice and information to figure out how to make the best choices for her baby and herself?
Nurse-Family Partnership at United Way of the Coastal Bend pairs first-time mothers with their very own free personal nurse to help guide her through these unfamiliar times and support her through pregnancy, childbirth and all that comes with a new baby.
“A lot of young women who are newly pregnant may have great family support and still have questions,” says Ashley Drillen, NFP program director for United Way of the Coastal Bend (UWCB). “A personal nurse gives encouragement as well as medical information to help them make the best decisions for themselves and their families.”
UWCB’s NFP nurses meet with their clients every one to two weeks and focus on helping moms stay healthy during pregnancy and after their baby arrives. Drillen says they help women prepare for childbirth by explaining the stages of labor and delivery, discussing pain relief during labor, introducing breastfeeding, and covering many other topics that moms choose to help them prepare. They also help women learn what to expect after the baby is born and how to care for themselves and a new baby. Women at risk for serious pregnancy-related health conditions are prepared for possible outcomes such as having a caesarean section or preterm delivery.
“Our nurses develop a one-on-one relationship with moms-to-be and are available to them when they have questions or need guidance,” explains Drillen. “That relationship is supportive and empowering, helping women become the best moms they can be.”
During infancy and toddlerhood, mothers continue to see their NFP nurse every two weeks.
They cover important health and safety topics like infant CPR, car seat safety and reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Nurses coach families on the fun parts like watching the baby hit milestones and learn how to play as well as the difficult parts of new parenthood, like how to cope with sleepless nights.
“There are so many benefits to being close to your baby and playing games like ‘peek-a-boo,’” Drillen explains. “It’s not just a game – it promotes trust between you and your baby, which is the foundation for loving relationships.”
Women who are pregnant may contact Nurse-Family Partnership to see if they qualify for the free program by visiting txnfp.org or calling/texting (346) 201-3730. In Nueces County, Nurse- Family Partnership is offered through United Way of the Coastal Bend, @uwcoastalbend.
Follow NFP on Twitter @NFP_nursefamily,
Facebook at facebook.com/nursefamilypartnership and
Instagram at www.instagram.com/nursefamilypartnership/.
