Nurse-Family Partnership

We understand that pregnancy and parenthood are challenging, especially when you’re a first-time mom dealing with financial hardship. You likely have a lot of questions, but aren’t sure where to find the answers. The Nurse-Family Partnership program at Lancaster General Health can provide the tools, motivation and empowerment you need to succeed.

What Is the Nurse-Family Partnership Program?

Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a nationally recognized program for first-time moms. The voluntary program provides a free personal nurse to provide the support, advice and information you need during your pregnancy and when your baby arrives. Lancaster General Health is the only NFP provider in Lancaster County.

The program begins when you are between 16 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Your personal registered nurse makes weekly or biweekly visits to your home or anywhere that’s convenient or comfortable for you. We check on your physical, mental and emotional health throughout your pregnancy, and help you prepare for childbirth. Once you bring your baby home, we continue to visit you until your baby’s second birthday. We deliver a range of services, from breastfeeding support to referrals for community resources.

Am I Eligible for the Nurse-Family Partnership Program?

You’re eligible for this program if you are:

• A first-time mom-to-be
• A resident of Lancaster County
• Less than 28 weeks (7 months) pregnant
• Meet income requirements (we can help determine if you qualify)

What Are the Benefits of Nurse-Family Partnership?

When you participate in the Nurse-Family Partnership program, you’ll find:

• Experienced nurses: Our nurses who come to your home are specially trained to address the needs of women experiencing pregnancy and parenthood for the first time. Many also have backgrounds in OB/GYN, neonatal intensive care and pediatrics.
• Long-term partnership: You and your nurse commit to a partnership of more than two years, allowing you to build trust and camaraderie. Since you see the same nurse at each visit, you can rely on a familiar face during and after your pregnancy.
• Individualized care: We meet you where you are. Our nurses identify barriers that are keeping you from accessing the services and care you need. Whether that’s affordable housing, transportation or food insecurity, we’re here to help.
• Excellent outcomes: Nurse-Family Partnership is an evidence-based program with more than 45 years of proven results. Studies show the program significantly improves the lives and health of first-time moms and children faced with social and economic inequality.

How Often Does My Nurse Visit Me?

For the first six weeks after you enroll in the program, your nurse visits you each week. After that, your nurse makes home visits every other week until you give birth. After your baby is born, you resume weekly visits for six weeks and then go back to biweekly visits.

We’re here to meet your needs. If school, work or other commitments make it difficult to meet on this schedule, your nurse works with you to adjust the frequency or location of your visits. We also offer virtual visits as needed.

How Does My Nurse Help Me During Pregnancy?

During pregnancy, your personal nurse:

• Checks your blood pressure at each visit
• Helps you prepare for childbirth and breastfeeding
• Looks out for signs of depression or anxiety
• Provides guidance on diet and nutrition
• Provides referrals to WIC and other community resources

How Does My Nurse Help Me After My Baby Is Born?

After pregnancy, your personal nurse:

• Provides activities for interacting with your baby, such as reading, singing or playing, to help children grow and develop
• Performs developmental assessments to make sure your baby is meeting milestones and identify any specialized needs they may have so we can intervene early with the right care
• Helps you establish safe sleep habits for your baby
• Offers breastfeeding education and support, as well as nutritional advice and resources for free breast pumps and other breastfeeding supplies
• Shows you how to change diapers, bathe and soothe your baby
• Guides you in creating a healthy bond with your baby and learning positive parenting techniques

In addition to helping you care for your newborn, we also focus on your desires for the future. Your nurse helps you set goals for returning to work, continuing your education or developing new job skills. We identify barriers to those goals, such as transportation or child care, and help you find solutions. We want to set you up for long-term personal and parenting success.

Can Other Family Members Participate?

As the mom, you decide who will take part in the program. You can choose to involve the baby’s father, your partner, other family members or even close friends. Your nurse works with you to make a plan that you’re comfortable with.

Moving Beyond Depression

Anxiety and depression are common in the first months of motherhood. These issues can prevent you from being the best mom you can be, and increase the risk of child abuse or neglect. Moving Beyond Depression is a 15-week program for moms enrolled in the Nurse-Family Partnership program. You work one-on-one with an experienced therapist to achieve better mental health and wellness. Your nurse can help you decide if this program is right for you.