Parkland launches Postnatal Nurse Home Visitor Program
Connecting mothers and babies to compassionate care one visit at a time
Parkland Health recently launched a new postnatal nurse home visitor program, which aims to help new mothers build a healthy and secure relationship with their child, while connecting them to services and resources based on their family’s needs.
Through this program, Parkland nurses visit mothers and newborns in their home, serving as a crucial touchpoint for families, offering support and resources tailored to their needs. This universal approach aims to address the heightened demand for nurse home visits.
Recognizing the importance of reducing maternal morbidity and mortality and positive health outcomes for both mother and child, the program focuses on comprehensive assessments of both maternal and child well-being. Through regular home visits, registered nurses assess physical, social and psychological health, providing necessary referrals and resources to promote overall wellness.
“The Postnatal Nurse Home Visiting program is a valuable service for at-risk communities, promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and their children,” said Carmen Bowling, DNP, RN, Senior Vice President, Women & Infants Specialty Health (WISH) at Parkland.
According to Bowling, the goals of the nurse home visitors in the postnatal program are two-fold. The first goal is to improve maternal and child health, mental well-being and improve equity in health outcomes. Secondly, the program exists to support families while reducing child abuse and neglect, reduce the use of ER care for infants and toddlers as well as reduce parental anxiety and depression.
“We have recently partnered with the Parkland Behavioral Health division to ensure that we are able to provide a referral for any patient who our nurse home visitors may identify as needing immediate mental health support,” Bowling said.
This evidence-based approach not only supports mothers and babies during the critical 12-week post-delivery period but also emphasizes education on important topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition and child development. By empowering mothers with knowledge and resources, the program aims to foster secure relationships between mothers and newborns, ensuring a healthy postpartum experience.
Eligibility for the program includes giving birth at Parkland and residency in Dallas County, with priority given to those not enrolled in other maternity nurse home visiting services.
In partnership with generous members of the Greater Dallas community, Parkland Health Foundation has invested significant philanthropic capital to support postnatal women’s health services, including the Postnatal Nurse Home Visitor Program. Continued support of the Foundation will help expand the program, allowing Parkland to reach more women throughout Dallas County. For more information on how philanthropy can power impact or to make a gift, please visit www.parklandhealthfoundation.org.
To learn more about the Postnatal Nurse Home Visitor Program, visit www.parklandhealth.org/post-natal-nhvp. For more information on the services provided at Parkland, please visit our website at www.parklandhealth.org.
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