Parkland Health has launched a new postnatal nurse home visitor program designed to assist new mothers in building a healthy and secure relationship with their newborns while connecting them to necessary services and resources tailored to their family’s needs.
The program involves Parkland nurses visiting mothers and their newborns at home, serving as an essential point of contact for families. This universal approach aims to meet the growing demand for nurse home visits and support new mothers during the crucial postnatal period.
Recognizing the need to reduce maternal morbidity and mortality while promoting positive health outcomes for both mothers and children, the program focuses on comprehensive assessments of maternal and child well-being. Registered nurses conduct these assessments, evaluating physical, social, and psychological health, and provide referrals and resources as necessary to support 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.
Bowling stated that the program has two primary goals: improving maternal and child health, mental well-being, and equity in health outcomes, and supporting families by reducing child abuse and neglect, lowering the use of ER care for infants and toddlers, and decreasing 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 added.
The program adopts an evidence-based approach, supporting mothers and babies during the critical 12-week post-delivery period. It emphasizes education on key topics such as breastfeeding, nutrition, and child development, empowering mothers with the knowledge and resources necessary to foster secure relationships with their newborns and ensuring a healthy postpartum experience.
Eligibility for the program includes having given birth at Parkland and residing in Dallas County, with priority given to those not already 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.
