Home visits provide new mothers with healthcare, support, and diapers in the weeks following childbirth at Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia.

The Jefferson Einstein Philadelphia Hospital has introduced an innovative home visitation program aimed at new mothers, called Family Connects. This initiative, which began last summer, allows new parents the opportunity for nurse follow-up visits in the comfort of their own homes. Initially, program manager Ebony Durant expressed concerns about potential resistance from families regarding home visits. However, the response from new mothers has proven encouraging, with many welcoming the support.

Since its inception, Family Connects has seen participation rates of approximately 40 to 50% among parents who have delivered at Einstein. As of now, the program has provided over 1,000 home visits to 581 families, signifying a substantial engagement from the community. Visits are initiated two to three weeks postpartum and comprise health screenings for both mothers and infants. During these sessions, nurses not only offer tailored advice on key aspects such as breastfeeding, swaddling, and safe sleep practices but also connect families with essential community resources and supplies, including diapers and strollers.

Funded by .3 million in state support, Family Connects is a groundbreaking initiative in Pennsylvania, modeled after a similar program originating in Durham, North Carolina. The program’s overarching objective is to enhance maternal and child health in Philadelphia, a city grappling with alarmingly high maternal mortality rates that particularly affect Black women. This partnership between Einstein and the city health department reflects a significant investment in public health, aiming to rectify disparities and improve outcomes for new families.

Recently, the Family Connects team celebrated the program’s first anniversary with an event at Einstein, where mothers mingled with nurses who had previously assisted them during the early weeks postpartum. Feedback from participants highlights the value of this initiative. For instance, Lahnia Covington, a first-time mother with an eight-week-old baby, expressed that any resources available to her were invaluable, especially noting the timely assistance from visiting nurses.

Moreover, the program has not only provided immediate support but has also delivered long-lasting benefits. For example, Lashika Washington, a mother of nine and a doula, emphasized the critical importance of timely follow-ups post-delivery. Her experiences with Family Connects helped her access various resources, including fitness classes essential for postpartum recovery.

Nursing staff involved in the Family Connects program, including Candace Willingham, have gained valuable insights by visiting families at home, allowing them to better understand the challenges many new parents face. The nurses routinely share their experiences and feedback to enhance the program and make comprehensive support more accessible.

As Family Connects continues to grow, Durant indicated plans for future expansion to other hospitals to widen its reach and benefits. This home visitation program exemplifies a progressive approach to maternal care, fostering healthier outcomes for families in Philadelphia and potentially inspiring similar initiatives elsewhere.