WS Chronicle

Amber Draughon

Guest Columnist

When Laura first joined the Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program, she was in the midst of a high-risk pregnancy. Laura had concerns and fears about becoming a mother.

Laura was eager to learn more about her pregnancy and how to care for her child, which encouraged her to enroll in the NFP program.

The NFP program, managed by the Forsyth County Department of Public Health, pairs low-income, first-time mothers with experienced registered nurses. The nurse visits a client starting early in pregnancy until the client’s child turns 2 years old.

Clients and nurses work as a team to achieve goals, including a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby and increased economic self-sufficiency. A nurse provides a client with information, support and community resources needed to raise healthy children in the Forsyth County community.

Laura delivered a healthy child and was ready to begin the next chapter in her parenting journey. Laura and I discussed several important aspects of care, including proper nutrition, attachment to care-givers and protection from illness and injury.

Around 18 months, Laura became concerned with her child’s speech development. Laura and I focused on activities to support her child’s growth and community resources available to assist Laura.

Laura’s child now receives speech and play therapy as a result of an NFP referral. Laura reports her child’s speech development has grown “bounds and leaps” and her child is now counting and naming animals.

Laura attributes her parenting success to NFP stating, “the knowledge and assistance [NFP] provided helped me become the mother I am today”. Laura has begun online schooling for Medical Billing and Coding and will graduate in September 2016.

If you are pregnant with your first baby and want more information about the Nurse-Family Partnership Program, call 336-703-3185.