Nurse Family Partnership, “Helping
First-Time Parents Succeed”
The Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) is a free, voluntary program that partners first-time, low-income
moms with a nurse home visitor. When a new mom enrolls in the program (enrollment must be no later
than the end of the 28th week of pregnancy) a specially trained nurse visits her throughout her
pregnancy and until the baby turns two years old. During these visits, the nurse home visitor offers the
knowledge and support needed to confidently create a better life for the new mom and her baby.
During visits, nurses work to encourage maternal behaviors consistent with the following program goals:
Typical visits cover topics such as prenatal care; caring for an infant; and encouraging the emotional,
physical, and cognitive development of young children.
NFP programs are located throughout the country, in urban, suburban and rural areas. In Arkansas, NFP
serves 154 families. (NFP in Arkansas).
Services
The Nurse Home Visitors work with families in several different areas:
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The nurse home visitor meets the client at her home or at a safe place on a regular basis; usually
every week or every other week before and after the baby is born. If she has support from her
family or partner, they can participate too.
The client learns the importance of receiving good prenatal care, eating healthy, exercising, and
quitting smoking.
The nurse visitor assesses the mother’s vitals such as weight and blood pressure throughout her
pregnancy and during the first 6 weeks postpartum; Also the infant’s weight, height and head
circumference are assessed until the child is 2 years of age.
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