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Visiting with new mothers

Programs offer services to help with transition into caring for young children

Submitted photo Rachel Odegard, left, holds Kinsley Anderson Feb. 11, 2019, during a Brown County Public Health new baby/postpartum home visit program.

Brown County Public Health Registered Nurse Melissa Hoffmann welcomes new mothers in postpartum home visits for everyone in the county soon after they deliver, adopt, or if they are new to the area with young children.

Hoffmann receives newborn referrals from New Ulm Medical Center and Sleepy Eye Medical Center before contacting new mothers by phone, text or letter to arrange for a visit when its convenient for parents.

A particular focus is on children up to three years old.

Nurses assess the physical health of mothers and babies with a blood pressure check, listening for heart and lung sounds, and weighing baby. Mom’s emotional health will be assessed.

The Universal Contact Program began in the 1990s. More than 100 initial visits were done in 2018, 2019 and 2021.

Staff photo by Fritz Busch Brown County Public Health Registered Nurse Melissa Hoffmann displays some of the Universal Contact and Follow Along programs for new mothers and their babies. Hoffmann visits new mothers and their babies in Brown County after getting referrals from New Ulm and Sleepy Eye Medical Centers.

The Follow Along Program responded to 171 new clients in 2018, 153 in 2019, 102 in 2020 and 137 in 2021. Many positive comments were received from mothers, according to a 2021 survey.

“Typically, I do one-time visits. I offer them at any time,” said Hoffmann, a registered public health nurse who is also a lactation counselor and a child passenger safety technician.

“I ask mothers how their pregnancy, delivery and recovery were and if they have any questions,” she added. “I check mothers blood pressure and baby’s weight. Everybody gets a goodie bag and a book, “Your Healthy Child Manual.” It’s full of information and resources.”

“It can be a little overwhelming after having a baby. There is so much information out there. We try to be a trusted information resource,” Hoffmann said. “Challenges could be mental health, financial, or whatever it may be, even about older kids.”

The Follow Along Program is offered and encouraged to all families.

“We want to make mothers aware of what their child should be doing at certain ages. If they aren’t we can connect them back to their healthcare provider or other community resources,” she added.

Mother and baby complications that may require more healthcare team follow up include:

•Postpartum complications for momlike bladder and breast infections, abnormal bleeding and postpartum depression or anxiety.

•Newborn complications include dehydration, nutrition/feeding issues and jaundice.

Home safety like sleep and car seat safety will be addressed. Safe drinking water information will be given to families with a private well including well water tests for bacteria and nitrates.

Nurses also share information and resources as appropriate including radon testing resources.

The Follow Along Program is offered to every Brown County family with children up to 36 months to monitor if children are on track with physical and emotional health and to assist families with getting connected to additional resources if needed.

Every few months, mothers will get a form asking how their child is playing, talking, growing, moving and acting. A nurse will contact mothers if there are concerns from returned forms. Resources include Imagination Library, a monthly book program funded through United Way of Brown County to provide new books for every enrolled child until age five.

Early Childhood Education (ECFE) is for families with children from birth to pre-kindergarten age. The mission of ECFE is to strengthen and support the ability of parents to provide an environment for healthy growth and development. ECFE classes, one to two hours long, are held once a week for nine weeks.

Sign up for the free Follow Along Program can be done at www.health.state.mn.us/mnfap. For program questions and to receive an enrollment form by mail, call 1-800-72805420 or email cyshn@state.mn.us.

To contact early childhood specialists, visit HelpMeGrowMN.org or call 1-866-693-GROW (4769). Partners include the Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Human Services.

To apply and ask questions about the Brown County WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program , call 233-600, toll free 888-359-2809.

You may qualify if you are pregnant, nursing or have a child under age five.

WIC provides nutrition advice and tips, healthy food like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grain cereals, bread and tortillas, low fat milk and baby foods; breastfeeding support and a caring and supportive staff.

To find a WIC clinic near you, call 1-800-WIC-4030 or visit www.health.state.mn.us/wic

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