Martin Memorial Health Systems - Mother Baby Home Visitation Program

What is it?

The program provides home visits by registered nurses at no charge to families with newborns.

Who is it for?

All families with newborns in St. Lucie and Martin counties.

Why do they do it?

The goal is to reduce readmission rates for infant jaundice, dehydration and weight loss; maintain breastfeeding rates at or above the Healthy People 2010 goals; promote family bonding and father involvement; and provide infant health and safety education.

Impact

The program has been meeting or exceeding its breastfeeding goals (80 percent at birth and 49 percent at 6 months), as well as its 90 percent goal of acceptable weight gain for infants who have lost more than 10 percent of their birth weight. Patient satisfaction was a perfect 4.0 in the first three months of 2011, based on a 60 percent return rate.

Contact: Scott Samples
Public Information Officer
Telephone: 772-223-4920
E-mail: ssamples@mmhs-fla.org