Mom and Baby Home Visits
Home visits by Community Health nurses can help get the family off to a good start after the baby is born. Visits are offered free of charge and are available to all new moms residing in Kossuth County regardless of where they delivered their baby. Visits may include:
- Check of baby’s weight and height
- Review baby’s sleeping, feeding, dirty diaper patterns
- Assess mom and baby to see them after coming home from the hospital
- Discuss resources for the family such as medical home, WIC, Title 19, Kossuth County Care Team, food stamps, insurance, daycare, etc.
- Remind family that mom and babe need to return to the doctor for baby check ups and immunizations and mom for six-week check up
The Community Health nurse may also cover subjects such as:
- Cord care
- Circumcision
- Bathing
- Breastfeeding
- Period of Purple Crying
- Pet Safety
- Growth/Development
- Maternal Depression (Baby Blues)
- Car seats
- Stress
- Smoking
- Breastfeeding Visits
A nurse will visit with you at the hospital and in your home to offer support and answer any questions you may have about choosing breastfeeding as a loving and nurturing way to feed your little one. All new mothers living in Kossuth County are eligible to access the home visit service, regardless of where you delivered your baby.
Home Visits
During a home visit, the nurse will provide education and support to the new mom to find out if breastfeeding is going well. They may talk about several things:
- When to feed the baby
- Frequency and length of feedings
- Feeding cues from baby
- How to know if baby is getting enough milk
- Wet and poopy diapers
- Latching on and positioning
- Sleepy babies
- Baby’s weight
- Increasing milk supply
- Supplementing
- Pumping for return to work or daycare
- Where to get a pump
Some common causes for concern with breastfeeding may include:
- Engorgement
- Plugged ducts
- Mastitis
- Thrush/yeast infection
- Jaundice
- Babes latching on to start feeding
- Slow weight gain
For more information contact Community Health at the main line 515.295.2451 and ask to be directed.
