THE VNA OF LI’S MATERNAL/CHILD HEALTH SERVICES:

• Provides physicians with the security that the mother can recognize signs and symptoms of pre-term labor, the major factor in infant morbidity and mortality.
• Enables case managers and discharge planners to safely plan home discharges for new moms and their babies.
• Supplements the education provided by the hospital nursing staff.
• The new mom can safely care for herself and her new baby at home thereby improving quality of life.

 GOALS/OBJECTIVES:

• Provide education for the new mom both before and after delivery.
• Prevent hospitalization and unnecessary visits to healthcare professionals.

SPECIFICS:

• Registered Nurse visits the pregnant woman prenatal
• Provides expectant mothers with the education/support they need to increase their confidence in coping with labor and the birthing experience.
• Nurse reviews proper nutrition and exercise, the child-birthing experience, and breast feeding
• Nurse teaches basic baby care
• Nurse teaches newborn home preparation, coping mechanisms and safety within the home.
• Registered Nurse visits the new mom and baby twice post-partum 

Nurse ensures that the Mom knows how to care for herself:

• Episiotomy/C-section care
• Nutrition, rest and exercise
• Screens for post-partum depression
• Educates about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)
• When to call the healthcare professional

Nurse ensures that the new mom knows how to care for the new baby:

• Bonding with the baby
• Cord care and circumcision care
• Bathing, dressing and feeding
• Immunizations