Maternal, Child & Family Health

What is Babies First!?

Babies First! is a program that helps parents who are pregnant or have babies and young children up to age 5. Registered Nurses and Community Health Workers visit families to offer support and advice.

Having a baby is exciting, but it can also bring questions and challenges. Babies First! is here to help you feel confident as a parent.

How We Can Help

Babies First! nurses work with families to provide:

• Developmental screenings for babies and young children, and health checks during pregnancy and after birth.
• Tips and support for feeding your baby.
• Help finding local resources and services.
• Support for your mental health during and after pregnancy.
• Information to recognize signs of postpartum depression.
• Education and coaching to keep your family healthy.

With Babies First!, you don’t have to navigate parenthood alone. We’re here to help!

For more information on Babies First! visit Oregon's Public Health Nurse Home Visiting Program

What is CaCoon?

CaCoon (CAre COordinatiON) is a program where public health nurses support families who have children or teens with special health needs or chronic conditions. This statewide program is run in partnership with OHSU.

CaCoon nurses visit families at home and in the community, including places like doctor’s offices, specialty appointments, and school meetings (like IEP meetings).

How CaCoon Helps

CaCoon nurses partner with families to:

• Understand the child’s strengths and needs.
• Connect with healthcare providers and community resources.
• Make sure the child’s health team works well together.
• Gather information to make good health decisions for the child.
• Identify problems and find solutions.
• Help families transition from child to adult care when needed.

CaCoon supports children with special health needs from birth through age 20, helping families navigate care every step of the way.

To learn more about CaCoon, visit OHSU's Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs

What is Family Connects?

Every baby deserves a healthy start in life! Family Connects Oregon is a free program where nurses visit families with newborns to offer support, information, and connections to local resources.

Our mission is to help your whole family thrive and give your baby the best start possible. Think of it as planting seeds for a healthy future—together, we’re growing happy, healthy babies!

How Family Connects Helps

Family Connects nurses work with families to provide:

• 1 to 4 visits when your baby is 3 to 12 weeks old.
• Health check-ups for parents and newborns.
• Support with breastfeeding and infant feeding.
• Education about newborn care and postpartum recovery.
• Connections to mental health support and other helpful resources.

Family Connects is here to support you and your family during this exciting and important time!

What is Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP)?

Nurse-Family Partnership is a free program that pairs people pregnant with their first baby with their own personal nurse. This national program is based on years of proven success.

We know becoming a first-time parent can feel overwhelming, and our nurses are here to help. Your nurse will give you the advice, support, and information you need for a healthy pregnancy, a healthy baby, and to feel confident as a parent.

Visits can continue until your child’s second birthday.

Who Can Join Nurse-Family Partnership?

You can enroll if you:

• Are pregnant with your first child.
• Are 28 weeks pregnant or less.
• Meet the income requirements.

The program is free and completely voluntary!

To learn more about the program visit www.nursefamilypartnership.org