The team will work with local implementing agencies (LIAs) on quality assurance, identifying and addressing missing demographic, service utilization, and performance data. The MIECHV team will also support LIAs with continuous quality improvement (CQI) initiatives. For PAT-NCC, this means improving visit frequency reporting; at PAT-Polytech, reducing no-show rates; and at PAT-DECC and CFF/HFA, focusing on[…..]

  Family Accomplishments: Paula Stratton, Parent Support Specialist During a visit, a parent asked when to change her baby’s car seat, mentioning that her baby was getting heavy in the infant carrier. I provided information on recommendations based on age and weight, and I gave her the Car Seats for Kids form. We set a[…..]

First-time mothers enroll in the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program before 29 weeks of pregnancy and remain until their child turns two. A special NFP alumna, Robyn Lawrence, attended the June graduation with her daughter Kylee and grandmother. When asked, “What does NFP mean to me?” Robyn said, “Being a new mom with high blood[…..]

Prevent Child Abuse Delaware (PCAD) is thrilled to announce Asaiah Beaman Fisher will be the new Statewide Home Visitor Wrap-Around Training Coordinator. Fisher succeeds long-term contractor Janet Umble, who is retiring after over a decade of dedicated service. Fisher brings over 20 years of experience in community engagement and early childhood education, plus a B.A.[…..]

My success story is about a Spanish-speaking client who was denied food benefits, Medicaid, and purchase of care. She was upset because, by law, she should have received Medicaid for a year after giving birth. When I called social services, the representative was uncooperative and gave false information. I asked to speak to her manager,[…..]

In May, 170 caregivers gathered in Dover for the Home Visitors Retreat. Organized by the Home Visiting Community Advisory Board, the Family Health Systems Section of the Division of Public Health, and the Department of Education, this retreat celebrated Delaware’s free statewide Home Visiting Program for pregnant women and families with children up to age[…..]

lt has been my honor to spend 23 years as Program Supervisor for Parents as Teachers, NCCo. This experience has been exhilarating and fulfilling. I am humbled by the support I’ve received since announcing my retirement from the Christina School District. Stepping away for self-care and family time has provided reflection, fond memories, and insights.[…..]

Black Maternal Health Week takes place nationally April 11–17. Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), the week raises awareness of the inequities that Black women and their infants encounter, builds activism, rallies our communities, and empowers all voices to drive change. While it is truly inspiring to see this happening nationally, some of[…..]

Birth defects make it more difficult for your baby to be healthy and can put your baby at a higher risk of death during their first year. Thankfully, there are simple ways to lower your risk of these abnormalities.

The best part of your day is the time you spend with your child. Spend at least thirty minutes doing quality time activities with the child in your life. Quality time supports your child’s growth and boosts his or her development. Quality time with a child exercises the mind, creates an avenue for learning, and[…..]

Breastfeeding is an incredible act of love for mothers and babies, creating a bond that can last a lifetime. Through breastfeeding, a mother gives her child one of the very best starts in life, in terms of physical and emotional wellness. Plus, when a mother breastfeeds, she practices “self-love,” because it provides her with benefits[…..]

Free Baby Formula Available for Delawareans We all want what is best for our children, and of course that includes proper and safe nutrition for our babies and toddlers. We understand the toll the low supply of baby formula has taken on Delaware families, and we are here to help guide you with trusted and[…..]

A child’s brain rapidly grows and constantly transforms. The first 1,000 days of a child’s life are a period of super-fast changes in their bodies, their brains, and their emotions. Spending quality time with kids is important to support their development. You help children learn with each moment of eye contact, each new word you[…..]

The second Saturday in June is National Family Health and Fitness Day. Here are 8 spots in Delaware that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy getting fit, spending quality time with your family, and still having fun!

Black Maternal Health Week takes place nationally April 11–17. Founded by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance​ (BMMA), the week sets aside time and resources to specifically raise awareness of the inequities Black women and their infants encounter, build activism, rally our communities, and empower all voices to drive change. While it is truly inspiring to see[…..]

From finances and maternity leave to finding an obstetrician and scheduling appointments to buying a car seat and deciding where to put the baby’s crib, a ton goes into planning for pregnancy and the arrival of your “bundle of joy.” Unfortunately, whether she’s trying to get pregnant or intends to have a child in the[…..]

The joy and excitement you feel after meeting your new baby can also be a stressful time for families. Developing a routine for eating, sleeping, bathing, and oral care may be challenging.  Did you know that it is important to clean your infants’ gums after a feeding?  Babies need help to remove bacteria and sugars[…..]

Teething begins when a tooth breaks through the gums. Teething can be a difficult time for the infant and adults.  Infants can become fussy, have trouble sleeping, drool more than normal or lose their appetite. When to expect the first tooth? The age that the first tooth appears is different for each baby.  Many babies[…..]

Cleaning your infant’s mouth soon after their birth is an important part to keeping them healthy. Cleaning your babies’ gums to clear out residue left behind from breast milk, formula or food prevents the buildup of bacteria and protects teeth when they begin to peek through and gets them ready for toothbrushing. Start by wiping[…..]

The real ghouls on Halloween are the ones who tell you don’t eat candy, don’t drink soda, eliminate sugar from your diet and pass out fruit, or sugarless candy during Halloween. Let’s be real! Halloween will always be the sweetest day of the year. Only one time a year can children can fill buckets with[…..]

There are countless reasons why breastfeeding is best for black mothers and babies. Join our sessions that break down the barriers to breastfeeding and offer support to help moms form that healthy bond with their little ones.

Date: Wednesday, April 13 Time: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Join the Delaware Healthy Mother & Infant Consortium to celebrate Black Maternal Health Awareness Week, April 11 – 17, with a live-broadcast panel discussion featuring Tiffany Chalk, Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown, and other voices in our community. Tune in to DETV Broadcast (Comcast channel 28), DETV Social[…..]

From reading every nutrition label on their baby food to toddler-proofing your kitchen to insisting they wear helmets on bikes, scooters and roller skates, you take great care to protect your child. You do everything you can to keep them safe, no matter where they are. You will go to any length to keep your[…..]

Did you know that one in every 10 babies is born prematurely each year in the United States? A premature (or preterm) birth is when a baby is born at least three weeks before the due date. A developing baby goes through important growth throughout pregnancy, including in the final months and weeks. For example,[…..]

When it comes to the health and happiness of her child, a mom questions everything. Especially in the first few years. The more a mom knows, the better she can protect her child and provide proper nurturing — from the moment she is pregnant until her baby is born and through early childhood. So it’s[…..]