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[…..]

The ChristianaCare Health Ambassadors are always on the go to help families any way they can. Breanna Thomas has been active with tabling community events to provide outreach to educate families and community members about the program. They did a backpack giveaway and provided outreach at the New Castle County Farmers’ Market and a vaccination[…..]

https://www.cffde.org/hfa ​We continue to be amazed by the extraordinary families we work with throughout our statewide Healthy Families Delaware (HFD) program. So we are celebrating three moms who have persevered despite their challenges and are truly a testament to the word RESILIENCY. Mom has been a consistent partner with HFD for two years. She’s been[…..]

NDEHS held a series of outdoor groups this summer! Families gathered on the playground and engaged in activities planned by the staff. It was good for everyone to be able to be in the same space and outside! More outdoor groups are planned for the early fall. Lori, our Stand By Me Coach, has been presenting at these[…..]

View the latest videos and information on COVID-19 vaccines and precautions for kids, families, staff, teachers, and more. Learn about smart safety measures we all can take at home, in class, and especially in person. COVID-19: Health Considerations | ECLKC (hhs.gov) Need tips for talking to families about COVID-19? Check out this one-page handout! Tips[…..]

I would like to nominate Kristi Gamuciello-Smith. She is the assistant program manager, a wife, and a mom of at least six kids — and anyone else who enters her home. She was a rock star prior to COVID-19, and during the pandemic, she’s been a rock of support for home visitors and families alike. She carries a[…..]

This was a graduation speech written by a mom who was a client of the Christina Parents as Teachers program. Her home visitor was Tamara Hackett Swain, whom the client asked to pin her at her graduation ceremony. My story begins in 2006, with the birth of my oldest daughter, Ja’Niyah, and a move from[…..]

Congratulations to Delaware Parents as Teachers for creating an amazing video that portrays exactly what makes the Parents as Teachers program so successful!  Thank you to the home visitors and families who were willing to share their stories.  

The Delaware MIECHV-funded home visiting program, which consists of CFF/HFA and several of the PAT sites, recently completed another quarter of services and reporting. As of June 30, 2021, the program continues to support approximately 400 households, and it fares well on many of the process measures involving the early childhood setting and referrals. These[…..]

In response to suggestions, you all offered, these wrap-around training sessions are currently scheduled for 2021-22.  Late November / early December: How to Have a Difficult Conversation (three-hour session) March: Resiliency and Self-Care (two-hour session) Introduction to Motivational Interviewing (delayed until we can meet in person) Refresher on Motivational Interviewing (delayed until we can meet[…..]