Welcome Family (MA)

What is Welcome Family?

Meeting Street’s Welcome Family New Bedford program offers a free nurse home visit and follow-up support calls to all mothers with newborns living in New Bedford, MA. We assess mother and newborn health and well-being and provide education, support, and referrals to services, as needed.

What you can expect from the Welcome Family Program

During your 90-minute visit, the nurse will answer your questions, provide a health check for you and your newborn, and provide information and advice about:

• Calming your newborn
• Bathing, changing and taking care of your newborn
• Eating well to keep you and your newborn healthy
• Breastfeeding
• Ensuring that your home is safe

The nurse will ask questions to make sure you are doing okay. These might include:

• Are you getting enough sleep?
• Do you have the support you need from family and friends?
• Are you eating well?
• Are you feeling upset or depressed?

Mom will also receive a free Welcome Family bag that includes a tote bag, rattle, book and other gifts for you and your baby.

The nurse or another person from the Welcome Family program will call you 2-3 weeks after your visit to check back in and make sure you have been able to connect with the resources and supports you need.

The Welcome Family visit, follow-up call and support are all provided at no cost to you.