DPH Home Visiting Patient Success

Amyni’s Story

Amyni learned about the DPH Home Visiting Program through her insurance after experiencing severe preeclampsia during a prior pregnancy. These complications registered her as high-risk, and early in her second pregnancy, she was connected with a DPH Home Visiting Program nurse, Lexy, who checked in regularly and helped her navigate a pregnancy that came with multiple medical challenges.

This pregnancy was not easy. Amyni faced illness, surgery while pregnant, and concerns about early labor. Throughout it all, Lexy became someone she trusted and relied on. “At least somebody’s in my corner, somebody’s having my back,” Amyni said. During visits, Lexy checked her vitals, listened to her concerns, and helped her decide when to call her doctor or seek additional care. When Amyni felt her concerns weren’t always being heard elsewhere, that advocacy mattered. “Having an at‑home nurse that will listen to your concerns and be your voice when you as the patient [are] not being heard, that speaks volumes,” she said.

With that support in place, Amyni was able to get through a complicated pregnancy feeling safer and more confident. Lexy also connected her with practical resources, including a play pen, clothes, and diapers. “She was able to help us with those resources when we didn't have [them],” Amyni shared. “[It] is really nice to be able to depend on somebody when you feel like you can't depend on anybody – or the system at that.” She has since welcomed a healthy baby and is now focused on her family’s next chapter. Through DPH Home Visiting, she didn’t just receive support during pregnancy – she had help navigating care, connecting to resources, and figuring out next steps. That guidance made a difficult time more manageable and helped create a stronger foundation for Amyni and her family.

Briana’s Story

Briana first learned about the DPH Home Visiting Program during an earlier pregnancy, when she was a first‑time mom and unsure where to turn for guidance. When she became pregnant again, she didn’t hesitate to reach back out on her own. “This pregnancy is very different,” Briana said. “It’s just me this pregnancy… and this program is like my shoulder to lean on.”

From the very first visit, Briana’s DPH Home Visiting Program community health worker, Keshia, focused on her whole health – both physical and emotional. During home visits, Keshia checks her blood pressure, weight, and other vitals, and talks through doctor’s appointments. She is also helping Briana think through a birth plan and prepare for the baby, including talking about car seat options and other essentials. Additionally, Keshia checks in between visits – calling or texting to see how Briana is feeling and offering encouragement on harder days. “She just wants to make sure that I’m okay and… most importantly, [that] the baby is okay.”

Over time, that steady support has made a real difference. Briana says she feels less overwhelmed as her pregnancy continues, and even her doctor has noticed the change. “In the beginning of this pregnancy, I was distressed… just crying, going through depression,” Briana said. “Now that I’m in the DPH Home Visiting Program… I don’t cry anymore. My doctor can see how happy I am… She loves it for me.” For Briana, DPH Home Visiting provides consistent support during a pregnancy that has felt especially challenging.

Sada’s Story

Sada joined the DPH Home Visiting Program during a high‑risk pregnancy after losing a twin early in a previous pregnancy. Because of that experience, pregnancy came with a lot of worry. She was often in pain and found herself stressed about what might happen between doctor’s appointments. Having a DPH Home Visiting Program nurse, Becky, come to her home and check in regularly helped relieve some of that anxiety, and over time, it led to a strong, trusting relationship. Sada refers to Becky as her “sister from another mother.”

During home visits, Becky paid close attention to how she was feeling and watched for changes in her symptoms. If something didn’t seem right, Becky helped her take action instead of waiting. “She could pinpoint if something was wrong with me before I could go to my next appointment,” Sada explained. “She could call them and tell them, ‘Hey, Sada needs to be seen as soon as possible.’” That kind of support made a real difference. “I didn’t have to wait for my appointment to be seen,” Sada said. “And that’s why I love the program.”

Knowing someone was consistently checking on her and ready to step in when needed, took some of the pressure off. “If you need anything, they [are] here for you – no matter what it is,” Sada said. “They [are] always there.” She has since welcomed a healthy baby girl, and the DPH Home Visiting Program remained a source of support as she prepared for and welcomed her baby. For Sada, DPH Home Visiting provided reassurance, quicker attention to concerns, and steady care during a time that often felt overwhelming.

Shelby’s Story

Shelby joined the DPH Home Visiting Program after years of pregnancy loss and ongoing health conditions that made pregnancy especially hard. From the beginning, she knew she needed extra support. “I had five miscarriages prior to getting pregnant,” Shelby said. “The first time I heard about the program was with my first daughter… She was my sixth pregnancy, which got me put in the program quickly.” 

During pregnancy, Shelby’s DPH Home Visiting Public Health nurse, Brittany, closely monitored her health and helped her understand what was normal and what wasn’t. When something didn’t feel right, Shelby felt comfortable calling Brittany first. In one instance, she began feeling symptoms that worried her, and Brittany helped her contact her doctor right away. “She called my doctor for me,” Shelby said. “I was in there within 30 minutes.” Doctors determined Shelby was in preterm labor and were able to intervene. “Without that, I probably would’ve had a baby at home,” she explained. 

Shelby is currently in her eighth pregnancy and continues to receive support from the DPH Home Visiting Program – which is especially critical as she prepares for postpartum. After her previous pregnancies, Shelby experienced severe postpartum depression and often felt overwhelmed while caring for her children. Through regular check‑ins, Brittany asked direct questions about her mental health and helped her recognize when she wasn’t okay. “They helped me understand that I wasn’t broken,” Shelby said.

Looking back, Shelby credits the DPH Home Visiting Program with being there for her during some of the hardest moments of her life, both physically and emotionally. “I don’t think I would even be here if it wasn’t for them,” she said. “My children would be without a mother.” For Shelby, DPH Home Visiting meant having people she trusted – people who listened, showed up, and stood by her when she needed it most. “They make me want to come work with them,” Shelby added. “I love them. They are my family.”