DPH Home Visiting Information for Families

Support for You and Your Baby

mother and children working with home visiting program staff

The DPH Home Visiting Program is a no cost, voluntary service for pregnant women, new moms, and babies facing high-risk situations. 

You’ll receive regular check-ins from a public health nurse or trained community health worker at home who can answer questions, monitor health, and connect you with resources – helping you feel supported between doctor visits, from pregnancy through your baby’s first year. 

DPH Home Visiting works alongside your doctor or clinic. It does not replace medical care; it adds extra support between appointments.

Who Can Participate?

The program often supports families who may be experiencing high-risk situations, such as:

  • Health concerns during pregnancy or after birth (including diabetes, high blood pressure, preeclampsia, preterm labor, or a recent NICU stay)
  • Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and/or struggling with mental health concerns including anxiety and depression
  • Limited support from family or friends
  • Difficulty getting to appointments or accessing resources 

Getting started is simple. Talk with your doctor, clinic, or local health department, and they can refer you. You can also refer yourself. 

The program is of no cost to you.

home visiting staff checking a babies heart beat

What to Expect from a DPH Home Visit

A home visit usually lasts about one to two hours. How often you have visits and how long they are can change depending on your needs.

During a visit, your nurse or community health worker may:

  • Check in on how you and your baby are doing by taking measurements like blood pressure, weight, or blood sugar, listening to your baby’s heart rate, and asking questions about how you’re feeling physically and emotionally.
  • Help spot concerns early and answer questions by screening for pregnancy or postpartum warning signs and talking through when and how to reach out for care.
  • Share information and practical guidance tailored to your needs, including pregnancy recovery, breastfeeding, baby development, mental health, and overall wellness, often using pamphlets or books to support learning at home.
  • Connect you to care or community resources, if needed by helping schedule appointments, follow up with providers, or connect you to support for food, transportation, or baby supplies.

Support Is Here for You 

We bring support, care, and connection to you during an important time in your life. Through regular check-ins during pregnancy and after birth, we help you and your baby stay healthy, safe, and strong. 

Contact DPH Home Visiting Program

Contact

FAQs

  • Is Home Visiting free?

    The Home Visiting Program is no cost to you.

  • Do I need a doctor’s referral to participate?

    No. While we often receive referrals from doctors, clinics, insurance plans, or other programs, you can refer yourself to DPH Home Visiting.

  • Where do visits take place?

    Visits usually take place in your home, but they can happen anywhere you feel comfortable. Some families choose to meet on their porch, outside their home, or another agreed‑upon location that works best for them.

  • What happens during a visit?

    During a visit, your nurse or community health worker may check things like blood pressure or weight, talk through how you and your baby are doing, answer questions, help spot concerns early, and connect you to resources like food support, transportation, or baby supplies, if needed. Each visit is tailored to your needs.

  • What kinds of resources do home visitors bring during a visit?

    Home visitors may bring helpful items such as baby wipes, books, car seats, clothes, diapers, or pack‑and‑plays. If you let your home visitor know what you need, they will do their best to help connect you with those items or services.