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Nurse-Family Partnership

Nurse Family Partnership

Nurse-Family Partnership is a free program that helps first time mothers create a better future for themselves and their baby. The main goals of the program are to keep children healthy and safe, and improve the lives of moms and babies.

In the program trained nurses regularly visit you. The visits start early in your pregnancy and continue through your child’s second birthday.

As a mother-to-be you get the care and support you need to have a healthy pregnancy. At the same time, you develop a close relationship with a nurse who becomes a resource you can rely on for advice on everything from safely caring for your child to providing a secure future for both of you.

Learn More About Nurse-Family Partnership

For more information about Nurse-Family Partnership and other programs that you may be eligible for, please call (716) 706-2482 or complete the form below.

This program is currently available in Erie and Niagara Counties.

Create a Better Future for You and Your Baby

We help moms to become confident, successful parents. By joining our program, you can:

  • Have a healthy pregnancy
  • Become a better parent
  • Build a support network for you and your baby
  • Make your home a safe place for you and your baby to live and play
  • Get referrals for healthcare, childcare, job training and other support services
  • Encourage your child’s development and improve his or her performance at school
  • Find ways to continue your education and develop job skills
  • Set goals for the future and create a plan to reach them

PBS Newshour highlighted NFP as a home visiting program that helps to boost brainpower in children. Click here to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Can Enroll?

Nurse-Family Partnership is for any woman who is:

  • Pregnant with her first child
  • Less than 28 weeks pregnant
  • Eligible for WIC or Medicaid
  • Lives in Erie or Niagara County

Where Can I Enroll?

We ask that you contact us as early as possible, typically before week 28 of your pregnancy, so that we can help you prepare for childbirth and support you as you go through the challenge of becoming a parent for the first time.

How Do I Enroll?

To enroll or for more information, contact Catholic Health at (716) 706-2482 or at nursefamilypartnership@chsbuffalo.org.

What Happens During Appointments?

Your nurse is a support person who will answer your questions, guide you in becoming self-sufficient and connect you with resources in the community.

You will:

  • Learn how to overcome the emotional, social and physical challenges you’ll face as you prepare for a healthy birth.
  • Learn about the birth process and challenges to expect after the first few weeks of delivery, such as postpartum depression
  • Get help finding prenatal care, if needed.
  • Learn how to improve your diet.
  • Learn how to reduce your use of cigarettes, alcohol or drugs.
  • Develop a vision for your future, which may include staying in school, finding employment and planning any future pregnancies.

When Are My Appointments?

Appointments are available during the day, Monday through Friday. Nurses make every effort to accommodate your schedule.

Home visit schedule:

  • Weekly for the first 4 weeks
  • Every other week until the child is born
  • Weekly for 6 weeks
  • Every other week until the child is 21 months old
  • Monthly until the child is 2 years old

Who Can Be Present at Appointments?

We encourage fathers, family members and friends to attend your home care visits and learn how they can support you. You can decide with your nurse who should be involved.

I Know Someone Who Would Be Eligible for this Program. What Can I Do?

If you would like to refer someone to the program, please send their contact information to nursefamilypartnership@chsbuffalo.org or by calling (716) 706-2482.