Support program that pairs nurses with pregnant people expands in Nova Scotia

A pregnant woman stands for a portrait in Dallas on Thursday, May 18, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP, LM Otero

A program that pairs specially-trained Public Health nurses with pregnant people in Nova Scotia has expanded to northern and western zones of the province.

Nova Scotia Health says it is now accepting Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) program referrals for clients in northern and western zones after launching the program in the province’s eastern zone roughly one year ago.

The program is a free, voluntary home-visiting program where nurses provide additional support to pregnant people. The partnership starts early in the pregnancy and continues until the child’s second birthday, according to a new release from the health authority.

“This program helps break through the isolation of early parenthood by providing continued care, a safe space to talk, and specific support to families and their children,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson in the release.

“These specialized nurses can be a welcome addition to a new parent’s support system, helping them identify and achieve personal and parenting goals, and ensuring the next generation gets a healthy start.”

The health authority says the program is designed to:

- help improve pregnancy outcomes and inequalities

- help children have positive health, growth and development outcomes

- set families on the best path for a health and happy life

The assigned nurse will work with the family to identify their personal and parenting goals, support development skills and move forward independently when the partnership is over.

Since being launched in the eastern zone last March, Nova Scotia Health says more than half of those eligible for the program have chosen to participate, resulting in more than 200 home visits.

Pregnant people living in eastern, northern and western zones of Nova Scotia can contact Public Health Early Years directly to self-refer to the program. Residents can also be referred by a health-care provider, community organization, or school-based program.

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