Children First

What is the Children First Program?

The Children First program is a voluntary program for first-time moms.  A caring, specially trained public health nurse will visit you in your home throughout your pregnancy and up until your child is 2 years old, at no charge to you.  At the home visit, the registered nurse will provide education on pregnancy, labor and delivery, child safety, child development, and parenting skills such as feeding, bathing, and toilet training.  

The Children First program does not take the place of prenatal care by a physician, but rather enhances that care.  Raising a child can be a challenging task for many first-time moms.  How often should I feed my baby?  How much should my baby weigh?  How can I provide the best care for my child?  These are just some of the issues first-time mothers and/or parents might be concerned about.  

The Children First program encourages early and continuous prenatal care, personal development, and the involvement of fathers, grandparents and other supporting persons in parenting.  

Your nurse will help you:

Have a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby.
Enhance your parenting skills.
Educate you on your child’s growth and development.
Provide referrals for support services available in your community.  

Who can receive services?

Any woman who is pregnant with her first child, any woman who may have been pregnant with her first child but had a miscarriage, and those who meet income requirements.  You can enroll as early in your pregnancy as you wish, but no later than your 28th week.  

Who do I contact?

For more information please contact the Greer County Health Department’s Children First program at (580) 782-5531.