Support for you and baby.
Connect to services for your whole family.
Caring for a newborn can be amazing and overwhelming all at the same time. A Family Connects Oregon nurse can support you in those first few weeks. From answering your questions about feeding and sleeping, to supporting older siblings or where to find resources in your neighborhood, Family Connects Oregon is here to help.
How do Family Connects Oregon home visits work?
This is one visit you don’t have to plan, and you won’t even have to leave your house. A Family Connects nurse will come to you and check in on baby, parents and caregivers, and extended family — because everyone’s well-being matters.
First 3 weeks
We will reach out to you to schedule a visit about 3 weeks after birth. This can be in your home, online, or a place that works best for you.
Free
Services are provided at no cost for all families with newborns. Family Connects will never bill you for this service, even if your insurance does not cover it.
All families
Whether through birth, adoption, or fostering, if you’re a parent or caregiver with a newborn, Family Connects Oregon is for you.
No citizenship questions
Every family with a newborn is eligible for services, and it won’t affect your immigration status. This program is distinct from the “public charge”* rule.
* Public charge is an immigration term used to assess whether an individual is likely to become dependent on government assistance.
Learn more about a Family Connects Oregon visit
This mom knew she needed more support after welcoming home her second baby. Family Connects Oregon was there to help.
This mom says her Family Connects Oregon nurse almost feels like a family member, and she’d recommend all families sign up for a visit.
Dr. Claudia Jessy Henriquez Lopez, a pediatrician with OHSU, recommends Family Connects Oregon to all families bringing home a newborn.
What to expect
Here’s what a Family Connects nurse visit looks like. To learn more, Watch one family's home visit with Family Connects.
Support for the baby
Weight, temperature, heart rate
Discuss baby’s feeding and sleeping
Bathe, swaddle, and diaper changing tips
How to understand baby’s crying
Guidance to help baby sleep safely
Support for the birthing parent
Overall health check
Postpartum body healing
Lactation support
Sleep support
Postpartum depression check-in and support
Family planning information
Support for the whole family
How everyone's doing
Making follow-up doctor’s appointments
Best practices for supporting the birth parent
Checking in on older siblings
Child-care and community resources
FAQs
It’s normal to have questions. Here are some common ones parents and caregivers ask about Family Connects Oregon.
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Family Connects Oregon is a family-led program. This means the family can decide how they want to connect with the nurse. Families can receive up to four visits, depending on their needs. Though most families typically receive one visit.
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The program has nurses who speak English and Spanish. Interpreter services are provided as needed.
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Our nurses can meet you where you feel most comfortable, like at a family member or friend’s house or a community gathering space. You can also have a virtual visit if you prefer. Some Family Connects locations even have space available for you to come to them.
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There is no cost to families. Family Connects Oregon visits are covered by most insurance, meaning your insurance company will be billed, not you. You may receive an “explanation of benefits” letter from your insurance company, but this is not a bill, and you do not need to pay for anything. If you have no insurance, you still will not be billed for this service.
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Yes. Family Connects services are available to any caregiver of a newborn baby that lives in a county where the program is currently offered.
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No. Anyone in Oregon with a newborn is eligible for these services, and participating will not affect your immigration status. The Family Connects program is distinct from the “public charge” rule, which is an immigration term used to assess whether an individual is likely to become dependent on government assistance.
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Absolutely. The time after bringing a baby home can be a lot to manage. Parents with newborns are encouraged to take advantage of all support services available.
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While nurses won’t help you sign up, they can refer you to your nearest community resources and offices.
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Family Connects Oregon is currently operating in Benton, Crook, Deschutes, Douglas, Jefferson, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Multnomah, Polk, Washington, and Yamhill counties. You can check out our map to find an FCO near you to learn more.
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Family Connects Oregon is still growing, so if you don’t find one in your community right now, keep checking back! You can also contact 211info.org to connect to other family support programs in your community.
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Yes! All families benefit from the supportive guidance provided by Family Connects nurses. Research shows that 94% of families who participate in the nurse home visits were referred for additional support, including needs for specific education, recommendations, or community service referrals. Our mission is to connect you with resources that nurture your whole family and support your child.
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No preparation necessary! If you have specific questions or need help with a specific issue, talk to your Family Connects nurse. Otherwise, all you need to do is be there with your baby, and whoever else in your family you would like at the visit. You do not need to worry about cleaning your house or changing out of your comfy clothes.
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No, Family Connects is not just for first-time parents. You can schedule a nurse home visit whether this is your first baby, or you have other children at home.