Frederick Health Expands Family Connects Service

Frederick Health is pleased to announce the expansion of its Family Connects service. Family Connects, which offers a free at-home newborn visit three weeks after birth, is now available to all Frederick County residents caring for a newborn, regardless of where they deliver. Previously, only parents of newborns delivered at Frederick Health Hospital were eligible.

“Family Connects has a proven track record of making a real difference for families,” said Pilar Olivo, Executive Project Manager, Family Connects Frederick County. "By expanding this service, we're ensuring that every newborn in our community has the opportunity for a healthy beginning, and every family is supported during this delicate time of transition."

The service offers a free 90-minute to two-hour visit. Nurses meet the parent(s) or caregiver(s) in their home or at an agreed-upon location, providing compassionate care and personalized resources on various topics, including nutrition, sleep concerns, postpartum depression, and life with a newborn.

"A lot can happen between the time you leave the hospital and when you go for your six -week appointment; that's why we make our visits at the three-week mark," said Lori Sprecher, Clinical Manager, Family Connects Frederick County. "When we can catch issues early, we can help our patients advocate for themselves or connect them with the resources they need."

"The nurse detected a breathing issue with my son. If I had waited until my six-week appointment, it could have become much more serious," said Erica, mom of two and a Family Connects patient. "You would do anything to help your baby grow up healthy, so scheduling a visit is a no-brainer."

Family Connects serves all parents, including foster, adoptive, same-sex, transgender, and caregivers who are not mothers. Interpreter services are available for deaf or non-English speaking families. To learn more about the Frederick Health Family Connects service and schedule a free at-home newborn visit, call 240-566-4240 or visit www.NewBornVisit.com. You can also learn more about the program by visiting the Frequently Asked Questions page.