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Description
A child can develop fully and harmoniously only by growing up in his family, feeling happiness, love, understanding, parental care and responsibility. According to the health indicators (Institute of Hygiene), the number of children born to young mothers (aged 15-19) in Vilnius city is still considerable, although according to various studies it is not recommended for women under 20 to give birth due to health and social aspects. The data of Seskine Clinic show that in average 11-12 pregnant women are younger than 21 years or above 40 years old, also, approx. 10-15 pregnant woman have risk factors such as smoking, drug use, mental health disorders or illnesses, and additional risk factors such as poor couple / family relationships, domestic violence, poor living conditions, low self-esteem, insecure social environment, pregnant women could reach 15-25% from all expectants. In view of this, and in order to improve the physical and mental health of expectant mothers in Vilnius city, reduce child neglect by increasing the social responsibility of young mothers from risk groups, it is planned to implement the family visiting model, providing early intervention services, in Seskine Clinic and and to provide family visits with early intervention services during the project implementation and for another 6 years after the implementation of the project. The aim of the project is to provide support and improve information for expectant mothers during pregnancy, after childbirth and until the children reach the age of 2. The provision of such services is likely to help mothers make informed decisions about their childcare to ensure the well-being of vulnerable mothers, infants and children under 2 years of age. Services are expected to be used by at least 25 families per year.
Summary of project results
The project last more than two years. Despite to great financial and methodical support, the work was not easy. The practice to visit families in home, to give them professional health help, to bring them nursing practice and professional services, is new in Lithuania. The project’s main thing is moms understanding that help is important to transform their lives and create better futures for themselves and their babies.
At first, this understanding about nurse-family partnership success and the main goal - keeping children healthy and safe and improving the lives of moms and babies – was difficult. The problem, that at first people avoid informing themselves too much, and accept care too much. Moms sometimes feel uncomfortable with the interviews. Another important thing: nurses and midwives are not a social workers. So, special education for the nurse and midwife was very important. But the main problem and result, to find empathy, and be a professional part of family lives, to find ways to connect with the mothers on a personal level, approached them as a friend. Professional friend.
The main thing was to translate and enhance the science of pregnancy and early childhood development to serve vulnerable babies and families. It was more than job, it required full involvement and time.
Specially trained nurse regularly visited young, first-time moms-to-be, starting early in the pregnancy and continuing through the child’s second birthday. She visited 25 families twice a month. During attendance she helped pregnant women from 22-th pregnancy week to delivery feel good about themselves. After delivery to 2-year baby age she helped moms, and their babies feel good about themselves. All the time actively listen, to understand and give empathy.
A lot of activities were performed during visits. Carefully analysis of safety in the family house for pregnant mom and baby. Collecting interviews. Helping the moms to find clothing for them and babies helped them get a health education. Helping moms to prepare breasts for breastfeeding and help during first breastfeeding weeks. Helping with pregnancy, newborns and babies for Vaccination fears, seek and find solutions. Moms received knowledges about preventive health and prenatal practices for the mother—helping her find prenatal care from health care providers, improve her diet and reduce her use of cigarettes and alcohol, prepare for the arrival of the baby by educating her on the birth process and the immediate challenges of the first few weeks after delivery (e.g., breastfeeding and potential postpartum depression). Families need help all around.
During this intensive program has demonstrated clear positive outcomes. By visiting the families in their homes and helping moms and their partners through their pregnancies and until their children are 2 years old, family visitor became a trusted advisor, providing the support they need to deliver healthy babies, and become relaxed and confident parents. Mothers had better prenatal care, improved their diets, and reduced their use of tobacco and alcohol. First-time moms became prepared emotionally for the arrival of the babies. New mothers developed the skills to care for themselves and their children and identify developmental milestones and educational opportunities. Mothers learned more about their health during pregnancy and preparing for delivery. Young moms learned more about the full range of normal behaviors in children and developed positive approaches and nonviolent techniques for coping with inevitable behavior problems. Mothers and their families developed a vision for their future and found ways to stay in school, seek employment and plan future pregnancies so they can achieve economic self-sufficiency.
All the families were satisfied with the visits and care of them. At the same time, new mothers develop a close relationship with a nurse who becomes a trusted resource they can rely on for advice on everything from safely caring for their child to taking steps to provide a stable, secure future for them both. Through the partnership, the nurse provides new moms with the confidence and the tools they need not only to assure a healthy start for their babies, but to envision a life of stability and opportunities for success for both mom and child. The good news, that the project becomes the part of National health system in Lithuania, that is the most beneficiary for mothers.