A new program through the Houston County Health Department helps first time mothers obtain the resources they need to best care for their child. The program is geared toward young moms, between the ages of 19 and 22, but older patients are included too. I sat down with one mom-to-be to find out more...

Cornegria Williams is almost 23 years old and 26 weeks pregnant... she says at the start of her pregnancy, she thought she had it all figured out...

For those questions Cornegria didn't have answered, she has nurse Cindy from Houston County Health Department's Nurse Family Partnership Program. This program started in May and allows a nurse to visit a first time mom in her home in order to provide support and education... from before she is 28 weeks pregnant, until her child is two years old. Patricia Prime, the program's supervisor, says this isn't only a program for information about pregnancy and child care, but to make sure the mom follows her dreams too.

The program is federally funded, and Houston County was chosen to participate due to the high amount of moms who don't receive prenatal care, the high amount of babies born premature and underweight, and the large amount of community resources already in place to complement the program.

Nurse Family Partnership doesn't provide much hands-on medical care, such as exams or vaccines, but provides support, and information about what to expect for pregnancy and the future. Cornegria says it is much easier talking to Cindy than to a doctor using a lot of confusing medical terminology.

Cornegria's family lives in California, and her husband has an unpredictable schedule with the Air Force... so she says the program is definitely beneficial.

Qualifying for WIC or Medicaid usually allows a young mom to also qualify for the Nurse Family Partnership. She can also qualify if she is a part of a military family, homeless, unemployed, or in an abusive relationship. For more information you can call the Houston County Health Department at 478-218-0142 extension 120.