"Promoting Healthy Beginnings"

Program Services

Pregnant Women are referred to The Nest by their health care provider, service agencies, friends and others. Participants are encouraged to utilize existing health, welfare, and educational services available within Johnson County. The Nest assists clients in accessing these services and conducts educational services on-site. Clients are awarded incentive points that can be used to "purchase" items for their newborn in the Nest store.

Impact

The Nest enrolls nearly 100 participants yearly. Participants attend weekly Nest educational classes and regularly utilize resources in the community. More than 75% of Nest participants initiate breastfeeding. Breastfeeding has been shown to have a variety of benefits, including reduced infant infections and reduced incidence of child abuse and neglect. Of The Nest participants who have delivered, over 90% gave birth to babies within the normal range of birthweight and over 90% gave birth to full-term babies.