Just before Christmas I met with Jen Vendetti, MSW, the Connections Coordinator for the Nurturing Family Network program at the University of Connecticut Health Center (UCHC).  We discussed the resources available for first-time parents and parents at risk for developing Postpartum Depression (PPD).  Jen explained that the Nurturing Family Network program at UCHC is similar to the program at Hartford Hospital that I shared with you some time ago, yet serves the Farmington Valley and West Hartford Area.

Every first time parent, except those who deliver their babies on weekends, gets a visit in the hospital and invited to use the phone support service.  In this service, trained volunteers call periodically to offer support to new parents. Those who qualify for home visits are usually referred prenatally, and receive periodic home visits to help with the adjustment to parenthood.  This service is especially helpful to teenage Moms and Dads.  In addition, Jen offers a social group open to Moms and Dads and babies less than a year old, called “Moms Morning Out” the first Thursday of each month from 10:00am to 12:00pm at the first floor conference room, 65 Kane Street, in West Hartford.

For more information about this valuable source of support and parents, check out the web page at: http://nurturingfamilies.uchc.edu, or call Jen Vendetti, MSW, at (860) 679-4114