PERHAM — Otter Tail County invites new parents to learn more about the resources provided by public health that are available for growing families. With many resources available in the county, public health nurses assist parents in connecting with community partners who provide local family services.
Otter Tail County Public Health family home visiting programs are available at no cost to families. Registered nurses partner with families beginning in pregnancy or shortly after a baby's arrival through the transition to parenthood, with continuing support until the child celebrates their second birthday. The public health nurses that visit families are specially trained in child development, child and parent health, baby feeding, soothing, sleep and parenting support.
Postpartum visits by registered nurses are also offered free of charge to any family requesting a visit. After the birth of a baby, a specially trained nurse calls new parents to provide information and support in a variety of areas including:
- Baby feeding, soothing and sleep
- Infant growth and development including infant weight checks
- Postpartum recovery and support
- Connection to family resources including local supports
Otter Tail County Public Health also offers breastfeeding support. A team of nurses and lactation specialists, the “Golden Start” team, provides professional services to families with breastfeeding questions and challenges during pregnancy and at any time during the breastfeeding experience.
Consultation visits are available free of charge over the phone, in the home or in public health offices. Call 218-998-8320 for lactation specialists to answer questions.
The Otter Tail County Public Health Department’s Women, Infants and Children program (WIC) continues to be a resource to families. It's open to new participants and serves families from pregnancy until age five. WIC is a health and nutrition program that provides a variety of healthy foods. WIC staff can answer nutrition and breastfeeding questions and refer families to additional resources.
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A new resource for families, “Growing Your Family” classes are offered twice a year in locations throughout Otter Tail County. Expecting parents are invited to attend a free one-hour event to discover parenting resources and tips and network with other parents. Registration is open now.
Growing Your Family class times
Tuesday, Feb. 28, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Fergus Falls Public Library or a virtual option
Tuesday, March 14, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Perham Public Library or a virtual option
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