Healthy Beginnings: Public Health Nurses Provide Home-based Care for Expectant Moms and Newborns
Healthy Beginnings: Public Health Nurses Provide Home-based Care for Expectant Moms and Newborns
By Yolanda Y. Harris
As a new mother, Matteson resident Zaharia McLaurin had understandable concerns about whether she was doing everything right for her newborn baby, Za’Mor Caldwell.
Early on, the baby struggled with weight loss due to infant reflux. McLaurin adjusted her feeding routine by adding rice cereal to her baby’s formula. Now, at 4 months old and weighing 14 pounds, Za’Mor is thriving.
“Hold her upright for about 30 minutes to an hour after feeding her, and try to limit stimulation so she doesn’t spit up,” advised Maria Ajuzie, her Cook County Department of Public Health nurse, during a recent home visit.
“I’m learning as I go, but it seems like I’m getting the hang of it,” McLaurin said.
In addition to her family’s support, McLaurin credits Ajuzie, her public health nurse, with helping her feel confident in her new role as a mother.
“So many moms leave the hospital not feeling fully comfortable caring for their baby,” said Ajuzie, who has more than 30 years of maternal and pediatric experience. “We help them build that confidence.”
McLaurin is a participant in Cook County Department of Public Health’s “Healthy Beginnings” program, a home-based initiative that provides nursing support to expectant individuals and new mothers through their baby’s first year of life. The program, offered at no charge to suburban Cook County residents, is designed to improve maternal and infant health outcomes by delivering services right to the residents’ homes.
“Healthy Beginnings was launched to address persistent disparities in maternal and infant health and to strengthen early connections to care for pregnant and postpartum individuals,” said Michele Spikes-Cain, assistant director of Nursing at Cook County Department of Public Health. “Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications, and 90% of those complications are preventable.”
Through the program, public health registered nurses visit residents in their home and provide education on topics such as nutrition, immunization, safe sleep practices and tummy time. They also support breastfeeding, chronic disease management, and postpartum recovery. Beyond clinical care, nurses connect families to critical community resources, including mental health services, WIC, diapers, clothing, food assistance, and transportation to medical appointments.
During the visit with McLaurin, Ajuzie conducted a full assessment of her baby. She measured the baby’s head circumference and length, checked her weight, listened to her heart and lungs, and evaluated her developmental milestones.
“She was holding my baby, interacting with her—and my baby was smiling right back,” said McLaurin. “You don’t always get that kind of attention at a doctor’s office.”
McLaurin also appreciated the program’s holistic approach.
“She didn’t just ask about my baby—she asked about me, too,” she said. “My mental well-being mattered. I didn’t get that level of care in a traditional clinical setting.”
To learn more about or enroll in the Healthy Beginnings program, visit www.CookCountyHealthyBeginnings.org and complete a referral form.
Latest Stories
- Illinois Fallen Firefighter Remembered and Firefighters Honored for Distinguished Service to their Communities
- Chicago Restaurant Industry Lost 2,100 Jobs in 2025
- A Day of Wellness + Jump Rope-a-Thon Fundraiser Focused on Movement, Healing, and Community Care
- Giannoulias Unveils First-Ever Business Services Center, Streamlining Services for Faster, More Convenient Access
- Deadline to Apply for Property Tax Savings is May 15
Latest Podcast
The National Block Club University-Syron Smith
