Welcome Family

We can help.

Motherhood is a joyful, exciting time, but it can be stressful too. Ask any new mom, and she’ll tell you that loving and caring for a newborn can be wonderful and difficult.

Welcome Family is a free program available to you and your newborn. It provides a one-time visit from a nurse who is experienced in supporting moms and newborns. The nurse will make sure you are feeling well and answer your questions. You’ll also get connected to other resources you might need.

Have questions? Ask someone with answers.

During your visit, you’ll have up to 90 minutes with an experienced nurse who understands what you’re going through. You and your newborn will receive a health assessment, and you’ll get information and advice about:

  • Calming your newborn
  • Bathing, changing and taking care of your newborn
  • Eating well to keep you and your newborn healthy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Ensuring that your home is safe
The nurse may also ask questions to make sure you are doing okay.

These might include:

  • Have you been getting enough sleep?
  • Do you have the support you need from family and friends?
  • Are you eating well?
  • Are you feeling upset or depressed?
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"I went from feeling powerless by the circumstances under which my child was born, to feeling powerful by the knowledge of how to specifically help my son.”

Our Welcome Family Locations

Lowell

Questions you might have:

Q: How much does the program cost?
A: The Welcome Family visit, follow-up call and support are all completely free.
Q: Is this program for anybody?
A: The program is for any mom with a newborn regardless of income or how many children you’ve had before. You qualify for Welcome Family Lowell if you live in Lowell or gave birth at Lowell General Hospital.
Learn about other Welcome Family program locations in Massachusetts.
Q: When and where will the visit take place?
A: The nurse will visit within the first few weeks after the birth of your newborn. Most visits take place in your home, but if you are more comfortable meeting at a different location, that’s okay, too.
Q: Can I have other people with me at the visit?
A: While this program is designed for you and your newborn, other people who are helping you take care of the baby and providing you with support are welcome to attend.
Q: What will happen during the visit?
A: The nurse is there to answer your questions and make sure you have the information you need to stay healthy. The nurse will also want to make sure that your newborn is doing well.