Healthy Directions is a home visiting program of Diversified Home Services. The New Born Baby and Visiting Lactation Consultants has a contract with Healthy Directions to provide breastfeeding services to young families throughout Northern Worcester County. Our services are grant funded and available at no charge to families in Healthy Directions services regardless of income.
Healthy Families Massachusetts
North Worcester County Program) helps young parents be the best parents they can be. Young parents (20 years old and under) who are expecting their first child are eligible. Home visiting services, prenatal and childbirth classes and parenting education groups are available until the child's third birthday. Healthy Directions works with other agencies as part of our Healthy Families services - including Gardner Visiting Nurse Association and Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Each of the above programs is for expectant parents and families with very young children (up to the age of three). They include fathers, partners and other family members in our services. Staff may include family home visitors, registered nurses or licensed social workers. Services are geared to the particular needs of each family, but generally include:
- Connections with local services
- Information on pregnancy, labor and delivery
- Newborn care
- Breastfeeding education and support
- Child development
- Play activities and books
- Child health care
- Immunization information
- Parenting information for mothers and fathers
- Child and home safety
- Nutrition
- Family planning information
For more information about Healthy Directions, please call 978-348-1702, or stop by The Cottage on the Burbank Campus in Fitchburg.
Programs at Healthy Directions are funded and by grants from the Massachusetts Children's Trust Fund and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.