Family Nurses Helping Young Mothers
Meg* was expecting her first child at 17. She was living away from home and because of an eating disorder she was very underweight.
She was six weeks pregnant when she was referred to Jane*, a family nurse with the Family Nurse Partnership scheme in Derby. They met every two weeks and Jane provided much needed support and advice throughout Meg’s pregnancy. As a result Meg was able to make significant changes to her life. She said at the time,
‘I have moved back home so my Mum can help a bit when I have my baby. I have stopped smoking. I am not underweight any more. I feel grown up.’
Meg and her baby have since moved into their own home after Jane referred her to Oasis, a housing support project for young parents provided by Derby City Council in partnership with the Government's ‘Supporting People’ programme.
Meg has also signed up for literacy and numeracy courses after Jane referred her to Connexions, the Government's advice and guidance service for 13 to 19 year olds. She is now thinking about pursuing vocational courses in the future.
Meg continues to notice the difference the relationship with Jane has made to her.
‘It has helped me feel confident about myself and about being a mum. She helped me learn new things and she gives me useful information but doesn't tell me what to do. Rather than having lots of different workers we get to know our family nurse so its easier to trust and talk to her. She is there when I need her’.
Jane is proud of Meg's progress.
‘She has absolutely blossomed in confidence and the care of her child.
‘There are so many others like her that have turned their lives around with help and support from a family nurse. An hour or so every two weeks doesn’t sound like much but we might be the first people who have listened to them.’