Young mothers to get extra support from family nurses

YOUNG mothers are to be given extra support as part of a pilot scheme being launched in Scotland.

The test programme is aimed at helping young parents give their children a healthier start in life.

The Family Nurse Partnership is being tried first in the NHS Lothian area, where it will support first-time parents or single mothers under the age of 19.

As part of the scheme – inspired by similar projects in the United States – six family nurses will visit expectant mothers every one or two weeks during pregnancy and throughout the first two years of their baby's life.

They will offer guidance on child development, preventative health measures, parenting skills, breastfeeding and diet, and give mothers advice on education and employment.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon yesterday met some expectant mothers and the nurses at the programme's base in Craigmillar, Edinburgh.

She announced the 1.6 million test scheme during a visit to an existing programme in Harlem, New York, last year.

Ms Sturgeon said: "The enthusiasm and commitment of the parents-to-be and the nurses involved in this programme who I have met is really inspirational.

"This isn't an untested programme – the evidence from programmes already up and running in the US shows that it is improving prenatal health, increasing employment for young mothers, resulting in fewer unintended pregnancies and helping to reduce child neglect."

She said she was in doubt that the same kind of benefits would also be seen over here.

If successful, the project is expected to be extended elsewhere in Scotland.

Melanie Hornett, nurse director at NHS Lothian, said: "Being pregnant and having a baby can be challenging for any mum. Every parent wants to do the best for their child and this programme is about helping them to do that."