Who is Welcome Every Baby for?
Expecting and new parents living in South Oxnard who would like support adjusting to life with baby. Additionally, all Ventura County families with children 0-5 can access support services through our Help Me Grow and Neighborhoods for Learning programs.
What is home visiting?
Home visiting offers parents and caregivers the tools and supports that promote healthy, thriving families during the first 6-12 weeks of welcoming baby home. Families receive one-on-support on topics such as child development, early literacy, nutrition, child safety, and referrals to needed services.
Who is a home visitor?
A home visitor is an Early Childhood Family Specialist experienced in being a parent’s advocate, coach, and connector to community services. Home visitors provide expecting and new parents information and support, and serve as a trusted partner to help you through your pregnancy and early parenthood.
Why should you participate?
Because every parent deserves support in raising a healthy and strong family. During six visits, our trained staff will:
- support you in bonding and playing with baby
- connect you to additional resources
- provide tools to support your family’s well-being
- give you free books!
Before Pregnancy
Click here to explore how you can give your baby the best start!
A healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy you. By being proactive in your pre-pregnancy (preconception) journey you can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy-related complications.
Visit, the Office on Women’s Health’s website for tips to improve your wellness before pregnancy.
During Your Pregnacy
Congratulations! As you prepare to welcome your new baby, learn how First 5 Ventura County can support you and your child, prenatally through age 5, through a variety of resources, including our free Kit for New Parents.
To explore health and safety tips and to see how your baby develops each week, visit Text4baby.
As you transition into life as an expecting parent, remember the importance of caring for yourself and your mental health. Thinking about how you will nourish yourself post-baby and the social support system you may need will allow you to provide the best care for your child.
We welcome you to visit your local Neighborhoods for Learning for community-social support and additional resources such as screenings, referrals, parent education, and more.
To explore other mental and emotional health resources, click here.
Did you know that oral health is linked to a healthy pregnancy? Gum disease during pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight, and yet only 46% of women in the United States schedule a dental cleaning during pregnancy.
Good oral health is important for your overall health, click here to explore Medi-Cal dental services during your pregnancy.
Teen Pregnancy
Young people who become parents often experience intense and mixed feelings about their pregnancy and the idea of becoming a parent. Know that with a proper support system and preparation, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and be an excellent parent.
For tips on how to have a healthy teen pregnancy, visit the American Pregnancy Association. Additionally, for suggestions on how to share the news with your loved ones and other resources, click here.
Many clinics provide free or low-cost counseling and reproductive health services, including birth control, for teens. By law, Title X family planning clinics must offer private and confidential services for teens.
To learn more about your confidentiality protection in California, click here.
Additional Resources
Helping first-time parents succeed to learn more, click here.
Building strong communities, thriving families, and children who are healthy, safe, learning, and ready for school.
To learn more about Parents as Teachers, visit Parents Parents As Teachers, email ParentsAsTeachers@ventura.org, or call 805-981-5193.
Giving Birth
Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest joys and responsibilities. As you are preparing to welcome the newest member of your family, be sure to get your free Kit for New Parents to give your baby the best start.
View the links below to help you prepare for labor and delivery.
Doulas are non-medical birth workers who provide educational, advocacy, and emotional support to birthing people and their families throughout the pregnancy and postpartum period. Research has shown that utilizing a doula is beneficial to the birthing parent and baby; and can improve birthing outcomes for women of color. To find a local certified doula, click here.
With Medi-Cal you can receive doula services up to one year after pregnancy. For beneficiaries on a Medi-Cal managed care plan, contact your health plan directly for assistance locating a covered doula.
Postpartum
Many people experience symptoms of depression at some point in their lives, and directly following birth, parents are more susceptible to depression due to the major life changes of welcoming home a new baby and the hormonal changes that follow childbirth.
Consider visiting your local Neighborhoods for Learning for additional supportive resources such as screenings, referrals, parent education resources, and more for your family.
For immediate help, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline offers free, confidential services 24/7 in English and Spanish; call or text 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS (1-833-943-5746)
California has some of the strongest laws and regulations in the nation to support breastfeeding and lactating individuals. To view Breastfeeding Rights, click here.
View a variety of breastfeeding support resources below:
- Locating a breast pump
- Ventura County Health Care Agency – Breastfeeding Resources
- Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County
- County of Ventura – Breastfeeding Support
Health and Wellness
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If you’re trying to quit smoking, vaping, or using smokeless tobacco, Kick It California can help
COVID-19
Your Fatherhood Journey
An involved father is important for a child’s early development. Many new parents might not understand all that is happening in the first 5 years, but that’s where our Parent and Child Together classes can help!
Studies show that affectionate, supportive dads can help instill a sense of well-being and self-confidence in young children. Connect with other local fathers and learn ways to bond with your child at your local Neighborhoods for Learning. To register for Parent and Child Together classes, click here.
