Cook County Public Health now offering home check-ins for new parents, their babies

COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) -- Every parent knows that babies do not come with manuals.

So, many new parents just figure it out on their own. But what if new parents could get help at home from a nurse?

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A new program in suburban Cook County aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality with home visits. ABC7 was there for one.

Just waking from a nap, this 4-month-old shares her discomfort of the manipulations for a checkup. Cook County Public Health Nurse Maria Ajuzie has seen baby Zamor twice at home since she was born.

"Some moms, when they come home from the hospital, they are not comfortable to care for the babies," Ajuzie said.

She is also there to check on mom.

"The first time I came in here, she was so excited, meeting them at their comfort," Ajuzie said.

Ajuzie says educating and supporting the new moms during her visits can prevent complications, both physical and mental.

"At first, it is kind of a struggle being a new mom. You really don't know these things. You're learning, so to have someone give you and extra set of advice, making sure you're OK," said new mom Zaharia McLaughlin.

"We don't want them to experience postpartum depression, which is not too good. For some moms, it doesn't go well with them. They end up being hospitalized," Ajuzie said. "We want you to be a healthy mom to take care of your baby."

"If you're not well, you can't really provide the care for your child," McLaughlin said.

These home visits are part of the Healthy Beginnings Maternal and Child Health Program from the Cook County Public Health Department. It started this year, in an effort to reduce maternal and infant mortality and promote healthier kids and families by supporting where moms where they feel most comfortable: at home.

McLaurin recently had her first child. While she has help from dad and other family, she says visits from Ajuzie are special.

"Knowing that I'm doing the right thing, she's getting the right milestones, she's developing properly, it's a big relief to know that," McLaughlin said.

If you or someone you know in suburban Cook County who wants more information or wants to enroll in Healthy Beginnings, click here for more information.