Becoming a mom is an exciting, life-changing experience with many special milestones along the way. As your pregnancy progresses, you might be feeling a mix of emotions and even a little overwhelmed with what is to come. It is completely normal to have all the feels and want to know what is ahead in your unique journey—this is where Acenda's team of home visitors come in!
What is a home visitor?
You may have heard of home visitors before, but do you know what they do and how they can help? Home visitors are nurses and trained professionals who provide guidance, encouragement, and resources from pregnancy through preschool years. These skilled and caring professionals promote healthy pregnancy habits, give helpful advice on things like breastfeeding, and connect families to community resources. Best of all, home visitor services and the resources they provide are completely free for all families.
“Every visit is different, but at the heart of my work is the same: making sure moms feel supported, heard, and confident in what’s next. I’ve watched moms who were nervous at first grow into strong, empowered parents. Seeing that transformation is the most rewarding part of my job." -Christina Reiss, Director of Infant & Early Childhood Health
What does a home visitor do?
Acenda’s team of home visitors support moms with everything they need for their parenting journey. These trusted partners help moms:
- Navigate pregnancy and newborn care
- Learn about child development and milestones
- Connect with community resources like healthcare, childcare, family activities, and more
What is a first visit like?
Since this program is completely voluntary, a first visit is kind of like meeting a new friend—we want to know you and your growing family! Your home visitor will introduce themselves, share some of their experience, and explain how the program works. They will ask how you are feeling at this stage in your pregnancy, answer any questions, and listen to your concerns. After getting to know each other, your home visitor will offer practical advice and provide resources tailored to your specific needs.
“Families often say they were quickly convinced after meeting their home visitor for the first time. Most moms leave the first visit feeling relieved that they don’t have to figure everything out on their own.” -Christina Reiss, Director of Infant & Early Childhood Health
Acenda's maternal health programs are all about making moms feel comfortable and supported, so we come to you. Some families feel more comfortable meeting at a public location, like a park or a library, and others will welcome a home visitor into their home throughout the program. It’s all up to you!
Building Trust & Correcting Misconceptions
You may have heard of home visitors, but just like anything word of mouth it can be like a game of telephone where the details get blurry and change from call to call.
Myth: It’s only for low-income families or people struggling.
Reality: Home visiting is for all moms, no matter your income or situation.
Myth: This is for new moms.
Reality: Acenda’s home visitors support new moms and growing families with children ages 0 to 3 years old.
Myth: It’s associated with child protective services.
Reality: Home visitors are NOT associated with protective services. Home visiting is a free, voluntary program designed to help reduce stress for moms and empower growing families.
“There are many misconceptions about home visitors, but it is really for anyone and everyone! We have had parents who enrolled with their third and fourth child and learned something new.” -Christina Reiss, Director of Infant & Early Childhood Health
What if I feel nervous or embarrassed?
You’re not alone! It can be nerve-wracking to let someone into your life, especially when you are pregnant. But Acenda's friendly and knowledgeable home visitors are there to meet your nerves with compassion, encouragement, and even a laugh or two. When you welcome Acenda into your home it's a no-judgement space where you can be yourself, ask questions freely, and know you’ll always be met with a listening ear and guiding support.
“There is nothing to lose, but so much to gain when you enroll in one of our maternal health programs. You will learn about your child’s developmental milestones and ways you can help them as they grow!” -Christina Reiss, Director of Infant & Early Childhood Health
How will I feel after a few home visits?
Most moms begin to see their home visitor as a caring friend after only a few visits! As your visits become routine you will notice that they feel more relaxed and your child will start to recognize the home visitor as someone special and important to the family. One mom recently shared, “My favorite part is talking with my home visitor, her listening to me and giving me advice. It is really helpful for me! I love having her over my house and I actually feel like I am friends with her—she is very nice.”
What kinds of topics do home visitors discuss?
A Mother’s Journey
A young mom from Salem County felt overwhelmed when she discovered she was pregnant. After joining Acenda’s Healthy Families program, she received invaluable support through home visits, where she learned about prenatal care, breastfeeding, and early childhood development. The guidance from her home visitor helped her build confidence as a mother and connect with other parents in her community. This mom shared that she feels empowered in her parenting journey and has been referring other friends to join the Healthy Families program.
How do I know if I’m the “right fit”?
If you’re wondering if this program is “right for you,” the answer is yes! Home visiting is designed for all moms—from first pregnancies to families with toddlers. If you are pregnant or have a child under the age of three, you can have a home visitor. One of our moms recently said, “Do it! I recommend it to all my friends who are expecting.”
How to Enroll
Motherhood doesn’t come with a manual, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. To enroll in home visiting, call +1 (856) 431-4180 or visit nj.gov/connectingnj. If you would like to learn more about all of Acenda’s maternal health programs and services, click the button below.
Learn more about Acenda's Maternal Health Programs!
About the Authors
Christina Reiss is the Director of Infant & Early Childhood Health and has been with Acenda for over 13 years. Christina earned her bachelor's in social work, and then shortly thereafter began her career engaging and empowering families and enhancing communities. She has several years of experience in community engagement through New Jersey's network of Family Success Centers and started her work in Maternal Health 6 years ago. Christina aims to make pregnancy safer and healthier for all moms in the state of New Jersey, and to strengthen programs that provide support to all expecting and parenting families.
Cassandra Boyce is a volunteer contributor, freelance creative consultant, and former Acenda team member now based in Denver, Colorado. She is the creative mind behind BoscoMKT, where she helps organizations tell their stories through unique content and design. When she’s not behind her MacBook, she enjoys hiking in the Rocky Mountains, traveling abroad, and attending concerts.