The North Shore Mother's Visiting Partnership (NSMVP) recently received well-deserved recognition on WBZ News Radio Boston, highlighting the crucial support we provide to new parents in communities across the North Shore. Our program offers free, in-home visits by public health nurses to families with newborn or newly adopted infants up to one year old. The goal is to ensure every parent has access to the resources, guidance, and emotional support they need during the critical first year of their child's life.
A Feature on WBZ Radio Boston
The feature on WBZ Radio Boston shed light on the dedicated work of public health nurses like Suzanne Darmody from Salem and Judith Ryan from Danvers, who play pivotal roles in delivering these services. During the segment,Suzanne Darmody shared her experiences visiting new parents and the impact of the program. "When I visit the home of a new parent, I bring a lot of stuff—diapers, knit hats, and literature on just about anything a parent could want to know. But it's often the emotional support that's most important," she explained. Suzanne emphasized the value of simply being there for parents, acting as a friend and trusted resource within the community. "Just to be a listening ear, you know, be there, be an outside party, and be kind of a friend that's in your town too," she added.
Judith Ryan, who conducts visits in Danvers, MA echoed these sentiments, focusing on the personalized approach the program takes. "The first thing I do when I visit a home is listen, and then a lot of the visit will go off of what their story is," Judith said during her WBZ interview. "We pick up little things, and that will lead us to some of the bigger resources that we have." Her goal is to leave parents feeling supported and confident. "When we go in, the parents are a little nervous, and by the time I leave, they thank me profusely with a big smile on their face. So, it just—I walk out of the house feeling like I really made a difference," Judith shared.
A Wealth of Resources and Support
The NSMVP program is open to any parent in the more than a dozen communities it serves, providing not only essential items but also a plethora of resources tailored to the needs of each family. "The program has a lot to offer," Judith mentioned. "The plethora of resources that we have is phenomenal." These resources help parents navigate the challenges of early parenthood, offering support that extends beyond the basics of infant care.
Suzanne Darmody hopes more parents will take advantage of what the program offers. "We’re really passionate about being there for new caregivers, to have some assistance with getting out in the community and knowing the resources that are out there," she said.
Making a Difference, One Visit at a Time
The WBZ Radio Boston feature underscored the impact of the NSMVP and the dedication of its nurses. Their visits not only provide practical support but also foster a sense of connection and reassurance for new parents, helping them feel less alone during a time of significant transition.
For those interested in learning more or scheduling a visit, information is available at NSMVP.org. The program continues to be a lifeline for families across the North Shore, ensuring that every parent has the support they need to thrive.
Listen to the interview below: