Before connecting with her Goodwill de Puerto Rico Nurse-Family Partnership (NFP) nurse home visitor, Jeylines Santiago Vargas felt overwhelmed by uncertainty. Facing pregnancy, childbirth, and the prospect of breastfeeding , her head was full of questions and fear, feeling as though she had to navigate the journey entirely on her own.
That changed around her 20th week of pregnancy. Leaving a routine gynecologist appointment, Jeylines was introduced to Marluan, her NFP nurse home visitor. From their very first interaction, a transformative relationship took root, bringing immediate guidance, reassurance and steady support into her life when she needed it most.
Working alongside Marluan completely reshaped Jeyline's perspective on motherhood. Her nurse equipped her with practical tools and evidence-based knowledge, particularly around breastfeeding. With this preparation, Jeylines was able to breastfeed her daughter, Marela, within her first hour of life and continues to exclusively breastfeed today.
Marluan also ensured that childbirth was a shared, confident experience for the whole family. She coached Jeylines' partner on how to help manage pain during labor and offer meaningful physical and emotional support. "My partner took all of her advice and was much more prepared," Jeylines remembers. "I had an excellent birth experience, and I feel that the preparation made a huge difference."
Beyond the practical skills, the deep personal connection was what Jeylines valued most. In Marluan, she continues to find a trusted professional who listens, validates her feelings and remains consistently available whenever questions arise.
Today, Jeylines views herself not with fear, but as a strong, supported mother capable of balancing her family and her personal aspirations. She manages her own business, plans to finish her pharmacy degree and aims to show her daughter that being a mother includes setting goals for the future. .
"When I think about my life now, I think of myself as a mother who has more confidence, who feels supported and who has the tools to keep moving forward," Jeylines says. "And I believe that is one of the greatest gifts NFP has given me."