August is Breastfeeding Awareness Month, a time to celebrate and support families on their journey to feed their babies. Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership® (Goodwill NFP) a program that pairs first-time, expectant parents experiencing economic barriers with a registered nurse, walks alongside families to help them reach their personal goals. Every family is unique, and Goodwill NFP honors a core belief: clients know themselves and their hearts best. The decision to breastfeed is always the mother’s choice, and when a mom chooses to nurse, her Goodwill NFP nurse is right there to support her.
Goodwill NFP Nurse Supervisor Audrey Jones and Nurse-Home Visitor Sara Lacy Gambs work daily with Indiana families to help them reach their personal goals, whether that means nursing for three months, six months or several years.
Because breastfeeding is natural but not always easy, learning and preparing before the baby arrives makes a massive difference. Trying to absorb new information right after giving birth can feel overwhelming for an exhausted mother, so Goodwill NFP nurses start conversations during pregnancy. They answer questions, dispel common myths and explain what to expect so those first moments feel far less scary.
Once the baby arrives, nurses visit the home weekly during the first six weeks, weighing the baby each time to reassure mom that her child is growing well. Nurse home visitors offer practical support with comfortable latching and positioning, reading hunger cues like hand-sucking instead of watching the clock, and sizing pump flanges to ease discomfort. They also assist with the transition back to work by helping mothers navigate pumping schedules and workplace legal rights.
Goodwill NFP nurse home visitors help clients unlock the incredible advantages breastfeeding offers for both mother and child. These include free, perfectly warm nutrition packed with protective antibodies for the baby, along with reduced risks of cancer and postpartum hemorrhage for the mom. These nurses guide families through common concerns like milk supply by explaining how supply and demand work, noting that frequent early feedings signal the body to make more milk. Above all, their ultimate priority is respecting each family's unique journey. If a mom cannot breastfeed or chooses to stop, her nurse fully supports her without judgment every step of the way.
No matter the timeline a mother sets for her nursing journey, Goodwill NFP connects them to support groups and resources every step of the way. With a trusted nurse in their corner, parents gain the confidence they need to thrive.
If you’re a first time parent and would like more information about Goodwill Nurse-Family Partnership visit the website at goodwillnfp.org.