Children & Families
Pregnancy
Nurse Family Partnership
At the heart of our Nurse-Family Partnership program are caring nurses. We will personally help guide you through all the ins and outs of pregnancy, infancy, and parenting a toddler. We know becoming a mom for the first-time can be a lot to handle. Our nurse partners with you and shares real-time support and practical advice every step of the way.
You can join if you are pregnant with your first child, and meet the income requirements. We would like to tell you more and answer all your questions. Contact us so we can get you connected to your own personal nurse.
Check-out what other first-time moms are saying about Nurse-Family Partnership! Nursefamilypartnership.org
Nutrition Services
Nutrition concerns can come up during any stage of pregnancy. Our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can support you throughout your pregnancy. You will get guidance and helpful tips to ensure you are eating nutrient rich foods to support a healthy pregnancy for you and your baby.
Book an appointment with our Registered Dietitian, call 406.258.4298
WIC Nutrition Services provides monthly food benefits, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and community referrals. Income eligible individuals and families can participate.
Resources
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies, the Montana Coalition: Improve the health, safety, and wellbeing of Montana families by supporting mothers and babies, age 0 to 3. Useful information on pregnancy and parenting.
Smokefree.gov: Smoking and your Baby – Learn about the different tools to help you quit and how to use them.
Postpartum and Infants
Welcome Home Baby
From the hospital or birth center to your home, our Public Health Nurses are here for you and your baby. Within 2 weeks of the birth of your child, you can receive a visit from a nurse. They will check in and see how you and your baby are doing and answer your questions. They will help you find other resources you may need.
Free to all families in Missoula County no matter where you birth your baby or if you chose infant adoption.
You can get help with:
- Feeding your baby
- Weight checks and development
- Your postpartum recovery
- Answering any questions or concerns
- Get you connected to other Missoula County services
Be sure to ask the hospital staff for information or contact us at 406.258.4298
Infant Feeding
Infant Feeding Resources
Missoula Healthy Families & Welcome Home Baby
- Available to all new parents residing in Missoula County.
- Certified lactation specialists and nurses are available for home visits, Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Registered Dietitian helps with child growth, weight concerns and nutrition while breastfeeding during postpartum.
Newborn Helpline
- Feeding and breastfeeding questions? Call the Newborn Care helpline at 406.207.4357
WIC
- Income-eligible individuals who are breastfeeding can participate in WIC.
- WIC provides a monthly food benefit that can include infant formula, nutrition education, referrals, and more!
- One-on-one support from certified lactation specialist and peer breastfeeding counselors.
Baby Bistro
- A local free parent-baby support group for learning the ins-and-outs of nourishing your baby, led by a certified lactation specialist.
- Group meets every Tuesday at the Missoula Food Bank & Community Center at 1720 Wyoming Street from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Children and Parenting
Missoula Healthy Families
Are you going to be a parent soon or already taking care of a baby or parenting a child?
We know parenting can be a joy and a challenge and our nurses, dietitians, social workers, parenting educators and community workers can help support you on your journey.
They will give helpful advice on:
- pregnancy guidance
- infant care
- parenting tips
- health and nutrition
- early learning support for your child
- connection to other resources
We are here to help! Visits are free to all Missoula County families. Contact us and we will get you connected today!
Parents as Teachers
Parenting is hard work, and everyone needs support! Parents as Teachers is a unique early learning home-visiting program that supports families with children from pre-birth to five years old.
As a parent, you are supported to:
- connect with your child through playtime
- be confident in your role as a parent
- be more involved in your child’s development and education
- help your child be a problem solver
- help them develop language & social skills
- help prepare your child for kindergarten
Enroll Today! Call: 406.258.4298 or Contact us for more information.
Learn more about Empowering Families Everywhere – Parents As Teachers
Car Seats
The Drive Safe Missoula program offers several services to help parents and caregivers access and use car seats correctly.
Click below to learn more about qualifying for a free car seat, how to install your child’s car seat correctly, and other resources to keep your child safe.
Parenting Classes
Circle of Security
Explore how you were parented impacts how you are parenting today.
Get help with understanding what your child needs by learning their cues and behavior.
Love and Logic
Bringing the fun back into parenting! Imagine a calmer, happier home filled with learning, caring and mutual respect.
This parenting class helps you make sure you are taking care of yourself so you can be your best for your child.
Family Resources
Bright by Text
Do you have a child under age 9, or are you expecting a baby? Want to hear about fun things to do with your kids in Missoula County and learn about your child’s development?
This free program connects you to age-specific messages each week with links to more information. All you need to do is text 406PARENTS to 274448
Free and Low-Cost Activity Calendar
Each month, 5-2-1-0 Let’s Move! Missoula creates a calendar of free and low-cost activities happening in the Missoula area. Kids whose families access resources such as libraries, parks and museums enter kindergarten more ready to learn. Being active benefits all other ages, too!
LIFTS – Linking Infants and Families to Supports
All families need support during their parenting journey. LIFTS, or Linking Infants & Families to Supports, was created to link Montana families who are expecting or raising young ones to supports, resources, and other families.
Preparing for Emergencies
Unexpected events and emergencies happen. It’s important for families to do what they can to be ready. Learn more about creating a family emergency plan and building an emergency supply kit at Ready.gov.
Events
Fall Fun with Parents as Teachers and Nurse-Family Partnership!
Tuesday, September 24th, 3:30 to 5pm
Missoula Public Health
PARENTS – GUARDIANS – GRANDPARENTS
We Are Here For You
Hear what your community has to say about our programs