Family Connects New Mexico
Welcome Home with Family Connects New Mexico — We’re Here for You and Your Baby
Family Connects New Mexico offers free, in-home nurse visits in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola, McKinley, Torrance, and Valencia counties to support families during the early weeks after birth with expert guidance, health checks, and personalized resources.
This proven program leads to fewer ER visits, improved maternal mental health, and stronger community connections, helping New Mexico families feel more prepared, supported, and connected from the very start.
What is Family Connects New Mexico?
When your baby arrives, you can count on Family Connects New Mexico (FCNM) to help you feel supported and confident.
This free program, offered by the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD), provides in-home visits from registered nurses to families with newborns during the first few weeks after birth.
FCNM offers hands-on support right where families need it most—at home. The program is designed to ease the transition into parenthood by providing guidance, answering common questions, and connecting families to trusted local resources during the early weeks after birth.
Whether you’re a first-time parent, a foster or adoptive caregiver, or already have children at home, FCNM is here to walk beside you. Our goal is to help you feel confident, capable, and connected—because no one should have to navigate postpartum and the early stages alone.
What Families Can Expect:
- A registered nurse will visit your home around three weeks after your baby is born
- No cost to participate for all families, regardless of income, language, or background
- Personalized care tailored to your unique needs
Family Connects services are currently available in the following counties: Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola, McKinley, Torrance, and Valencia. Stay tuned as more counties will be added soon.
“After my visit, I reached out to my nurse for advice about my older child being ill. She responded quickly and provided me with the guidance I needed, which was incredibly reassuring.”
— Family Connects Parent
“As first-time parents, we had a wonderful experience with our Family Connects nurse. She followed up on our baby’s heart murmur, ensured we had all medical appointments scheduled, and completed thorough assessments for both mom and baby. Knowing we were moving out of state, she even helped us find a new pediatrician to ensure a smooth transition. Her support made a big difference.”
— Family Connects Parent
Contact
Family Connects New Mexico
Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD)
Family Foundations Bureau
PO Drawer 5619
Santa Fe, NM 87502
Email: familyconnectsnm@ececd.nm.gov Statewide Warmline: 877-842-4152
Proven Results for Families and Newborns
Healthier Starts for Babies
%
Fewer emergency room visits and hospital stays in the first year
More Confident Moms
%
Moms less likely to experience postpartum depression or anxiety
Stronger Communities
%
15% increase in families using local resources and support services
Source: Family Connects National – Evidence and Research familyconnects.org/evidence.
Why Families Choose Family Connects?
FCNM is part of a nationally recognized, evidence-based model that delivers measurable benefits in the lives of families. Independent studies of Family Connects programs have shown:
- 50 percent fewer emergency room visits in a baby’s first year
- Improved maternal mental health, with lower rates of postpartum anxiety and depression
- Higher rates of postpartum health checkups for birthing parents
- Increased use of high-quality child care and early learning programs
- Greater confidence in newborn care reported by parents
- 97 percent of families successfully connected to at least one helpful service or support
By providing early, individualized care and linking families to what they need most, Family Connects helps set the stage for healthier families, stronger communities, and better outcomes for children across New Mexico.
“My nurse was incredibly attentive and caring. She even called me the day before my home visit to ask if there was any specific information I would like to receive, ensuring that my needs were fully addressed.”
— Family Connects Parent
What Nurses Can Help with During Your Visit
Your Family Connects nurse is a trusted, trained professional who will provide personalized support and guidance based on your needs. Topics may include:
Newborn Care
- Checking your baby’s weight and overall health
- Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support
- Tips for bathing, diapering, and swaddling
- Managing crying, sleep, and soothing routines
Your nurse can also connect you to helpful services such as child care, mental health support, or parenting groups—ensuring you have the resources you need from the very beginning.
Maternal Health
- Postpartum health check
- Screening for postpartum depression or anxiety
- Support with physical recovery and emotional well-being
Resources and Referrals
- Connections to playgroups and parent support networks
- High-quality child care and early education options
- Scheduling follow-up medical appointments
- Financial, housing, or transportation support
- Early literacy and healthy home tips
How it Works
If you deliver at the University of New Mexico hospital and live in in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola, McKinley, Torrance, or Valencia counties, you’re automatically eligible. Here’s how it works:
Hospital Connection
Families who deliver at University of New Mexico hospitals and live in Bernalillo, Sandoval, Cibola, McKinley, Torrance, or Valencia counties are automatically eligible.
We Reach Out
A Family Connects nurse or coordinator will connect with you at the hospital or reach out within the first week after birth to introduce the program and schedule your visit.
Home Visit
Around three weeks postpartum, a registered nurse visits your home to answer questions, check on your health and your baby’s, and provide personalized support for your household. Families typically receive one to three visits over the course of two to three months, with timing and frequency tailored to their individual needs.
Connection to Resources
Connection to Resources
Your nurse can connect you with local community-based services and resources that offer additional support during the postpartum period and early childhood. No application. No cost. Just support when you need it most.
Resources
Family Connects provides trusted resources and referrals to help families access local support services. Whether it’s healthcare, child care, or parenting support, nurses connect families with the right tools and providers based on their unique needs. Click titles below to view resources!
Women's Health and Postpartum
| Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses patient education pages | |
| Save your Life, postpartum warning signs – link to downloads in multiple languages | POST-BIRTH Warning Signs Education Program – | AWHONN Maternal Safety Training |
| POST-BIRTH Warning Signs: English | PBWSSaveYourLifeHandout_English.pdf |
| POST-BIRTH Warning Signs: Spanish | PBWSSaveYourLifeHandout_Spanish.pdf |
| POST-BIRTH Warning Signs: Dine’ | PBWSSaveYourLifeHandout_Navajo.pdf |
| POST-BIRTH Warning Signs: Vietnamese | PBWSSaveYourLifeHandout_Vietnamese.pdf |
| American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology Women’s Health education pages | |
| My Postpartum Care Checklist (English) | HT002 Postpartum Care Checklist |
| My Postpartum Care Checklist (Spanish) | HTS002 Postpartum Care Checklist |
| Postpartum Support International | |
| Maternal Mental Health Helpine | PSI HelpLine (English & Spanish) | Postpartum Support International (PSI) |
| National Crisis Text Line | Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis. |
| Suicide Prevention Hotline | dial 988 or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org |
| Virtual Support Groups | Weekly Online Support Group | Join a Free Group Today |
| Office on Women’s Health: Fact Sheets | Fact sheets |
| 4th Trimester Project | |
| Postpartum Toolkit Page | Postpartum Toolkit Materials – 4th Trimester Project |
| Taking Care of You (English) | takingcareofyou-EN-092221.pdf |
| Taking Care of You (Spanish) | takingcareofyou-ES-092221.pdf |
| Postpartum Care Plan | Postpartum Care Plan – 7.18.2022 |
| Postpartum Mother Health Information (English) | ParentHealthInformation-EN-2025-final.pdf |
| Postpartum Mother Health Information (Spanish) | ParentHealthInformation-ES-0922211.pdf |
| Centers for Disease Control – Hear Her Project | |
| Postpartum Warning Signs – CDC (English) | Hear Her Warning Signs |
| Postpartum Warning Signs – CDC (Dine’) | Hear Her Urgent Maternal Warning Signs |
| Postpartum Warning Signs – CDC (Spanish) | warning-signs-poster-Spanish-h.pdf |
| Postpartum Warning Signs – CDC (Vietnamese) | Quý vị đang mang thai hoặc đã mang thai vào năm ngoái? |
| Postpartum Warning Signs – CDC | Urgent Maternal Warning Signs Educational Materials | HEAR HER Campaign | CDC |
| (Page with links to multiple languages) | |
| Kassy’s Kause – Perinatal Depression Awareness | THE KAUSE | Kassy’s Kause |
| Postpartum Birth Control Options | Birth Control After Pregnancy: What to Know |
| Birth Control Guide (Chart) | |
| STI information links | |
| CDC overview page | Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) | STI | CDC |
Pediatric Health Resources
| Where to go when your child is sick – | unm-health-respiratorysymptoms-v5.pdf |
| UNM Children’s Hospital | |
| 4th Trimester Project | |
| Baby Health Information (English) | BabyHealthInformation-EN-2022-final.pdf |
| Baby Health Information (Spanish) | BabyHealthInformation-ES-2022-final.pdf |
| Healthy Children, American Academy of Pediatrics | |
| Infant and child resources (English) | HealthyChildren.org – From the American Academy of Pediatrics |
| Baby’s First Year | Baby – HealthyChildren.org |
| Infant and child resources (Spanish) | HealthyChildren.org – De la American Academy of Pediatrics |
| Baby’s First Year (Spanish) | Bebé – HealthyChildren.org |
| Back to sleep, Tummy to Play (English) | Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play – HealthyChildren.org |
| Back to sleep, Tummy to Play (Spanish) | Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play – HealthyChildren.org |
| Child Development Supports: Moments Together | Moments Together – For Parents of Little Ones |
| Home Visiting Programs and FIT Services | Get Support – Moments Together |
| Infant Oral Care and Thrush | infant-oral-care-and-thrush.pdf |
Immunization Resources
| Centers for Disease Controls and Prevention | |
| Infant and child vaccine schedule | Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger; 2025 U.S. |
| Adult vaccine schedule | Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule for ages 19 years or older; 2025 U.S. |
| Healthy Children: Vaccine Preventable Diseases | Vaccine Preventable Diseases – HealthyChildren.org |
| UNM Protect Your Baby From Whooping Cough | tdap-education-handout—midwives_11-8-19_eng_812-966.pdf |
| New Mexico Dept of Health Vaccine Program | Immunization |
Infant and Child Safety
| Infant First Aid and Choking handout – | First Aid |
| American Academy of Pediatrics | |
| Environmental Protection Agency – indoor air safety | https://www.epa.gov/environmental-topics/health-topics |
| A Healthy Home | Healthy Home Action Brochure (English) |
| Healthy Home Action Brochure (Spanish) | |
| NM Poison Control | https://hsc.unm.edu/poison/ |
| Poison Prevention Home Checklist (English) | hsc_eng.pdf |
| Poison Prevention Home Checklist (Spanish) | hsc_span.pdf |
| Safe Kids Worldwide – various child safety topics | https://www.safekids.org/parents |
| Safe Kids Worldwide – Spanish links to child safety topics | ESPAÑOL | Safe Kids Worldwide |
| Baby Safety topics | Baby | Safe Kids Worldwide |
| Baby Safety checklist | baby_safety_checklist.pdf |
| Medication Safety for Babies | Medication Safety for Babies | Safe Kids Worldwide |
| Child Welfare Information Gateway | https://www.childwelfare.gov/topics/parents-and-caregivers/ |
| Car Seat Safety Resources | |
| Car Seat Recommendations: | Car Seat Recommendations for Children |
| National Highway Traffic Safety Administration | |
| Safe Kids Worldwide: Car Seat Home Checkup | car_seat_checklist_for_parents_2019.pdf |
| Safer New Mexico Now: Car Seat: Car Seat Clinics and educational handouts | Safer New Mexico Now | |
| CDC Child Passenger Safety | Child Passenger Safety | Child Passenger Safety | CDC |
| Safe Sleep | |
| National Institutes of Health- Safe to Sleep | Homepage | Safe to Sleep (nih.gov) |
| NM Department of Health | http://nmhealth.org/suid/ |
| Safe Sleep Academy- parent focused education | Home – Safe Sleep Academy |
| NM DOH safe sleep education | Infant Safe Sleep Advocacy | About Safe Sleep New Mexico |
| Links to English and Spanish materials for download | Safe-Sleep-Recommendations.pdf |
| Protecting your baby from abusive head trauma | https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Abusive-Head-Trauma-Shaken-Baby-Syndrome.aspx |
| Children and Pet Safety | |
| FF handout | Pet safety.pdf – Google Drive |
| Family Paws: Dog and baby safety | 06-FPPE-Dog-Baby-Safety-Tip-Sheet-Version-01 |
| Family Paws: 5 Types of Supervision | 01-Five-types-of-Supervision-Version-01 |
| Family Paws: Success Stations | 07-Success-Stationss-Version-02 |
| Family Paws: Grumble-Growl Zones | 03-Grumble-Growl-Zones-Version-01 |
Nutrition and Breastfeeding
| Finding a lactation care provider | Neighborhood breastfeeding help is a click away | ZipMilk |
| Roadrunner Food Bank of NM: Food Finder Map | Find Food – Roadrunner Food Bank |
| Soccorro First Born, Baby’s first Cookbook | Baby’s First Cookbook.pdf – Google Drive |
| Lactation Education Resources: Parent Handouts (6 languages) | Parent Handouts – Lactation Education Resources |
| Institute for the Advancement of Breastfeeding and Lactation Education: Parent Handouts (English and Spanish) | Handouts Archive – IABLE |
| NM Breastfeeding Taskforce | |
| Downloadable Guides | Downloadable Guides – New Mexico Breastfeeding Taskforce |
| NM Breastfeeding Support Groups | Support Groups |
| NM WIC | |
| New Mexico WIC nutrition page | Nutrition | New Mexico WIC |
| New Mexico WIC breastfeeding pages | Breastfeeding | New Mexico WIC |
Positive Parenting
| Alternatives to loosing your patience | Alternatives to Losing Your Patience – Google Docs |
| Centers for Disease Control: Positive Parenting infants | Positive Parenting Tips: Infants (0–1 years) | Child Development | CDC |
| Period of PURPLE Crying | What Is PURPLE Crying in Babies? |
| Home Visiting Programs and FIT Services | Get Support – Moments Together |
| Free NM Childcare information | Child Care – Moments Together |
| Soothing / Calming Baby – Happiest Baby | 5 S’s Handout_v0523 |
| Father’s New Mexico | Fathers New Mexico |
| Kinship Care / Grandparents Raising Grandchildren | NM-Aging-and-Long-Term-Services_Grandparents-Raising-Grandchildren_September2019.pdf |
| Parents Reaching Out | Resources – Parents Reaching Out |
| Circle of Security International | Resources for Parents – Circle of Security International |
| How to Cope with being a new parent: Americal Academy of Pediatrics | How to Cope With Challenges of Being a New Parent – HealthyChildren.org |
Specialty Info
| Arthritis Foundation | https://www.arthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis |
| Autism Speaks – Education and support | Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) | Autism Speaks |
| Multiples of America | Multiples of America Home – Multiples of America |
| Relationship Spectrum | 2020-LIR-Relationship-Spectrum-onepager.pdf |
| PACEs Connection – ACES support and information | |
| Understanding ACEs (English) | Understanding ACEs. |
| Understanding ACEs (Spanish) | Cómo comprender las ACE |