Nurses for Newborns Foundation Promotes Child Wellness with Nursing Program

In 1991, Affton resident Sharon Rohrbach took a simple vision and made it a reality: a dynamic non-profit agency that supports and educates thousands of at-risk families and infants across two states. Nurses for Newborns Foundation, Rohrbach's brainchild, is comprised of registered nurses who travel to the homes of families with infants to offer medical assistance, education and general care before and after birth.

Rohrbach founded the Shrewsbury-based non-profit after working in the Critical Care Nursery at St. Anthony's Medical Center. She noticed that numerous babies were returning to the hospital just days after birth, sometimes in grave medical danger. 

NFNF serves at-risk families and infants, meaning the baby is in a fragile medical condition, the mother has a disability, mental health concern or is a teenager, or the family lacks the resources to provide basic necessities to the child. Families are referred to NFNF through hospitals, clinics and social workers (self-referrals are also permitted). NFNF sends a registered nurse visit a family's home soon after a referral is given, and then every week for a month. Families can stay in the program for up to two years, with nurses visiting in every two to four weeks after the initial month.

"The first year of a baby's life is such a crucial time," said Melinda Ohlemiller, the CEO of Nurses for Newborns Foundation since 2008. "The foundations of health and emotional wellness are established at that time, and that's why the work we do is so important."

The organization consists of about 40 registered nurses and an administrative team, and has done home visits in the St. Louis region and as well as 25 counties in Missouri.  In 2001, a satellite office was opened in Nashville, Tennessee, expanding Rohrbach's vision across state borders.

"Our nurses visit nearly 4,000 infants a year in Missouri and Tennessee," Ohlemiller said. "And in addition to medical care and education, we can provide an emergency stock of diapers, clothes and food to families who truly have nothing or are in crisis."

A United Way agency, NFNF depends on over 1,500 volunteers a year to operate and expand. The organization also runs a small food pantry and is always accepting food, infant and maternity clothing, diapers and monetary donations.

"The families we serve go through over 10,000 diapers a day, so there is a huge need there," Ohlemiller said.

In addition to the support of volunteers and donors, NFNF collaborates with several community agencies to help strengthen the populations they serve, including the Fathers' Support Center, St. Louis Healthy Families, Maternal Child and Family Health Coalition and the Midwest Regional Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Training Center. Researchers at Washington University, St. Louis University, and Vanderbilt University provide consultation and assistance as well. NFNF is also a member of the Chamber of Commerce in both Webster Groves/Shrewsbury and Affton.

"We could not do this work without the help of our local communities, volunteers and donors," Ohlemiller said. "Support comes from the Girl Scouts' 'April Showers' program, Children's Trust Fund of Missouri, Children's Service Fund of St. Louis County and numerous local churches."

Another way NFNF is raising money is through special events throughout the year. On Jan. 22, 2011, a trivia night benefit will take place, and NFNF's 13th annual dinner auction will be held on Apr. 17 at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac.

To donate or get more information on Nurses for Newborns Foundation, please visit http://www.nfnf.org or call (314) 544-3433 (toll-free 1-800-45BIRTH). If you are interested in volunteering, call the main line or e-mail elisa.reeves@nfnf.org. For new referrals, call the main office 8:30-5 p.m. weekdays and ask to speak to the Intake Dept. (ext. 321).

Click here to check out some vidoes on NFNF's work.