UM-Flint student-led program nurtures newborns and families to combat infant mortality

The birth of a baby marks an incredibly special time for families, filled with joy, anticipation and a sense of awe. However, this time can also be difficult, especially for vulnerable families who lack access to quality education, community resources and much-needed supplies for the newborn. Additionally, the state of Michigan's infant mortality rate has become a significant public health issue, with rates hovering around or slightly above the national average. Fortunately, University of Michigan-Flint nursing students have been working hard to educate families about important topics likely to arise during a baby's first few months. 

Originally launched in 2021 as MotherNurture, NurtureFirst is a student-led initiative that aims to support families throughout the crucial first year of a baby's life, a period critical to reducing infant mortality rates. The School of Nursing recently rebranded the acclaimed program to emphasize an inclusive approach in its ongoing mission to combat infant mortality. The rebranding marks a strategic shift from its original moniker to better accommodate and reflect the varied realities of families today—whether they be adoptive, led by grandparents or include LGBTQIA+ caregivers.

At its core, the program emphasizes nurturing over judgment. According to Elizabeth Fulks, co-director of the program, "Our goal is to tackle infant mortality by providing relevant support and education that acknowledges diverse family dynamics. We strive to nurture the entire family with an open mind and a nonjudgmental approach."

The genesis of NurtureFirst can be traced back to 2021 when two undergraduate nursing students from UM-Flint—Brenna James and Jessica Carrasco—developed the concept as part of a hackathon at the Ann Arbor campus after recognizing the substantial disparity in infant mortality rates in Flint. Their innovative idea—sending nursing students to educate new parents at hospital bedsides—has grown into a robust partnership with Hurley Medical Center under the leadership of assistant professors of nursing, Suzanne Lugger, Maureen Murphy and Fulks. Each week, two to five nursing students provide education to parents and caregivers, addressing key topics such as safe sleep practices, car seat safety and postpartum depression. Families receive both written instruction and printed materials, available in several languages, along with newborn supply kits aligned with best practices. This includes items like newborn swaddles to support infant safety. "We don't just want to share information on safe sleep; we want to provide the tools families need to implement these practices," said Fulks. 

NurtureFirst operates through grants and funding from both internal and external sources. The program's initial funding was partially secured through a $2,000 pilot grant from Johnson & Johnson, followed by a $15,000 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater Flint. More recently, UM-Flint provided a community engagement grant of $5,000, supplemented by $1,480 from additional university resources, securing operations through the end of April. Despite these funding successes, the program is actively seeking long-term funding to ensure NurtureFirst's sustainability and future growth. "We are looking into securing a continual revenue stream, potentially from large contributors to ensure the program's longevity," Fulks said. 

The program offers students a unique opportunity to focus solely on patient education, fostering skills that are not typically emphasized during traditional clinical training. Students learn how to communicate effectively with families and deliver educational content in a meaningful, inclusive manner.

"I felt I was able to empower these parents and educate them in a trusting manner on things they were concerned about as new parents," reflected Carrie McKissic, a senior nursing major from Linden. "It was very fulfilling teaching them about health conditions, newborn care, and taking care of themselves emotionally and physically. I felt like I bridged the gap for some new parents that were a bit apprehensive with what lies ahead for them and their new baby." 

Looking ahead, NurtureFirst aspires to serve as a model for other nursing schools across the nation, especially in regions with elevated infant mortality rates. Future plans include research into the effectiveness of the education provided, specifically assessing knowledge retention among families.

Learn more about the initiatives at the School of Nursing on the school's webpage.