Winona County Community Health Department
Winona, Minnesota

I think that most states in the USA have some sort of home visiting for
families.  I had a public health nurse in Milwaukee when my son was born
25 years ago, and I don't remember how they did on breastfeeding, I had
not ever considered feeding any other way and had already struggled
through the hospital protocol of the day which was completely
nonsupportive. The public health nurse did steer me to the local well
baby clinics and that was very helpful.
I have been home visiting myself for twelve years and try to be
supportive of family decisions on feeding, cosleeping and etc.  The
current thinking and research shows that universal home visiting of
families would be helpful.
The problem is that all home visitors like all medical providers are not
equal and while both counties where I have worked are supportive of all
kinds of education and training, there are still nurses around that are
not always knowlegeable or sensitive to family needs and desires.

>Pat Thomas PHN