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Maternal, Child & Adolescent Health
About Us
Every stage of life has unique challenges. The MCAH program empowers and educates parents and families each step of the way to improve the well-being of the kids in our community. Our MCAH nurses provide pregnant parents and families with young kids free home visits that are tailored to the families’ specific needs.
What We Do
Public health nurses (RN, PHN) can meet families in the comfort of their own home or by phone to provide:
- Information about health, caring for your baby, breast/chest feeding, development, parenting, safety, family planning, and more.
- Weight and height checks of babies and children
- Links to local services for healthcare, housing, food, transportation, day care, and more.
- Moving Beyond Depression Program for parents with postpartum depression or anxiety (see “Maternal Mental Health” tab below for more information).
Who Can Benefit
Reasons why a family might want home visits:
- Parents with health concerns during or after pregnancy
- Children with special health care needs
- Young and/or first-time parents
- Families without health insurance, are low-income, or are homeless
- Parents with postpartum depression or anxiety
- Families grieving the death of a child
EMAIL or Call us to sign up! MCAH toll-free main line: 1 (888) 301-1450
Jessica Ferrer, MCAH Director 530 265-1491, Jessica.Ferrer-PH@nevadacountyca.gov
Jeana McHugh, MCAH Program Coordinator 530 847-8293 (call or text), Jeana.McHugh@nevadacountyca.gov
Parent Circle Group
Connect, share, and grow with other parents and guardians in our Parent Circle group. Each week, we explore a new topic designed to support and inspire your parenting journey.
Baby Feeding Support Group
A relaxed, drop-in space for moms and babies to receive lactation support, infant weight checks, and encouragement from peers. Registered nurses and lactation consultants are available for questions about breastfeeding and infant development. Come for help or just to connect.
Maternal Child Adolescent Health offers many
classes throughout the year.
To sign up for classes complete this form. Spanish form
BECOMING US
Becoming Us is a four-part course with a therapist and public health nurse, helping parents-to-be navigate expectations, improve communication, and build a strong foundation before welcoming their baby.
PRENATAL BREASTFEEDING
This prenatal breastfeeding class teaches expectant parents about latching, positioning, milk production, and newborn cues, building confidence and skills for a successful breastfeeding start.
BABY BASICS
This interactive class promotes confidence in newborn care through evidence-based instruction on feeding, soothing, and partner support. Participants receive educational resources and essential infant care supplies.
INFANT/CHILD CPR
Learn essential lifesaving skills for infants and children, including CPR, choking relief, and emergency response. Hands-on practice builds confidence for parents, caregivers, and family members.
If you have questions or need a breastfeeding consultation....
Need a certified lactation counselor? Please call Jeana at 530-847-8293. We look forward to speaking with you!
Breastfeeding Coalition of Nevada County
The Breastfeeding Coalition of Nevada County is a group of local community members and breastfeeding specialists whose mission is to improve the well-being of Nevada County families by protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding. The Coalition’s vision is a community free of barriers to breastfeeding, where all parents feel supported and successful in their breastfeeding goals. If you would like breastfeeding help, are interested in reliable information about pregnancy and infant feeding, would like to participate in local events that promote and support breastfeeding, or would like to join the coalition, visit the website.
Breastfeeding | CDC
Droplet (firstdroplets.com)
Link to list of local resources by need area for parents: Western Nevada County and Eastern Nevada County
Recursos para Padres del Condado de Nevada Occidente y Recursos para Padres del Condado de Nevada Oriente
Moving Beyond Depression Program: A free, in-home cognitive behavioral therapy program for Nevada County parents who are experiencing depression during or after pregnancy. The family must be enrolled in one of the local home visiting programs to participate in Moving Beyond Depression. Parents in Moving Beyond Depression will receive 15 weekly sessions and a one month follow-up booster session from a licensed therapist. If you are interested in the program, talk to your home visitor. If you are not a home visiting client but are interested in Moving Beyond Depression, contact the MCAH program.
You are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better.
Help Line: 1.800.944.4773
Text in English: 800-944-4773 | Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Learn More | Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Nevada County Crisis Resources: 530-265-5811
More on Maternal Mental Health - CDPH
Healthy Babies
A Home Visitor from Healthy Babies (HB) has the time to answer your questions and show you ways to encourage your baby at every stage of development. During home visits, new and expecting parents learn to solve problems, manage stress, and enjoy and understand their child at every stage, from infancy to kindergarten.
A Home Visitor can provide:
- Information about your growing baby
- Developmental screenings to make sure your baby is healthy and meeting their milestones
- Referrals for pre/post-natal depression
- Fun and engaging activities for you and your baby
- Connections with local resources to make sure you have everything you need
For more information or to sign up, visit their website or fill out a contact form in English or Spanish.
Young Parents Program
The Young Parents Program (YPP) is a program that helps pregnant, and parenting teens stay healthy, do well in school, earn money, take care of themselves and their babies, and be part of their communities. It does this by giving them support and guidance from caring adults who help them make good choices and reach their goals. To join the program, you must be pregnant or already parenting, and you must be 19 years old or younger when you're referred. The program gives young parents help with staying in school or signing up for school. It also offers support through counseling, helpful information, resources, building your strengths, setting goals, and making good life choices. YPP is a free and voluntary program for all Young Parents in Nevada County.
For more information: Call Silver Springs High School (530)272-2635
Brilliant Beginnings
This home visiting program is only for families already enrolled in CalWORKS. Please see more information by following this link.
Safe sleep practices help lower the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other sleep-related causes of death in babies. Always place baby on his or her back to sleep and provide plenty of tummy time play while awake and supervised. Learn more about the current recommendations for safe sleep or visit How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe.