Mission

To provide families of babies born at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County with education and support during their child’s first year and beyond.

About the Program

"Families First...New Beginnings" is a program designed to provide clients with education and support throughout pregnancy, after delivery, and through a baby’s first birthday. This program is offered to parents who plan to deliver their baby at Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County and is designed to give clients the opportunity to receive services from Lafayette County Health Department, Lafayette County UW-Extension and Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County.

Families First...New Beginnings offers the following services:

• Family Home Visitor
• Free developmental toys & books
• Public Health Nurse Consultation
• OB Nurse Consultation
• WIC program information
• Breast pump rentals
• Immunizations
• “Preparing to Parent” newsletter series
• Child Development Information
• Parenting support and information
• Community Resource information and referrals

Education and support are the building blocks of the program, and evident through the following goals:

1. To enhance family functioning by building trusting relationships, teaching problem solving skills, and improving the family support system.
2. To promote positive parent-child interactions
3. To promote healthy childhood growth and development
4. To provide services with unconditional positive regard, in a non-judgmental way.
5. To promote healthy choices
6. To confidential care and guidance
7. To provide services that are respectful of client’s values, beliefs and culture.

What People Are Saying

“Its great to live in a community and receive the support this program offers.”

“Just knowing that someone was there to talk to about any question was nice.”

“The home visitor was so helpful, friendly & supportive.”

Childbirth Education

These 4-session classes are 8 hours in total.  They help prepare parents for the changes during pregnancy, the laboring process, the childbirth experience, changes after pregnancy, breast or bottle feeding, and newborn care.  Classes are held in the conference room of Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County.  One time fee for 4 sessions.   Contact Char James, RN, for more information at 608-776-5768. 

• 2010 dates-
• Class 1: April 14, 21, 28, & May 5 
• Class 2: July 7, 14, 21, & 28
• Class 3: Oct 6, 13, 20 & 27

Play Group

Parents and kids alike will enjoy this fun and exciting social activity sponsored by the Darlington Community Families First program. Play group will meet every Tuesday in the gymnasium of the Dora Ritter Wellness Center at 627 Main Street, Darlington, WI. Times are from 9-11 am. Infants to school age children will enjoy supervised playtime including stand-up play sets, exercise balls, musical instruments, games and more. All children must be accompanied by an adult. All are welcome! Contact Nikki Cooper at (608) 574-7240. 

Families First Center

Families First Center is in the MHLC Annex House located between the Hospital and the Health Department.  It is open the 1st Thursday of each month from 9-11 a.m.  Given by availability are diapers, baby essentials, blankets and clothing newborn-4T including coats.

Contact Information

Memorial Hospital of Lafayette County
800 Clay Street
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4466

Lafayette County Health Department
729 Clay Street
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4895

Lafayette County UW Extension
627 Washington Street
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 776-4820

Nikki Cooper
Families First Home Visitor
800 Clay Street
Darlington, WI 53530
(608) 574-7240