Category: Press Clips

National Breastfeeding Month Highlights the Importance of Supporting Mothers—Not Just Feeding Methods 

During National Breastfeeding Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is elevating the importance of supporting mothers with accurate guidance, compassionate care, and timely access to lactation support during the early weeks following birth. 

This year’s 2026 theme, “RISE: Resilience, Interdependence, Self-Determination, Empowerment,” calls attention to the importance of uplifting families and communities through meaningful, responsive support. 

Breastfeeding can offer important health benefits for both infants and mothers. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first six months of life, with continued breastfeeding alongside complementary foods as desired thereafter. However, many families face significant barriers to meeting these goals—often due to lack of early, hands-on support. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approximately 84% of U.S. infants are ever breastfed and nearly 25% are exclusively breastfed at six months. These statistics highlight a reality for parents in the US: breastfeeding challenges are common, and support—rather than intention—is often the determining factor in whether families can continue. 

“Breastfeeding support should never feel like pressure,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at Family Connects. “Families thrive when they are informed, supported, and respected—whatever their feeding journey looks like.” 

Thankfully, early support can make a difference with:  

• Difficulty latching or positioning 

• Concerns about milk supply or infant weight gain 

• Physical discomfort or pain 

• Fatigue, stress, and maternal mental health concerns 

Both the CDC and AAP consistently note that early, individualized breastfeeding support—especially in the days and weeks after birth—is associated with longer breastfeeding duration and improved maternal confidence. 

The Family Connects Model proudly supports infant feeding and maternal well-being by: 

• Providing evidence-based guidance on infant feeding, including breastfeeding and safe formula feeding. 

• Identifying feeding challenges early, before they escalate into stress, early cessation, or medical concerns. 

• Connecting mothers to lactation consultants, peer support groups, and health care providers as needed. 

• Offering family-centered and nonjudgmental care by recognizing that feeding decisions are deeply personal. 

• Supporting maternal mental health alongside infant nutrition. 

“Supporting feeding means supporting the whole family,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “When mothers feel confident and supported, infants benefit—and so does long-term family well-being.” 

It’s important to recognize breastfeeding support Is a Public Health issue. The World Health Organization emphasizes that breastfeeding outcomes are shaped not only by individual choice, but by systems of care, workplace policies, access to skilled support, and community norms. By offering universal postpartum nurse visits and direct connections to community-based lactation and health resources, the Family Connects Model helps reduce disparities and ensures that support reaches families early—when it matters most. 

For National Breastfeeding Month, Family Connects calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community partners to invest in early, accessible, and family-centered breastfeeding and lactation support that honors maternal well-being alongside infant health. 

“When we support mothers early—without judgment and with the right resources—we strengthen families for the long term,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director at Family Connects. “And that support is essential to healthy beginnings.”  connect them early to community care—we strengthen the future for everyone,” said Woodard. “That is what prevention, equity, and community well-being truly look like.” 

Family Connects Seeks Policy Strategy Consultant

Family Connects is accepting proposals to develop and guide a federal policy strategy. As an organization dedicated to transforming care for all families in the postpartum period, we partner to offer nurse visits, ensuring every family has access to healthcare, guidance, and connection. We are at a pivotal moment and seek a consulting partner to help us build upon our federal legislative and agency efforts to create a clear, actionable plan for implementation in the 120th Congress. 

Our ideal partner will help us identify and develop a roadmap to navigate the congressional funding landscape by demonstrating relevant policy expertise, strong bipartisan relationships, a comprehensive approach, and alignment with Family Connects’ priorities. The primary objectives of this engagement include: 

• Written strategic plan 
• Recommended federal funding pathway 
• Prioritized stakeholder and champion engagement plan 
• Supporting materials that FCI can use to guide internal decision-making and external advocacy. 

Important RFP Details: 

Proposal Submission Deadline: 5:00 PM ET on August 14, 2026 

Projected Contract Start Date: September 2026 

Submission Instructions: Submit your electronic proposal to jordan@familyconnects.org. 

Questions regarding this RFP may be directed to Jordan Wildermuth, Senior Policy Director at  jordan@familyconnects.org. 

Family Connects Seeks Board Governance Consultant

Family Connects is inviting proposals from qualified Board Governance Consultants to support the continued evolution of our Board of Directors as we advance our 2026–2029 Strategic Plan.

Since launching as an independent nonprofit in 2022, Family Connects has expanded the evidence-based Family Connects Model to more than 94 communities across 21 states, helping connect families with newborns to the care and community resources they need to thrive.

As our organization continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced consultant to partner with our Board and executive leadership to strengthen governance practices, enhance board engagement, and develop a strategic approach to future board recruitment and composition.

The selected consultant may support activities such as:

• Advising on governance structures and board culture that support a growing national nonprofit.
• Helping define the board’s desired future composition, skills, and engagement expectations.
• Developing a strategic board recruitment process and pipeline aligned with Family Connects long-term vision.

The engagement is expected to begin in mid-August 2026 in preparation for Family Connects September Board Retreat in Durham, North Carolina.

Proposal Deadline: Tuesday, July 28, 2026

Interested firms should submit a brief proposal outlining their experience with board governance consulting for growth-stage organizations, their proposed approach, key project staff, references, and budget.

Submit proposals to: boardliaison@familyconnects.org

We look forward to partnering with a consultant who can help strengthen our governance and position Family Connects for continued national impact.

Family Connects’ Strategic Plan to Envision a National Standard for Postpartum Care 

Family Connects is announcing the launch of its 2026–2029 Strategic Plan, marking a new chapter in the organization’s evolution under President & CEO Jade Woodard’s leadership. The plan articulates a bold aspiration to ensure every family with a newborn is supported, connected, and confident as they navigate the early postpartum period together. 

Grounded in more than a decade of research and implementation, the plan builds on the Family Connects Model and nationwide reach to lead the organization toward its next phase of impact: advancing newborn nurse visita as a national standard of care for each and every growing family. 

Over the past year, Family Connects has aligned its growth, partnerships, and national voice around a singular goal: ensuring support after birth is built into the systems that serve families. 

“Families are strongest when they receive the right support at the right time,” said Jade Woodard, President & CEO of Family Connects. “Over the past year, we’ve focused on how to ensure that support is expected, accessible, and built into the systems that serve families.” 

Since 2017, the Family Connects model has supported more than 155,000 families across 21 states in 94 communities, demonstrating improved maternal and child health outcomes, as well as reduced emergency medical care use and rates of CPS involvement. 

To further a national standard of postpartum care, the strategic plan elevates five priorities: 

• Building organizational capacity for scale, quality, and trust  

• Diversifying funding and strengthening champions  

• Advancing partnerships, policy, and systems integration  

• Leveraging research, learning, and innovation  

• Establishing a national standard for postpartum nurse visiting  

As maternal health challenges persist and systems of care remain difficult to navigate, Family Connects’ strategy calls for coordinated, accessible solutions that provide support before challenges become crises—for all families with newborns. 

“We are entering a moment of both urgency and opportunity,” Woodard added. “This plan reflects both the strength of our foundation and our commitment to advancing the field.” 

For more information, visit familyconnects.org/strategic-plan

“Over 80% of pregnancy-related deaths in North Carolina are preventable.”

During the NC Black Maternal Health Day of Action, Family Connects Board Member Dr. Michele Benoit-Wilson delivered a powerful message about the urgent need to address maternal health disparities and improve postpartum care for families. She highlighted how systemic barriers, implicit bias, gaps in access to care, and limited postpartum support continue to impact maternal health outcomes—particularly for Black women.

Dr. Benoit-Wilson emphasized the importance of evidence-based solutions, including postpartum nurse home visiting programs that help identify health concerns, connect families to resources, and ensure parents receive the support they need during one of the most critical periods for maternal and infant health.

We are proud to have Dr. Benoit-Wilson’s leadership on the Family Connects Board of Directors and grateful for her advocacy on behalf of families, communities, and policies that promote birth equity and healthier outcomes for all.

Pride Month Affirms That Strong Communities Begin When All Families Are Seen, Supported, and Connected 

During Pride Month, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is reaffirming a core belief: families are as unique as they are essential—and when families are supported and connected early, individuals and communities are better equipped to weather challenges together. 

Pride Month is a time to honor the resilience, contributions, and identities of LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, while also recognizing the ongoing need for systems that are inclusive, affirming, and responsive to diverse family structures. 

LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers are raising children, building communities, and contributing to the social fabric of cities and towns across the country. Yet many families—particularly those navigating stigma, isolation, or lack of affirming care—face barriers that can compound stress over time. 

“Connection is one of the strongest protective factors we have,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “When families feel supported early, they are more likely to stay connected to care, to one another, and to their communities—especially during difficult moments.” 

Data from The Trevor Project’s 2024 National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health underscore the importance of connection and support: 

• 66% of LGBTQ+ young people reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety 

• Feeling accepted, supported, and connected to trusted adults and community resources significantly improves coping and help-seeking 

Research consistently shows that supportive relationships—within families and communities—are among the most powerful protective factors against long-term mental health challenges. When families are connected early to affirming systems of care, they are better positioned to navigate stress, transitions, and adversity together. 

Thankfully, Belonging is a Protective Factor that helps us all:  

• Stay engaged with health, mental health, and community services 

• Seek help early rather than waiting for crises 

• Foster open communication and trust within the family 

• Build resilience across childhood, adolescence, and beyond 

“When families are connected early, they are more likely to stay connected,” Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “That continuity is critical to navigating challenges together, across every stage of development.” 

Conversely, isolation and lack of support increase stress for both caregivers and children—particularly during vulnerable periods such as pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood. 

Family Connects remains committed to advancing approaches that center dignity, belonging, and trust; reduce disparities across health and social outcomes; strengthen families during critical life transitions; and build communities where every child and caregiver can thrive. And the Family Connects Model supports all families by ensuring: 

• All families are welcomed, including LGBTQIA+ families and caregivers 

• Registered nurses provide nonjudgmental, strengths-based support during the postpartum period 

• Families are connected early to affirming health care, mental health services, and community-based supports 

• Universal access reduces stigma, helping families stay engaged with care over time 

• Early connection strengthens continuity, making it more likely families will remain connected as children grow 

Pride Month celebrates identity, courage, and community—but it is also a reminder that belonging must be built into systems, not left to chance. 

“When we support families exactly as they are—and connect them early to community care—we strengthen the future for everyone,” said Woodard. “That is what prevention, equity, and community well-being truly look like.” 

National Nurses Week Honors the Essential Role of Nurses in Strengthening Families, Communities, and Public Health 

As the nation observes National Nurses Week, May 6–12, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is honoring the vital role nurses play in protecting health, supporting families, and strengthening communities—often at life’s most critical moments. 

National Nurses Week is celebrated annually during the birthday week of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, and recognizes the enduring impact of the nursing profession on health, healing, and public well-being. For more than a century, nurses have been at the forefront of care—bridging clinical expertise with compassion, trust, and advocacy. 

Today, nurses continue to serve as the backbone of the U.S. health system—and increasingly, as leaders in prevention and community-based care. 

“Nurses are often the first to see what families are experiencing—and the first to help,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at Family Connects. “Their ability to combine clinical expertise with relationship-based care makes them indispensable to public health.” 

And nurses are at the frontlines of our effort to promote maternal and infant health, identify mental and physical health concerns early, address social determinants of health, and advance access through trusted, culturally responsive care. 

When we are supporting Families from the start, we can reduce emergency medical care use, lower rates of child maltreatment, improve maternal mental health, and strengthen family connections for life-long success. 

“Nurses don’t just treat symptoms—they see the whole family,” said Wendy O’Shea, Director of Nursing at Family Connects. “That perspective is what makes nurse-led prevention so powerful.” 

National Nurses Week is not only a time to celebrate nurses—it is a time to invest in systems that allow nurses to activate their training, leverage their tremendous experience, and create lasting impact.  

Family Connects calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community leaders to support nurse-led, community-based models that improve outcomes for families while strengthening public health infrastructure. 

When we invest in nurses, we invest in prevention, equity, and healthier futures. Nurses are essential—not just to health care, but to community well-being. 

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week Highlights an Urgent Public Health Crisis—and the Power of Early Support 

During Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (MMHAW), May 4–10, 2026, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is calling attention to the growing maternal mental health crisis in the United States—and the critical need for early, preventive support for parents during the postpartum period. 

Parenthood brings joy and meaning, but it also brings intense pressure. Today, 41% of parents report that most days they are so stressed they cannot function, compared to 20% of other adults—underscoring the disproportionate mental health burden parents face during pregnancy and after birth. 

At the same time, maternal mental health conditions remain widespread and under-addressed: 

• Approximately 1 in 8 mothers experience perinatal depression or postpartum depressive symptoms, with a disproportionate impact on women of color. 

• Mental health conditions are the leading cause of pregnancy-related deaths, accounting for 22.7%. 

• These deaths include suicide and overdose/poisoning related to substance use disorders. 

“Maternal mental health is not a niche issue—it is central to the health of families and communities,” said Jade Woodard, Executive Director of Family Connects. “When we fail to support mothers early, the consequences can be devastating. But when we intervene early, outcomes change.” 

The Postpartum Period offers a critical window to support maternal mental health and identify challenges before they become crises. The weeks and months following birth are a time of heightened vulnerability. Parents are navigating physical recovery, hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, feeding challenges, and identity shifts—often with limited follow-up care or support. 

Despite the prevalence and severity of maternal mental health needs, many concerns go undetected or untreated; care is often fragmented or delayed, and families are left to navigate challenges alone during a high-risk transition. 

At home registered nurse visits, like Family Connects model, can supports Maternal Mental Health by: 

• Screening for postpartum depression and anxiety during the early postpartum period. 

• Identifying stress, social isolation, and family needs early, before they escalate. 

• Connecting families directly to behavioral health care, primary care, and community supports 

• Reducing stigma and disparities, ensuring support reaches families regardless of race, income, or insurance status 

“Early, trusted support can be life-changing,” said Kim Friedman, Chief Program Officer at Family Connects. “When mothers feel seen, supported, and connected, families are safer and healthier.” 

Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to move beyond awareness toward action. Supporting maternal mental health protects mothers’ lives, strengthens infant development and family stability, reduces emergency medical use and system strain, and advances equity by addressing disparities early. 

Family Connects calls on health systems, policymakers, funders, and community partners to invest in preventive, family-centered approaches that prioritize maternal mental health from the very beginning. 

“Maternal mental health challenges are not a personal failure,” said Woodard. “They are a predictable result of systems that too often leave parents without support. Prevention works when we choose to act early.” 

National Home Visiting Week Highlights the Power of Meeting Families Where They Are—From the Very Beginning 

During National Home Visiting Week, April 20–24, Family Connects International (Family Connects) is joining communities nationwide in recognizing the vital role home visiting plays in supporting families with newborns—during one of the most critical and vulnerable periods of life. 

National Home Visiting Week shines a spotlight on evidence-based home visiting programs that partner with parents, promote child and family well-being, and strengthen communities by delivering support directly to families—where they live. 

“Home visiting is one of the most effective ways to support families early, equitably, and with dignity,” said Jade Woodard, CEO and President of Family Connects. “When families are supported from the start, outcomes improve across health, safety, and development.” 

Decades of research show that Home Visiting assists physical recovery and maternal mental health; infant feeding, sleep, and development; safety concerns and social isolation; and access to health care and community resources. 

 

Without early support, these challenges can escalate into emergency medical use, child welfare involvement, or long-term health and developmental issues. Thankfully, the Family Connects Model support families with newborns through universal, evidence-based, and preventive care: 

• Registered nurses conduct postpartum home visits, assessing maternal health, infant well-being, safety, and family strengths 

• Early screening identifies needs related to mental health, physical health, and social determinants 

• Families are connected directly to health care, early childhood services, and community supports 

• Universal access reduces stigma and disparities, ensuring no family is overlooked 

• Research demonstrates reduced child maltreatment and emergency medical care use, strengthening outcomes while lowering system-level costs 

“Home visiting works because it is proactive and relational,” said Alain Glen, Chief of Nursing at Family Connects. “Family Connects brings evidence-based care into the home at exactly the moment families need it most.” 

Home visiting programs do more than support individual families—they strengthen entire communities by improving maternal and infant health outcomes, supporting positive parenting and early development, reducing strain on emergency, child welfare, and health systems, and advancing equity by addressing disparities early. 
 

This National Home Visiting Week, Family Connects calls on policymakers, health systems, funders, and community leaders to invest in evidence-based, universal home visiting models that meet families where they are and prevent challenges before they occur. 

“Supporting families early is not an optional service—it is essential infrastructure,” said Jade Woodard. “Home visiting is how we build healthier futures for children, families, and communities.” ally, and with intention,” said Woodard. “That is how we build stronger futures for children and communities alike.”