Family and Child Health Programs
Office of Family and Child Health
(formerly Maternal and Child Health Services)
Sign Up Here!
Our mission is to improve the quality of life and health of mothers/birthing persons, infants, children, and families in Allegheny County. We focus our efforts on meeting the unique needs of each of our families regardless of circumstance.
We offer services for pregnant people, parents, or caregivers of children under two years old. See our Family & Child Health flyer(PDF, 542KB).
Home Visiting Services
As part of the Home Visiting Program, our nurses meet with you in the comfort of your own home, or in another location where you will feel at ease such as a library or restaurant. The goal is to provide you with support and help you meet your parenting goals. Home visiting is associated with positive outcomes for both children and families.
Family and Child Health is a collaborative partner with Hello Baby, an initiative to ensure all parents and caregivers have quick access to the information and resources they need to care for the youngest people in their lives. Visit the Hello Baby website to learn more or call the United Way PA’s 2-1-1 Southwest warm line.
Additional Information
Nurse-Family Partnership
The Nurse-Family Partnership offers support services to parents expecting their first child. Nurses provide in-person home visits during pregnancy and offer follow-up care after birth for moms/birthing persons and their children up to 24 months of age. To qualify, you must live in Allegheny County and meet the income guidelines. Sign up here!
Healthy Families Allegheny
Healthy Families Allegheny (a Healthy Families America program) provides expecting parents and parents of newborns with free in-home child development support until 36 months (3 years of age). A home visiting nurse will be there to help you develop and reach your parenting goals through education and support.
For more information, please see Healthy Families Allegheny(PDF, 540KB), or call 412-247-7950.
Healthy Moms & Healthy Babies
We offer three types of Title V support services.
Maternal/Birthing Parent and Child Health: Our nurses provide home visits or telephone visits during pregnancy and after birth to make sure families get the medical services they need. Nurses also offer information to improve the entire family's health.
Children with Special Health Care Needs: Our nurses offer medical service assistance, home visits, and case management to families with children who have special health care needs.
Liaison Nursing: Our nurses give information and educational materials about maternal and child health to doctors, hospitals, school nurses, and community organizations.
Breastfeeding Helpline
If you have questions about lactation or need help with breastfeeding/chestfeeding or pumping, please call the Breastfeeding Help Line at 412-687-2243. Our team is here to help you get started, answer questions, and help you work through lactation concerns.
Call us Monday-Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, or leave a message after hours and we will get back to you during those hours.
All calls are referred to our RN Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC), or an Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). This program is designed to help increase the number of infants receiving human milk in Allegheny County.
Smoking Cessation Support
Smoking cessation support is available to people who are pregnant or have small children living with them. You can receive support from our Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialists, individually or in a group setting, where available.
Father/Partner Engagement Program
The Father/Partner Engagement Program is designed to provide a positive outlet for fathers and partners. Our Father/Partner Engagement Specialists are trained to help new parents meet their goals and help them grow through their parenting journey. Services include:
Cribs for Kids
The Allegheny County Health Department is proud to be a Cribs for Kids partner. For more information about safely putting your baby to sleep, please visit the Cribs for Kids Sleep Safe Academy.
Hello Baby
The Allegheny County Health Department is proud to be a Hello Baby partner. For more information and resources about breastfeeding, child development, parenting and more, please visit the Hello Baby website.