This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effect of a home-visitation nurse program for first time mothers. First time mothers were randomly allocated to a control group consisted merely of usual care, and a treatment group that included the basic usual care, as well as 64 home visits from a nurse beginning in early pregnancy, and extending until the child’s second birthday. The results of the experiment provided no significant benefits to taking part in the home-visitation program.
Overall, the experiment shows that a home-visitation program for first time mothers is an ineffective way to improve health outcomes of newborns and their mothers. Lawmakers looking for programs to aide first-time mothers should consider other, more productive and cost effective policies.