HHS launches program to provide newborn essentials to mothers, families

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on Oct. 9 launched the next phase of a federal initiative to support mothers and newborns by distributing kits of essential supplies to families around the time of birth.

The Newborn Essentials Support Toolkit (NEST) will provide families with supplies including diapers and wipes, an infant thermometer, postpartum recovery and breastfeeding supplies, and a blood pressure monitor, according to an Oct. 9 HHS press release.

The program launched at West Virginia University Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital in Morgantown, West Virginia. NEST kits will be distributed through hospitals, federally qualified health centers, and other organizations providing maternity care, the release noted.

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. highlighted the initiative as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to support families.

“President Trump is putting mothers, babies, and strong families at the center of his health agenda,” he said. “Through NEST, HHS is delivering essential supplies and trusted health information directly to families around the time of birth, including in rural and underserved communities.”

Kennedy also thanked West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, a Republican, for partnering with HHS to launch the program in his state.

“West Virginia is proud to help launch NEST and put practical support directly into the hands of mothers and families,” Morrisey said. “These kits will help new parents get some of the basic necessities they need while easing some of the financial pressure that comes with welcoming a new baby. We appreciate the Trump Administration and our federal partners for working with us to give West Virginia mothers and babies a healthy start.”

NEST builds on a federal newborn supply initiative first introduced in 2023. The program is led by HHS through its Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs in coordination with the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA).

As the program expands, HHS plans to prioritize communities with limited access to maternity care and health resources, particularly rural areas and regions facing shortages of maternal health services, according to the release.

HRSA Administrator Tom Engels  welcomed the initiative in the release.

“Every child deserves the healthiest possible start in life, and every mother should have the support she needs during pregnancy and after her baby is born,” he said. “NEST will provide families with essential supplies and trusted resources when they need them most, while helping reach mothers and babies in rural and medically underserved communities. Through this investment, the Trump Administration is strengthening support for families and helping parents care for themselves and their newborns during this critical time.”