Codington Connects: Bright Start is Empowering First-Time Mothers Across South Dakota (Podcast/Video)

Bright Start team members discuss supporting first-time moms on Northeast Radio SD's "Codington Connects." Stream the insightful program anytime as they share guidance for parents in Northeast South Dakota.

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Navigating the journey of motherhood for the first time can be as daunting as it is rewarding. To bridge the gap between pregnancy and early childhood development, Bright Start, a program under the South Dakota Department of Health, is offering a lifeline to families across the state.

In a recent live interview on Northeast Radio SD, Amy Mattke, Team Lead for the North Central Region, and Jane Koehn, a dedicated home visit nurse, joined Krista Ateyo-Gortmaker of Codington Connects to discuss the program’s vital role in the community.

A Compass for the First-Time Journey

Bright Start is specifically designed for first-time mothers. Unlike traditional clinic visits, this program pairs expectant moms with a personal registered nurse who provides one-on-one support from early pregnancy until the child’s second birthday.

“Babies and moms are our jam,” said Amy Mattke during the interview. “Our nurses have extensive training in OB care, breastfeeding, mental health, and attachment theory to ensure moms feel confident and supported every step of the way.”

Breaking Down the Barriers: Cost and Eligibility

One of the most significant highlights of the program is its accessibility. Bright Start is completely free of charge for those who qualify. Funding is provided through the South Dakota Department of Health via state and federal grants, ensuring that financial status never stands in the way of a healthy beginning.

Eligibility is primarily income-based. Generally, if a mother qualifies for Medicaid or WIC, she is eligible for Bright Start. The program aims to support families who may have limited resources or face risk factors that could affect pregnancy or early childhood outcomes.

Comprehensive Care Beyond the Clinic

Nurse Jane Koehn, who covers five counties including Codington, Clark, and Grant, emphasized that the program is about meeting moms exactly where they are—literally and figuratively.

“Our visits are very conversational. It’s not like a sterile doctor’s office visit,” Koehn explained. “I meet families at their homes, at the park, or even at a local coffee shop. We cover everything from labor and delivery prep and breastfeeding to safe sleep, vaccinations, and postpartum recovery.”

The relationship often becomes a cornerstone of the mother’s support system. Koehn shared that she currently manages 14 “kiddos” and has seen seven families through to “graduation” at age 2. “It’s bittersweet to see them go because you get very attached,” she added.

Connecting the Community

The program is a key partner of Codington Connects, a local initiative that serves as a centralized hub for over 45 agencies in the Watertown and Codington County area. By working together, these organizations ensure that if a mother needs more than just nursing care—such as housing assistance or mental health counseling—she is referred to the right place immediately.

“We break down the silos,” said Ateyo-Gortmaker. “If you’re a partner with Codington Connects, you’re part of a resource network that provides 360-degree care for the family.”

How to Get Started

Bright Start is a voluntary program, and referrals can come from anywhere—doctors, WIC offices, or even mothers themselves.

For those in the Watertown area looking for more information or to see if they qualify:

·         Direct Contact: Call Jane Koehn at 605-501-9386.

·         Online: Visit CodingtonConnects.com or the South Dakota Department of Health website.

·         Social Media: Follow Codington Connects on Facebook for updates and resources.

As Mattke noted in her closing remarks, “Everyone who sees us wants to see us.” For first-time moms in South Dakota, that support can make all the difference in the world.