A program that teaches young moms the ropes of motherhood is expanding in the Bronx, thanks to a $4.6 million city grant.

The Visiting Nurse Service of New York plans to grow its Nurse-Family Partnership program to assist 300 additional Bronx families. The program currently serves 400 families in the borough.

The organization says the area is underserved, with 30 percent of residents living below the poverty line.

The Visiting Nurse Service of New York matches trained nurses with first-time mothers to teach them how to care for their babies. Nurses also provide mental and health advice. The trained professionals visit mothers during pregnancy up until the child is 2 years old.

The expansion is set to go into effect October 1. The program will now include zip codes 10461, 10462, 10466, 10467 and 10468. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene provided the funds.

Related information:Visiting Nurse ServiceCity hotline: 311