Resources for You and Your Baby
To help you find all the information you might need, we’ve compiled a handy list of links and resources.
Some of our resources make use of the words “mother” and “women.” The Start Smart for Your Baby program recognizes the limitations of this language. We are dedicated to making our content as inclusive as possible and the use of these terms does not exclude any gender identity group from accessing these resources.
Download Helpful Books
We have created two easy-to-read books to help you and your baby thrive. Download them now!
What are you looking for?
- Are you feeling sad, irritable, hopeless, or worried? Call the National Crisis Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
- Find a local provider of affordable mental health services.
- If your relationship is causing you to question your safety or the safety of the baby, call 1-800-799-7233. If it is not safe for you to call, the National Domestic Violence Hotline has a live chat service to provide real-time support.
- Look into parent groups like International MOMS Club and Baby Center.
- Find organizations dedicated to making period products accessible.
- Safe exercise during pregnancy
- Managing stress during pregnancy
- Tips on healthy eating
- Dental care for expecting moms (PDF)
- You may have a lactation consultant available to you! The International Lactation Consultant Association can also help you find a specialist.
- Pumping and storing milk
- Breastfeeding discreetly in public
- Breastfeeding an older baby
- Learn federal rules and requirements for employers about breastfeeding and lactation at work:
- Staying in control of your body and sexual health is more than just choosing when or if you get pregnant again. Find free, fast, and confidential testing near you.
- Concerned about losing access to affordable birth control options after losing health coverage? Visit the Title X Family Planning Clinic Locator to find clinics and services near you.
- Bedsider is an online support network and offers low-cost (or free) birth control.
- Vaccines
- Caring for Your Baby
- Learn about lead testing.
- Tips for helping your baby sleep through the night.
- Get information on safe sleep.
- Give your baby a bath.
- Take care of your baby’s teeth.
- Take your baby’s temperature.
- Learn about car seat safety.
- Baby-proof your home.
- Have a NICU baby? Miracle Babies may be able to help you.
- Find assistance getting enough diapers for your baby.
- Learn proper swaddling techniques.
- We may be able to help you get a ride to your doctor’s appointments. Just call us at the number on the back of your ID card.
- Do you have other children? Plan childcare for when you deliver, when you need time to yourself, or when you go back to work after delivery. If you need help, call Child Care Aware at 1-800-424-2246.
- WIC can provide you with free and healthy food, nutrition education, screenings, and referrals to other services. They also provide formula, breast pumps, and other breastfeeding resources. You can call the National Hunger Hotline at 1-800-548-6479, or talk to your doctor, local health department, or health plan to find out more about WIC. Visit Feeding America to find a food pantry near you.
- Farmers markets offer affordable, healthy food. Some even accept SNAP benefits! Find a market in your area.
- Concerned with how your medications can affect pregnancy and breastfeeding? Talk to your doctor or call MotherToBaby at 1-866-626-6487.
- If you are trying to quit smoking, ask for help. Call the Quit Smoking Hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW, 1-800-784-8669. Or text MOM to 222888 for help.
- Trying to decrease or stop alcohol or substance use? Call the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence at 1-800-622-2255 or the Federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Treatment Referral Routing Service at 1-800-662-4357.
Weekly Emails
Contact us to sign up for weekly emails and/or texts about your pregnancy and caring for your newborn baby.