What Kind of Help Can You Get When You Are Pregnant?
- When support from friends and family is limited, or other stress factors arise, many women long for local support during pregnancy and motherhood.
- Even when unsure about pregnancy, knowing what is available can be helpful. This may open up new perspectives.
- Pregnant woman and mothers have a right to support and help. Both state and non-profit organizations provide financial aid and practical assistance.
Childbirth classes, family nurses, support groups, baby gear, parenting helplines, diaper banks... We have compiled a list of helpful resources and included the link to each organization.
Click on your country to find out what resources are available to you!
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Prenatal:
- Nurse-Family Partnership: Get a free personal nurse.
- Embrace Grace: Peer support and a baby shower.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers offer services such as free baby supplies, parenting classes, peer support, and more.
- Childbirth Education Classes help you prepare for the birth of your baby and the early days of parenting. This is also an opportunity to meet other expectant moms.
- 2-1-1 United Way provides information and referrals.
- Doulas provide non-medical support during birth and may also help establish postpartum routines.
Postpartum:
- The Parent's Stressline or the National Parent Helpline are there for you when things get tough.
- Single Parents Alliance of America provides resources and advice.
- Mom Blogs allow you to learn from others and share your story.
- Parenting Classes give you the tools to thrive on your parenting journey. For free classes, check out your local pregnancy resource center.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in the community with other moms.
- Cloth Diaper Banks provide free cloth diapers to needy families.
- A House Cleaner may free you up to have more time for yourself and the baby. Expect to pay a minimum of $25 per hour.
- Childcare often becomes a consideration when returning to work or studies. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
- Head Start is a program designed for children 0 to 5. Through teaching (parents and children) and the provision of learning supplies, children are prepared to succeed in school.
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Prenatal:
- Family Nurse Partnership is a home-visiting program for first-time moms.
- Free Antenatal Classes help you prepare for the birth of your baby and the early days of parenting. This is also an opportunity to meet other expectant moms.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers offer services such as free baby supplies, parenting classes, peer support, and more.
- Baby Banks supply free baby items such as diapers, clothes, and a car seat.
- Doulas provide non-medical birth support. The Doula Access Fund may help you pay for your doula expenses.
Postpartum:
- Gingerbread provides support to single parents through their helpline, job training, peer support, friendship groups, and forum.
- First 1,000 Days New Parent Support (courses, workshops, advice, meet-ups, 2nd hand sales)
- The Parent Champions National Network provides local information on where to find help.
- Home-start helps you network with other moms and find a volunteer who would like to make your life easier.
- The Forum for young parents by Family Lives is a place to learn from other moms and share your story.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in the community with other moms.
- A housekeeper may free you up to have more time for yourself and the baby. Expect to pay £10-£20 per hour.
- Childcare often becomes a consideration when returning to work or studies. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
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Prenatal:
- Nurse-Family Partnership: Get a free, personal nurse who visits you before and after the birth of your first child.
- Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program (CPNP)
- Pregnancy Resource Centers provide advice and baby gear. You can find your local center through a web search or by going to Optionline or Carenet.
- Embrace Grace is a place to find peer support and receive a baby shower.
- Prenatal Classes help you prepare for the birth of your baby and the early days of parenting. This is also an opportunity to meet other expectant moms.
- A Doula provides non-medical support during birth and may also help establish postpartum routines.
Postpartum:
- Childreach Parent Support Line provides parenting tips, helping you thrive as a parent.
- Nobody's Perfect Program: Community-based parenting program for young parents.
- Mom Blogs allow you to learn from others and share your story.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in the community with other moms.
- Aboriginal Head Start prepares 3–5-year-olds to succeed in school, while encouraging them to celebrate their culture.
- Cloth Diaper Library helps you get started with cloth diapers.
- Housekeepers and House Cleaners may free you up to have more time for yourself and the baby. Expect to pay approx. $40 per hour.
- Childcare often becomes a consideration when returning to work or studies. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
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Prenatal:
- Nurse-Family Partnership Program: This home-visiting program supports women who are pregnant with Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander babies.
- Antenatal Classes help you prepare for birth and allow you to connect with other expectant mothers.
- List of maternity care options in Western Australia.
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby offers health advice, information, and referrals.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers offer services such as free baby supplies, parenting classes, peer support, and more.
- A Doula provides non-medical support before, during, and after birth.
- Breastfeeding classes can be a good preparation to feel more confident after birth.
Postpartum:
- Parentline Australian Capital Territory (counseling, courses, and resources)
- Parentlink ACT (guidance, information, and support)
- Parent Line NSW (counseling)
- Resourcing Parents NSW provides parenting programs and advice.
- Parentline Queensland and Northern Territory
- Parent Helpline South Australia (counseling in health, relational, and parenting issues)
- Parenting SA provides information and support.
- Parentline Victoria (counseling and support on parenting issues)
- Ngala Parenting Line Western Australia (child development information, parenting support, and referrals)
- Mom Blogs help you learn from other moms and give you the opportunity to share your story.
- Nappy banks are often located on the same premises as your local food bank.
- The Australian Nappy Association offers cloth nappy libraries, workshops, and demonstrations.
- Contact your local community center or council to find out about support groups for young parents. These groups can provide emotional and practical support and are a place to learn parenting hacks.
- Join or start a playgroup: call 1800 171 882
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in community with other moms.
- Cleaning Services take care of your household, allowing you to concentrate on your newborn. The average cost is $35 per hour.
- Childcare is a consideration if you are returning to work. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
-
Prenatal:
- Pregnancy Resource Centers provide parenting tips and baby supplies.
- Antenatal Classes help you prepare for the birth of your baby and the early days of parenting. This is also an opportunity to meet other expectant moms.
- Doulas provide non-medical support during birth.
Postpartum:
- Parentline provides parenting advice and counseling.
- Parenting Courses give you the tools to thrive on your parenting journey.
- Mom Blogs allow you to learn from others and share your story.
- Parent, baby, and toddler groups
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in the community with other moms.
- Cloth Nappy Library loans out nappies for free and organizes meet-ups.
- A House Cleaner allows you more time to focus on the baby or other needs. Expect to pay approx. €11.50 per hour.
- Childcare often becomes a consideration when returning to work or studies. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
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Prenatal:
- Pregnancy Help provides material assistance and counseling.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers offer services such as free baby supplies, parenting classes, peer support, and more.
- Free Antenatal Classes prepare you for childbirth and the early days of parenting. They also provide an opportunity to connect with other expectant moms.
- Doulas provide non-medical support during birth.
Postpartum:
- Parent Help (Coaching for parents, nappy banks, and more)
- Parent line Manawatu (Parenting advice and groups)
- Parent Village offers nappy banks, baby gear, advice, and community.
- Mom Blogs give you the opportunity to learn from other moms and tell your story.
- Parenting Classes give you tools to thrive as a parent.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in the community with other moms.
- Cleaning Services take care of household duties, allowing you to focus on the baby. Expect to pay approx. NZ$45 per hour.
- Childcare helps you juggle parenting duties and work or studies. Check out our financial support page for payment options.
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Prenatal:
- Antenatal Classes help you prepare for the birth of your baby and allow you to meet other expectant mothers.
- Embrace Grace is a place to meet other pregnant singles and get free baby gear.
- Pregnancy Resource Centers offer services such as free baby supplies, parenting classes, peer support, and more
- LifeLine Pregnancy Support is a support service for pregnant teenagers and offers free counseling, including rape-related issues. Contact: (phone) 033-342-4447; (email) [email protected]
- Doulas of South Africa and WOMBS offer non-medical birth support.
Postpartum:
- Childline South Africa provides advice to parents.
- Mum Support Network offers encouragement and support.
- Parenting Courses on effectiveness, sleeping, nursing, and baby massage as well as counseling can make parenting easier and give you the opportunity to interact with other parents.
- Young Mothers' Camps teach life skills to young moms in Mpumalanga.
- SA Mom Blogs is a blog site for moms where you can learn from other moms and share your story.
- MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers): Find support in community with other moms.
- House Cleaning Service Providers make your life easier, while you are taking care of your newborn. Prices range from R50 to R2000 per visit, depending on the task.
- Creche services are available on weekdays for R1500-R4500 per month.
- Food Banks provide you with nutritious meals.
You are worth all the support you can get!
Take care of yourself, mama. 💚
For more resources, go to:
- Pregnant at University
- Teenage Mom
- Raising a Special Needs Child
- Autoimmune Disease and Pregnancy
- Financial Resources
How Can I Succeed? — We Are Here for You!
You are probably dealing with multiple concerns right now — and long to see how everything could be made possible.
Maybe your pregnancy was unforeseen, and you are unsure whether to keep the baby. Perhaps you are concerned that this is more than you can handle. You are already doing what it takes by seeking solutions. You don't have to do this alone! They say it takes a village to raise a child; this village is available to you by accessing the sites listed above.
Perhaps lack of support is not your only concern. Are there more things going on? Allow us to be your sounding board as you address the issues that are weighing on you. Our digital resources are unbiased, free, and easily accessible.
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