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Support for New Parents

Having a new baby can be overwhelming. There are support groups for new parents where you can ask questions about your baby and talk to other new parents.

We can also help you find things you may need for you baby such as baby clothes or diapers.

Support Groups and Classes

Getting together with other new moms or parents, after you have your baby, is a great help – especially if you are feeling lonely, isolated or overwhelmed.

Support groups are a place to share stories and concerns about your baby and discuss things like crying, sleeping, baby care and taking care of yourself. Social support during this time in your life is very important to help you with the challenges of being a parent and adjusting to your new life.

Parenting classes and support groups can be helpful. Many different classes and groups can be available depending on where you live.

• Parent Trust has education and support services for families throughout Washington State. To learn more visit www.parenttrust.org, or call the Family Help Line (800) 932-4673.

• If you live in King County, there is parent support group called PEPS. To learn more go to http://www.pepsgroup.org/ or call 206-547-8570.

• If you live in Snohomish County, visit Parent Place and search for parent support groups to see what is available in your area.

• If you live in Skamania and Klickitat County, parent information and support is available at Skamania Klickitat Community Network, or call 1-866-631-1997.

• Other places to find a support group in your community include: libraries, community centers, local churches and hospitals. You could also call 211 or your community information line (look in the government pages of your phone book).
  
  

Baby Supplies

Having a baby can cost a lot. There are places to find free and low cost baby supplies.

Things you may be able to find:

• baby clothes
• cribs
• co-sleepers
• strollers
• baby carriers and slings
• toys
• formula
• diapers

To find an agency with baby supplies in your area or call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588. Always make sure to call before you go to an agency to see what items they have.

Other great places to find low cost baby supplies are thrift and resale stores. You can often find many of the things you need and spend much less than you would buying items new.

Car Seats

You are required to have a car seat to leave the hospital or birth center after your baby is born. To find a free or low cost car seat, call the Safety Restraint Coalition (http://www.800bucklup.org/) at 1-800-BUCK-L-UP or 425-828-8975.

If you are unsure how to install a car seat in your vehicle, there are places that will check your car seat and make sure it is properly installed. Go to http://www.800bucklup.org/ and look for Car Seat Checkups.

Breast pumps

If you are returning to work after your baby is born, you can continue to breastfeed by using a breast pump to express your breastmilk. There are many pumps to choose from and you may need to try several before you find the right one for you. A lactation consultant, La Leche League Leader, or WIC counselor may be able to help you. There are also some free and low cost breast pump services available in Washington State.

• To find a lactation consultant or free and low cost breast pumps, call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

• To learn more about returning to work and continuing to breastfeed click here.