Birth Resources
There are so many incredible organizations in our area and beyond. We have compiled a resource directory of some of our favorites:
Pregnancy, Labor, and Birth
Optimal Fetal Positioning–Spinning Babies
Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
Dr. Sears Resource for Parents
Breastfeeding/Nutrition Assistance
Hand-expressing Breastmilk Videos
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for Women, Infants, and Children WIC DC
When Babies are Premature
Children’s National–Resources for Families in the NICU
Pregnancy and Infant Loss
DC Area Moms–List of Resources in the DMV
Postpartum
Early Childhood Innovation Network
Postpartum Support International
Perinatal Mental Health Community Resources
Parenting and Childhood Education Support Groups
Homebirth
DC Metro Maternity–Home Birth or Hospital Birth
Quit Smoking and Substance Use
LGBTQIA+ Family Resources
For Teens
Teen Parent Assessment Program
Crittenton Services of Greater Washington PEARLS
Catholic Charities Teen Parent Program (Faith-based)
For BIPOC Parents
National Association to Advance Black Birth–Black Birthing Bill of Rights
Mental Health Resources
Mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety are the #1 complication of pregnancy and childbirth. If you are experiencing distress during your perinatal journey, you are not alone and you will feel better with the right support. Please see below for some of our favorite mental health resources.
The Maternal Mental Health Hotline is a 24/7 free, confidential hotline for pregnant or postpartum people to speak with professional counselors about their mental health and get the help they need. Call or text 1-833-852-6262 to speak to a counselor in English or Spanish (interpreter service available in 60 languages)
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 is a 24/7 free, confidential suicide prevention hotline offering support, prevention and crisis resources for people with suicidality by trained professionals.
Mary’s Center Perinatal Mental Health Program offers care coordination, individual therapy, group therapy and psychiatry in DC and MD. Accepts Medicaid and folks who are uninsured.
Medstar Georgetown’s Women Mental Health Program offers outpatient therapy and psychiatry in DC. Accepts Medicaid and other insurances.
Postpartum Support International offers free education, resources and support groups for the postpartum period.
New Mom Mental Health Checklist a free download to help new moms have a conversation with their medical provider about their mental health symptoms
Postpartum Pact is a free download to help new parents communicate their specific needs and experiences to their partner in postpartum
Mothers’ Mental Health Toolkit is a resource for service providers who support pregnant and postpartum families to increase knowledge and confidence in identifying and treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Includes many worksheets for supporting perinatal mental health.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Hard Reduction Toolkit offers educational material and supportive resources for people who are using drugs during their pregnancy or postpartum periods.This toolkit can also be used by loved ones and/or service providers.
Mother to Baby offers research-based information on risk and exposure to baby during pregnancy and breastfeeding for a wide range of medications and substances.