HAPPY BIRTH DAY!
Resources and support after the birth of your child.
Congratulations! Now What?
Welcome to the 4th trimester! That’s what some call the three months after a baby is born. Many new parents are surprised at how much help and support they actually need during this time while getting used to life with a new baby.
As a new parent, you might feel like you should be able to do it all. The truth is, you shouldn’t have to. Caring for a newborn, even with a partner, is tough. There are many sleepless nights and issues you may have never thought of or heard about. Not to mention all the changes your body goes through after the baby is born no matter how well your birth went.
You don't have to figure it out on your own.
Even with the support of your family or friends, you may still have questions that are awkward to ask or experience issues that are difficult to explain or share. Pregnancy Resource Centers are ready to help. There’s no one way to parent a child but there are many who’ve been where you are. From diapers to daycare, Pregnancy Resource Centers can point you in the right direction and offer the added support you need.
The resources below are available through the Pregnancy Resource Centers and are for EVERYONE – no matter the income, age, or even family support you currently have. There’s no shame in asking for or accepting help – it’s just as important for you to get the support and care as it is to get the right care for your baby. When you feel supported and loved, so will your baby.
Pregnancy Resource Center Care
The help from Pregnancy Resource Centers around Iowa doesn’t end once you’ve had your baby. Finding continued support and getting adjusted to life as a parent is one more way they can help you through the journey of pregnancy to parenthood. Below is a quick preview of how they can help.
Parenting Classes
You’ve probably found yourself saying or at least thinking “I had no idea babies did that!” Birthing classes are great for pregnancy and birth but don’t always go into the details of new parenthood. Babies don’t come with instructions; that’s where parenting classes come in. You’ll learn about everything from nutrition, using positive language, setting routines, and how children develop. And you’ll be with other new parents who are going through similar things. You can find classes all over the State of Iowa with many being offered by the Pregnancy Resource Centers.
PRC Parenting Classes Across Iowa: Learn more
Iowa Family Support Network – Early Access: A statewide system that provides information and resources to families with young children. Learn more
Iowa Family Support Network – Family Support: The program provides skills related to parenting, child development, growing problem-solving techniques, and strengthening family relationships. Learn more
Help with Mixed Emotions as a Mother
Something many new moms experience is postpartum depression, sometimes called “Baby Blues.” It’s filled with ups, downs, and very mixed emotions, even towards your new baby. Even If you don’t feel the same way about your baby as you think a new mom should, we want you to know it’s not because you’re a bad mom. Get support when you don’t feel like yourself so you can care for and love your baby well.
Iowa Family Support Network – Early Access: A statewide system that provides information and resources to families with young children. Learn more
Baby Essentials
You don’t realize how much this tiny human needs until you’re trying to buy diapers and formula, not to mention onesies! Pregnancy Resource Centers offer help for all the items you and your baby need. They offer free supplies or baby boutique supply programs and can also connect you with local resources to help These resources fill the gap to help you make sure you and your baby get what you need.
Food Bank of Iowa – SNAP: Helps people and families buy nutritious food at stores and farmer’s markets. Learn more
Food Bank of Iowa – Community Food Assistance: Dedicated to providing enough food for every Iowan to live a healthy, active life. Learn more
Iowa 2-1-1: Utilize 2-1-1 to find a local food pantry that can help support your diaper or formula needs. Learn more
Insurance Assistance
Finding the right care for your new little one is a challenge whether it’s choosing a doctor or daycare provider. your local Pregnancy Resource Center will help you get in touch with the right resources and find the right information you need.
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services – Hawk-i: Iowa offers Hawk-i health care coverage for uninsured children of working families. Learn more
Where Are You in Your Pregnancy Journey?
Am I Pregnant?
A missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. Before you start making major life decisions, let’s make sure they’re decisions you actually need to be worrying about.
Pregnancy Decisions
Discovering you are going to have a baby means there are decisions to make and we want to be sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your preborn baby.
Parenthood
Help doesn’t stop once your baby is born. There is support to help you with the blessing of parenthood, too. We’ll help you find resources from diapers to daycare.
For Him
As the man in the life of this young pregnant woman and preborn baby, you have an important role that needs support, too. We're here to help you find the information you need and help her, too.
Am I Pregnant?
A missed period doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pregnant. Before you start making major life decisions, let’s make sure they’re decisions you actually need to be worrying about.
Pregnancy Decisions
Discovering you are going to have a baby means there are decisions to make and we want to be sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your preborn baby.
Parenthood
Help doesn’t stop once your baby is born. There is support to help you with the blessing of parenthood, too. We’ll help you find resources from diapers to daycare.
For Him
As the man in the life of this young pregnant woman and preborn baby, you have an important role that needs support, too. We're here to help you find the information you need and help her, too.