Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be easier for some women and their families and harder for others – and that’s okay. If your loved one is pregnant or has had a baby within the last year, review the resource below. Make sure you can identify warning signs for physical or mental health issues that could be life-threatening. If something does not feel right, say something. Don’t delay in reaching out to a health care provider and getting help. If you or your loved one goes to the emergency room, always share with the healthcare team if you or they are pregnant or have given birth within the last year.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC’s) Hear Her Campaign has many helpful resources to help you support a pregnant or parenting loved one, including:
- General information on how to support a loved one.
- Information on maternal warning health signs that may indicate a serious issue. During pregnancy or within a year after having a baby you or a loved one experience any of these symptoms, call your healthcare provider right away.
- If your loved one shares that something doesn't feel right, help them get care and the answers they seek. Learn the urgent warning signs that need immediate medical attention. Print this guide to help with the conversation.
Postpartum Support Virginia can help family members if they are feeling sad, down, depressed, or anxious and need someone to talk to. Postpartum Support Virginia also has resource guides for partners and dads. They direct you to care coordination, support groups, and a warm line you can call if you or your loved one need someone to talk to:
Need to support an individual or family who has recently experienced pregnancy loss or stillbirth? Visit VDH’s Pregnancy Loss page for resources.
My baby is in the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), are there any resources to help find support?
Having a baby in the NICU after giving birth can be really hard on parents and families. If you are struggling, check with the hospital about what resources for families they have. Depending on the hospital and where you live, resources may be different. Asking the hospital is a good place to start. You can also reach out to your local health district office and connect with their maternal and child health programs.
The March of Dimes offers some free resources for families that have a baby in the NICU; scroll down the bottom of this webpage to learn more about coping with stress, the types of medical equipment they use in NICUs, and how to prepare for bringing baby home.
The Maternal Mental Health Leadership Alliance also has a list of NICU Resources for Parents that you may want to explore.