The Super-Handy Resource Guide New Parents Should Keep in Their Back Pocket

Keep these sites and numbers on speed dial for when you need support the most.

If you’re expecting a new addition to the family, you’ve probably already received plenty of cute stuff for your baby. But I’m going to give you something else: the gift of information.

I know, I know. It’s not nearly as fun as swaddle blankets and keepsake photo frames. But trust me. After the baby arrives, sh*t gets real. You never know — whether it’s your first or fourth — what particular hurdles you’ll face or the type of support you’ll need.

That’s where this handy guide of essentials comes in. There are some resources listed that I hope everyone uses. There are some resources listed that I hope no one has to use. Either way, it’s all included here, judgment free.

As a postpartum doula, it’s my job and privilege to support new parents when they’re at their most vulnerable. Providing resources is a huge part of that. (Less mind-numbing time combing the online abyss, more time with your family: Yes!) I hope I can do the same for you.

After all, it takes a village. And these days, that village is a loose patchwork of real-life and online resources.

Emergencies

First things first: Add your pediatrician’s phone number to your phone Favorites in case you ever have any concerns about the baby. Know where the nearest hospital or 24-hour urgent care center is.

Same goes for you. Never hesitate to call your provider, particularly if you experience the following postpartum: If you pass a clot that’s bigger than a plum, soak through more than one pad per hour, or have a fever, chills, nausea, or rapid heartbeat. Any of these can be signs of postpartum hemorrhage.

If you have changes in vision, dizziness, or severe headaches, call your provider immediately. These symptoms can be signs of postpartum preeclampsia.

General support and guidance

I’m a huge fan of tapping Facebook to find local new parent groups by neighborhood, as well as national/international groups by interest. Use them for support, advice, venting, or physical meet-ups, which are particularly beneficial when you’re home alone in those first weeks or months. Your hospital will also likely offer a new parent group.

Breastfeeding. La Leche League is the most well-known, and widespread, lactation support group. (More on lactation below.) It has chapters in nearly every town and city, and is an incredible free resource — for insight, as well as potential friends.

Cesarean deliveries. The International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) has local groups as well as a closed Facebook group for those seeking support, whether you had a scheduled C-section, emergency C-section, or VBAC.

Postpartum anxiety and depression. Postpartum Support International (PSI) provides a host of mental health resources (more on that below), but I particularly appreciate the weekly online meetings it holds for perinatal mood concerns and military caregivers.

Surrogacy. If you are using (or have used) a surrogate and are looking to connect with other surrogacy parents, you may want to check out the Facebook group Surrogates and Intended Parents, which boasts nearly 16,000 members.

Adoption. The North American Council on Adoptable Children (NACAC) offers an index of adoptive parent support groups by state. It’s worth noting that post-adoption depression is a very real condition, which some find difficult to discuss openly. If you are struggling, you may find these forums helpful as well as this information from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.