Pregnant & New Parents

Welcome! Being a new parent or expecting a child can be both a joy and challenge.
This page offers some resources that can help make the journey a little easier.

Search for Services that Meet Your Needs. Click on the tabs below to search for frequently requested services.

New Parent Information

Child Care

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) specialists help families by providing referrals to child care, financial assistance, information and education about the quality and availability of care.

Home Based Parenting Education

Programs that visit the homes of parents who want to acquire the knowledge and skills to be effective in their parenting role and provide parenting education services in the family setting.

Colorado Early Childhood Councils

Have a new baby or young child but not sure where to start? Contact your local early childhood council for information on child development and care, home visiting programs, health and mental health, early learning, as well as parent education and support.

Parenting Helplines

Programs that operate a telephone counseling and information line that parents can call when they have childhood development questions, need advice regarding a specific parenting problem or need a referral for parenting resources.

Expectant/New Parent Assistance

Programs that provide services for expectant or new parents to prepare them for the impact that a newborn will have upon their lives. Included is information about the care of an infant such as bathing techniques, diapering, feeding cycles and infant and childhood illness and later, walking, talking, toilet training and other development skills.

Parenting Skills Classes

Programs that teach skills that enable parents to deal with a broad spectrum of child rearing problems which may include sibling rivalry; school behavior and performance; poor self-esteem; shyness; drug use; sexual promiscuity; and the whole range of negative, acting-out behaviors.

Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line

The Health First Colorado Nurse Advice Line is staffed by nurses who can answer questions about medications and when to see a doctor for Health First Colorado/Medicaid members.

Connect for Health Colorado

For more information about health insurance options, plans, or cost, check out Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s insurance marketplace.

Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation

It’s normal for some children to struggle with making friends, getting along with others, managing their “big” feelings, or adjusting to life changes. Learn more about how to support them while caring for yourself.

Safe Sleep

Sleeping Baby Safe

Recommendations on how to keep your baby sleeping safe from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Safe Sleep for Your Baby FAQ Sheet

How to reduce the risk of Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and other sleep-related causes of infant death for your baby.

Support Groups

Parent Support Groups

Mutual support groups for parents who share a common characteristic or circumstance such as being single parents, dual career parents, multiple birth parents, parents with children who are out of control, or parents of children with disabilities, who come together for educational and social purposes as well as for mutual support.

Adoption and Foster/Kinship Care Support Groups

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have adopted a child or are considering or in the process of adoption, birth parents who relinquished a child for adoption, people who were themselves adopted, foster care providers, children in foster care, kinship caregivers, etc.

Breastfeeding & Nutrition

Breastfeeding Support Programs

Programs that provide information and instruction concerning appropriate techniques for nursing an infant for expectant parents or new mothers.

Breast Milk Banks

Programs that collect and store milk from the mammary glands of women who are willing to donate it for use with infants whose own mothers have no milk and who are unable to use milk from cows or goats.

Women, Infants, and Children

WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to other services for families who qualify. WIC’s goal is to help keep pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under age five healthy.

Formula/Baby Food

Programs that supply infant formula and/or baby food, usually in addition to other groceries.

Food Stamps/SNAP

A program that enables low-income and indigent households to obtain an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card which can be used in most grocery stores to purchase food.

Pregnancy, New Parenthood & Employment

Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Learn how to navigate breastfeeding in the workplace.

Colorado & Federal Laws Support Breastfeeding

Learn about Colorado and Federal laws about breastfeeding.

Frequently Asked Questions about Breastfeeding in the Workplace

Have questions about breastfeeding when returning to work or how to ask for support in the workplace? Here are some commonly asked questions and answers.

Pregancy Discrimination

Information from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on various federal laws related to pregnancy and breastfeeding in the workplace.

Comprehensive Job Assistance Centers

One-stop centers that provide an array of employment and training services in a convenient, easily accessible location. Services may include job counseling, testing and assessment; resume preparation assistance, interview training and other prejob guidance services.

Self-Care

Healthy Families’ Family Life Resources

Tips for how to balance work and play, provide appropriate technology access to children, manage family healthcare, manage family dynamics, and more from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Going to Work After Baby

Helpful tips for new parents returning to work after the birth of a child.

Child Care

Colorado Shines Child Care Referral at Mile​ High United Way

Child Care Resource & Referral (CCR&R) specialists help families by providing referrals to child care, financial assistance, information and education about the quality and availability of care.

Child Care Expense Assistance

Programs that cover all or part of the cost of child care in public and licensed private child care centers or private family child care homes, usually for low-income families or families which include children with disabilities in situations where parents are working, in school or in a training program.

General Pregnancy Information

Pregnancy Testing

Programs that utilize laboratory procedures to determine whether an individual is pregnant or which provide access to devices for establishing pregnancy that people can use at home.

Pregnancy Counseling

Programs that help people who are experiencing a crisis pregnancy resolve any social or personal problems that have arisen as a result of their pregnancy or the prospect of parenthood, and help them understand their conflicting emotions, put their feelings in perspective, evaluate their options and make a decision that right is for them.

Health First Colorado’s Pre-Natal Plus

A special program for pregnant Health First Colorado (Medicaid) members that is free and provides additional services that compliment general pre-natal care.

Body Changes & Discomforts

Overview of body changes you may or may not experience and how you can feel better by the Office of Women’s Health.

Pregnancy Complications

Information on common complications that can occur during pregnancy and how to manage problems that come up provided by the Office of Women’s Health.

Mental Health

Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders

Learn basic facts about postpartum depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar mood disorder, and psychosis, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders experienced by dads, partners, and foster parents.

Depression During and After Pregnancy

Not sure how to talk to your health care provider about mental health or use of medications before, during, or after pregnancy?

Health First Colorado’s Behavioral Health Services

Are you a member of Health First Colorado (Medicaid)? Find out about benefits and services available for mental health or substance use through your primary care provider. Learn more about eligibility, benefits, co-pays and limits that are specific to pregnant or postpartum women.

Community Mental Health Agencies

Community-based outpatient facilities that offer individual, group, conjoint and family counseling, therapy groups, medication and other mental health services for community residents.

Private Therapy Practices

Licensed clinical social workers, marriage and family therapists, psychologists and psychiatrists who, either individually or in partnership with other therapists, offer individual, group, conjoint and family counseling, therapy groups or other mental health services on a private practice basis.

Family Counseling Agencies

Outpatient facilities that offer a variety of counseling services for individuals, couples, families and extended family groups who may be experiencing difficulty resolving personal or interpersonal conflicts or making personal adjustments to stressful life situations.

Pharmaceutical & Recreational Substances

Substance Use Treatment Locator

Find a mental health or substance use treatment facility near you through this national directory (anonymous search by zip code available).

Marijuana Use During Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Learn more about breastfeeding and marijuana use so you can make an informed decision for yourself and your baby.

Health First Colorado’s Special Connections

For new or expectant mothers who are members of Health First Colorado (Medicaid), the Special Connections Program can help those who struggle with alcohol or substance use. Case management, individual and group counseling, and health education are available.

Substance Use & Children

Illuminate Colorado offers resources and support to help pregnant families manage life with babies as they grow into children and teens. Learn about the effects of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, prescription medication, and other substances.

Medication Consultation Programs

Programs for the general public that conduct a review of prescription and over-the-counter medication and other substances (e.g., herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, drugs).

Smoking/Vaping Cessation

Programs that utilize one or a variety of techniques including aversion therapy, hypnosis, acupuncture, acupressure, and individual and/or group therapy or mutual support groups to help people who wish to control their dependence on nicotine.

Smoking/Vaping Cessation Support

Programs that provide support which helps people who have quit smoking and/or vaping sustain their commitment during the period of time following treatment when the urge to smoke or vape is still strong.

Tobacco Use Education/Prevention

Programs that provide information about smoking and nicotine addiction, the dangers associated with smoking or utilizing other substances containing nicotine, the risks associated with exposure to second hand smoke.

Perinatal Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Programs that provide comprehensive treatment services on a residential, outpatient or day treatment basis for pregnant women who have an alcohol use disorder, women who are parenting, and/or women who have babies who were exposed to alcohol during pregnancy.

Perinatal Drug Use Disorder Treatment

Programs that provide comprehensive treatment services on a residential, outpatient or day treatment basis for pregnant women who have a drug use disorder, women who are parenting, and/or women who have babies who were exposed to drugs during pregnancy.

Comprehensive Outpatient Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Supervised, structured programs that offer a wide range of outpatient services which may be coordinated by a case manager and may include individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, social and recreational activites, educational and vocational services, life skills training, primary health care.

Comprehensive Outpatient Drug Use Disorder Treatment

Supervised, structured programs that offer a wide range of outpatient services which may be coordinated by a case manager and may include individual and group counseling, 12-step meetings, social and recreational activites, educational and vocational services, life skills training, primary health care.

Alcohol Use Disorder Support Groups

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have or are at risk of an alcohol use disorder. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources to help participants overcome their disorder.

Substance Use Disorder Support Groups

Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who have a disorder involving the use of drugs including prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.

Fact Sheets

Emergency Housing

Maternity Homes

Programs that provide shelter, care and support services, which often include counseling regarding future plans and instruction in child care and development, for pregnant women who are unable to remain in their own homes.

Post Pregnancy Shelter/Transitional Housing

Programs that provide a safe, secure living environment and supportive services (which may include educational opportunities, life skills training, financial planning, parenting education and counseling) for single mothers and their infants following birth.

Homeless Drop In Centers

Centers where homeless people can spend time during the day or evening.

Community Shelters

Programs, usually sponsored by community organizations or coalitions, that provide temporary shelter for homeless people, generally in dormitory-style facilities with very little privacy.

Transitional Housing/Shelter

Programs that provide extended shelter and supportive services primarily for homeless individuals and/or families with the goal of helping them live independently and transition into permanent housing.

Intimate Partner Violence

Domestic Violence Hotlines

Programs that provide immediate assistance for women and men who have experienced domestic abuse which may include steps to ensure the person’s safety; short-term emotional support, assistance with shelter, and other related services.

Domestic Violence Shelters

Programs that provide temporary emergency shelter for individuals, primarily women, who have experienced domestic violence/abuse, and for their children.

Domestic Violence Motel Vouchers

Programs that provide people who are experiencing domestic violence with a temporary place to stay (usually one to three nights).

Spouse/Intimate Partner Abuse Counseling

Programs that provide individual, conjoint, family or group treatment for individuals who are being physically, sexually and/or emotionally abused by their partners, and/or for perpetrators.

Domestic/Family Violence Legal Services

Programs that provide information and guidance and/or representation in court proceedings for individuals who have been abused in an intimate relationship and/or for people who are facing a summary conviction offence or criminal charge for perpetrating abuse.

Legal & Enforcement

Child Support Assistance/Enforcement

Programs that provide assistance which helps to ensure that parents fulfill their mutual obligation to financially support and provide health care for their children.

Protective/Restraining Orders

Programs that provide assistance for people who need to obtain legal protection to prevent harassment, stalking or violence in situations involving child abuse, domestic abuse, elder abuse, abduction, sexual assault, stalking or other forms of harassment or the threat of workplace violence.

Please see our page dedicated to programs for Youth and Children with Special Needs.