Supporting Expecting & New Mothers
Practical Support
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Bring meals: Cook or buy meals to save the new mother time and energy, ensuring she eats well.
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Help with chores: Assist with housework, laundry, and other chores to reduce stress.
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Run errands: Offer to grocery shop or do other necessary errands to free up her time.
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Take the baby: Watch the baby for an hour or so so she can shower, nap, or just have a moment to herself.
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Stagger visitors: Encourage visitors to spread out their visits so the new mother isn't overwhelmed in the first few weeks.
Emotional Support
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Listen without judgment: Create a safe space for her to vent about her feelings and challenges, instead of assuming she is always happy.
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Ask specific questions: Instead of "How are you?", try asking, "Are you getting enough sleep?" or "What are you feeling like this morning?" to get a more honest answer.
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Acknowledge the difficulty: Validate that being a new mom is challenging, and offer support by asking how she is coping.
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Call or text a hotline: For urgent mental health support, call or text the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (852-6262).
RESOURCES | For New/Expecting Mothers
Medicaid & CHIP
Government health insurance for low-income and pregnant women. All Marketplace and Medicaid plans cover pregnancy and childbirth, often extending coverage for 60 days up to 12 months postpartum, and automatically covering the newborn for at least one year.
Check eligibility and apply through Healthcare.gov or your State Medicaid Agency.
WIC (Women, Infants and Children
Provides free healthy foods (including formula, fruits, vegetables, and milk), nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals for low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age 5.
Check eligibility and apply at your local WIC office or use the WIC Prescreening Tool.
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Provides short-term financial assistance to help pay for food, clothing, housing, utilities, and medical supplies during times of need.
Contact your local or state social services agency to apply.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
(Previously Food Stamps) Provides an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card to help low-income families buy nutritious food.
Contact your local SNAP office or state social services agency to apply.
MotherToBaby
Provides expert, confidential, evidence-based, and no-cost information about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including medications, vaccines, substances, and health conditions.
Ask Our Experts or browse Fact Sheets on the MotherToBaby website.
Maternal Mental Health and Crisis Support
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are common and require immediate support. These are available 24/7.
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
Provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for pregnant and new moms (including text and call support). Connects callers with professional counselors and local resources.
Call or Text: 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262)
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
The world's leading organization dedicated to helping women and families suffering from PMADs (e.g., postpartum depression and anxiety). Offers resources, provider directories, and weekly online support groups.
PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773 (Text "Help" or "Ayuda")
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Provides 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in distress, prevention, and crisis resources.
Call or Text: 988
SAMHSA National Helpline
Provides 24-hour, free, and confidential treatment referral and information about mental and/or substance use disorders
Call: 1-800-662-HELP (4357
Parenting and Community Support
These programs offer education, in-home support, and connections to local services.
Head Start & Early Head Start
Federal program that promotes school readiness for children ages birth to five from low-income families through education, health, nutrition, and social services. Early Head Start specifically serves infants and toddlers.
Call: 1-866-763-6481 or use the Head Start Locator.
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)
Coordinates medical care, support, and advice for pregnant women, new parents, and children, connecting them to local health department services.
Call: 1-800-311-2229 or visit the MCHB website.
Child Care Aware of America
Helps families find and access affordable, quality child care in their state and community.
Visit the Child Care Aware website for state-specific resources.
March of Dimes
Offers resources and advocacy focused on improving the health of mothers and babies, including postpartum resources, wellness plans, and conversation guides for parents and support systems.
Visit the March of Dimes website.