Resources for New Parents

 

It’s often said that “it takes a village to raise a child,” but sometimes the village can be hard to find. We want all the parents in our community to be able to access the support and resources they need to thrive.

For 24/7 access to perinatal depression and anxiety support, call (866) 364-MOMS / (866) 364-6667.

 

diapers & wipes

Cradles to Crayons: Map out the nearest service partner and place a request for needed items.

Share Our Spare: Locate a partner in the directory and contact them directly to request items.

Food banks sometimes provide diapers. Locate the closest food pantry through Feeding America.

For parents and caregivers outside of Chicago, use the maps on National Diaper Bank Network or Feeding America to find diaper banks or food pantries near you.

formula

WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) benefits provide nutrition assistance for women and children, including baby formula.

  1. Check your eligibility and learn about the application process.

  2. Find a WIC clinic to help you apply for benefits.

  3. Organizations such as Greater Chicago Food Depository can help you determine your eligibility and apply for benefits.

Chicago also has several WIC Grocery locations, as well as a WIC Mobile Market.

For parents and caregivers outside of Chicago, use the federal WIC website to access these benefits in your region.

breastfeeding support

Local groups provide support from fellow breastfeeding parents and guidance from lactation experts.

  • Baby Bistro is offered free by UChicago Medicine. The group meets on Wednesdays from 10:30am-12pm on Zoom. UChicago’s Breastfeeding Hotline is: (773) 702-8885

Birth centers and collectives offer a variety of perinatal services, including general lactation education and support.

Certified lactation consultants offer expert, individualized support for all types of breastfeeding challenges.

For breastfeeding education, visit the resource library compiled by The Lactation Network, or the instructional videos produced by Stanford University. These resources can provide helpful assistance with breastfeeding basics and common challenges.

Breast pumps

Most insurance providers, including Medicaid, will cover the cost of a new breast pump.

  • For parents with insurance or Medicaid, visit NEB Medical to obtain a pump through insurance.

  • For parents who do not have insurance, contact EveryMom Chicago for support in accessing a pump.

Cribs & Bassinets

To request a safe sleeping space for your baby, find a local agency through Cribs for Kids.

For parents with BlueCross Community Health Plans (BCBS Medicaid), the Special Beginnings Program will provide a free portable crib. Complete your application here.

For Safe Sleep Community Training, contact Lurie Children’s Hospital to find a training near you. Need-based portable cribs are also provided.

Dominique Johnson, Lurie Infant Safe Sleep Coordinator

(djohnson@luriechildrens.org, 773.336.2648)

For safe sleep guidelines, see the National Institute of Health’s guidelines. While bedsharing is not recommended, La Leche League has compiled some guidelines for safer bedsharing.

Car seats

Attend a workshop on car seat safety and receive a free or discounted car seat through the Buckle Up Program at Lurie Children’s Hospital. Workshops are held monthly and offered in both English and Spanish.

Contact Lurie (carseats@luriechildrens.org, 312.227.8243) to attend a workshop or schedule a free car seat inspection.

For parents with BlueCross Community Health Plans (BCBS Medicaid), the Special Beginnings Program will provide a free car seat. Complete your application here.

Find a provider

Search Birth Guide Chicago for recommended local providers based on your individual needs, location, and financial/insurance resources.

Get matched with an available, in-network provider at Partum Health, including providers who accept Medicaid.

doulas

Connect with a doula to receive additional guidance and support throughout labor, birth, and postpartum. Many free and low-cost doula services are available throughout Chicago:

Childbirth education & parenting workshops

Free childbirth preparation and prenatal classes are offered in throughout Chicago. In-person, virtual, English, and Spanish options available:

Free infant care and parenting programs are also offered:

support groups

Join a support group for solidarity and community through the adventures and complexities of parenting.

  • Postpartum peer support groups for perinatal mental health, pregnancy and infant loss, or pregnancy termination. Weekly groups held online, offered in both English and Spanish. Dozens of specific groups are also offered, including support groups for dads, NICU parents, autistic moms, and more.

  • Beyond the Baby Blues support groups for women experiencing postpartum depression, prenatal emotional distress, or pregnancy and infant loss. New classes begin every 3-4 weeks, and are offered in both English and Spanish.

  • Parent Chat weekly support groups for all parents with children under age 3. All groups are offered online, in both English and Spanish.

  • Chicago Parent has compiled a list of the best parent groups and resources throughout Chicago and the surrounding suburbs.

baby gear

A variety of resources are available to help parents access baby clothes, gear, and other care items:

home visits

Postpartum in-home nurse visits are offered through Family Connects at UChicago and Rush. In-home perinatal doula support is offered through Family Focus.

Receive in-home support and connections from Brightpoint and Family Focus to ensure that young children meet critical developmental milestones. Services available to low-income families with children up to age 3.

childcare

Illinois Action for Children provides affordable childcare referrals. Complete an online request form to connect with a Child Care Consultant about the best options for your family.

For assistance with childcare expenses, complete the CCAP (Child Care Assistance Program) application. Visit Illinois Action for Children to access additional support navigating the CCAP application process.

single parents

The American Association of Single Parents provides additional support for single parents, including:

  • Educational programs for kids

  • Economic empowerment workshops

  • MOM911 groups for single moms

young moms

New Moms provides additional support for mothers age 18-24. Services include:

  • Housing support

  • Job training

  • Family support

Complete the Intake Form to request services.

income assistance

Various city and state programs provide income assistance to offset the expenses of a growing family:

Food & Nutrition

For assistance accessing food, see our Resources for Food Access page.

For additional family nutrition resources such as cooking tutorials and recipes, see the Cooking Resources for Families compiled by Lurie Children’s Hospital (English / español)