I’m Currently Pregnant or I’ve Had my Baby

Doulas are non-clinical birth workers that provide support to women, birthing people, and their families before, during, and after childbirth. Doulas have been shown to help parents achieve positive birth outcomes. Birthing people with doula support are half as likely to experience birth complications and four times less likely to have a low birth‐weight baby. Working with a doula can also decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression.

What do doulas do?

During pregnancy, doulas can help parents articulate their questions, preferences, and values with their team of care providers. During labor and delivery, they provide continuous support, working in partnership with nurses, doctors, and partners to ensure that the birthing person’s needs are met and that potential complications are identified quickly.  In the postpartum period, doulas can also provide support, including helping new parents with breastfeeding, providing referrals to additional services, and helping parents adjust to the new addition to their family.

The St. Louis Doula Project and Doulas of Color Collective are great places to learn more or find a local doula who can work with your family.

Home visiting programs send nurses, educators, or community health workers directly to a family’s home. Through these programs, the home visitor develops an ongoing, trusting relationship with the family to provide support, advocacy, and resources during pregnancy and throughout the early years of their child’s life.

Sign up to receive home visiting services

One of the leading causes of infant deaths in Missouri is an unsafe sleep environment. Every time an infant is put to bed, they should be Alone, on their Back, and in a Crib (or portable crib).

Learn more about safe sleep

Does your baby need a safe place to sleep? You can connect with a care provider to receive a portable crib for your infant.

For a mental or behavioral health crisis, please contact the Behavioral Health Support Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

988 (local: 314-469-6644)

SSM has a peer-supported MOMs line for expectant and postpartum moms. This helpline caters specifically to moms who are experiencing depression and/or anxiety.

(314) 768-6667

MOMs peer-support groups are also available via Zoom. Attending these groups is free and no appointment or registration is necessary.

For LGBTQIA+ parents and families, the St. Louis Queer+ Support Helpline offers free, confidential, and identity-affirming peer support. Their helpline is open from Friday to Monday, 1:00-7:00 PM CST.

(314) 380-7774 (toll-free: 844-785-7774)

For parents who are trying to leave a mentally or emotionally abusive relationship, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery Center (N.A.R.C.) offers resources and support groups. You can also learn more about narcissistic abuse on DaHood Talks Podcast.

MOMs peer-support groups through SSM Healthcare are available via Zoom. Attending these groups is free and no appointment or registration is necessary.

WIC is the special supplemental nutrition program for women, infants, and children. WIC provides services to pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children until their fifth birthday.

Find a WIC store or clinic near you

CoverSTL has lots of resources available to help parents enroll in Medicaid. Visit their webpage to find step-by-step video instructions for enrollment, a list of organizations that provide in-person assistance, contact information for Community Referral Coordinators, and more resources.

Explore Operation Food Search’s list of available resources for pregnant and parenting families.