Finding help and resources that are specific to your needs and those of your family can sometimes be challenging. Included below are some resources that may be helpful. While some of the resources provide support to individuals across the United States, many of the tools listed allow you to enter your zip code to find resources and support that is in your community. We strongly suggest that you seek out additional state and local resources to find the help you need. If you live outside of the United States, please also seek out resources through your local health department, district, or authority.
Find your local health department or Indian Health Program
Most local health departments in the United States have programs designed to help women and families find community based resources. The National Association of County Health Officials (NACCHO) has created a search tool that allows users to enter their zipcode to find their local health department (English only).
The Indian Health Service also has a search tool that can be used to find Indian Health Service, Tribal, or Urban Indian Health Program facilities by entering a zipcode or address (English only).
Zip code search tools: Financial assistance, food pantries, housing assistance/shelters, medical care, other free or reduced-cost help
Findhelp.org allows users to enter their zipcode to find local assistance including care, housing, food, and other free or low-cost assistance. Just enter your zipcode on the main screen and then select the types of services or help you are looking for from the website banner (available in Spanish and many other languages).
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has a resource for finding healthcare facilities and clinics, food banks and pantries, shelters, and free clothing. Enter an address or ZIP code to find local services (English only).
Pregnancy Health
There are a number of online sources for pregnancy-related health information. Have a Healthy Pregnancy is one such source from the US Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (English and Spanish).
The CDC has an outreach program focused on increasing knowledge around urgent maternal warning signs that could be dangerous for pregnant women and new mothers. The program, called "Hear Her Concerns (HEAR for short), provides information on a number of signs and symptoms that, if present during pregnancy or the year after, require immediate medical assistance if present. It is recommended by HEAR and the CDC that you seek medical care immediately if you experience any signs or symptoms that are listed below. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening situation. To obtain more information see the HEAR website. Warning signs include:
- A headache that won't go away or gets worse over time
- Dizziness or fainting
- Changes in your vision
- A fever of 100.4 degrees F (36 degrees C) or higher
- Extreme swelling of your hands or face
- Thoughts about harming yourself or your baby
- Trouble Breathing
- Chest pain or fast-beating heart
- Severe nausea and throwing up
- Severe belly pain that doesn't go away
- Baby’s movement stopping or slowing during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or fluid leaking during pregnancy
- Vaginal bleeding or discharge after pregnancy
- Severe swelling, redness or pain of your leg or arm
- Overwhelming tiredness
Additional information about pregnancy health and exposures can be found through the MotherToBaby website. People in the United States and Canada can also call them with questions toll-free at: 1-866-626-6847 or text them at 1-855-999-3525. You can also email an expert through their site or chat live with an expert (English and Spanish).
It is recommended that all pregnant women and birthing persons be in contact with a health provider who can help provide you/them with personalized care while pregnant as well as during and after delivery.
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Resources
Local substance abuse and mental health services can be found through the National Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSAs) confidential Helpline at: 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a hotline attended 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with referrals to local resources (English and Spanish).
Postpartum Support International provides a number of resources for connecting pregnant and recently pregnant people with help and resources for managing mental health concerns and conditions(English and Spanish).
Online behavioral resources can also be found by entering your address or ZIP code on the SAMHSA website (English Only).
Please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) if you feel like you may be in danger of hurting yourself or if someone you know is in similar danger. This hotline is managed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. All conversations are confidential (English and Spanish).
Domestic Violence
Confidential help can be accessed through the National Domestic Violence Helpline at: 1-800-799-7233. More information and resources can be found on their website (English and Spanish).
Breastfeeding Help
The US Office on Women's Health (OWH) maintains resource pages focused on breastfeeding that includes information on it's benefits, on decision making, on pumping, on return to work, and on a number of other issues related to breastfeeding (English and Spanish).
OWH also maintains a helpline for helping women and birthing people with breastfeeding that is available Monday-Friday from 9:00-6:00 EST in English and Spanish (toll free 1-800-994-9662)
Breastfeeding information and support can also be found through local, state, and national Special Supplemental Nutrition Program's for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). Breastfeeding resources through the national WIC program can be found HERE.
Infant and Newborn Care
The National Library of Medicine provides up-to-date information about newborn and infant care. This includes information on a broad range of topics like breastfeeding and sleep as well as on development and illness (English and Spanish).
It is recommended that all newborns and infants have a pediatrician who they are in regular contact with who can provide specialized care if and as needed.
COVID-19
Up-to-date information about COVID-19 including about how to best prevent infection and about how to best care for yourself and others if infected can be found through the CDC (English, Spanish, and other languages).
If you have not yet been vaccinated or received a booster and would like to be, in the United States you can find a local, free, vaccination site at: vaccines.gov (enter your zip code and local sites will be displayed - English and Spanish). Vaccination against the COVID-19 virus has been shown to be safe during pregnancy and is recommended.
COVID-19 testing is now widely available across the US and elsewhere. In the US this testing is available in clinics, in the community, and via in-home testing kits. If you live in the United States, you can also enter your full address into this tool to find some other testing options near you (English only). Testing is recommended if you have a fever at or above 100.4F and have a cough or sore throat and are not vaccinated or if you have been exposed to someone who has had a positive test. You can now also order home tests directly from the US government at COVIDtests.gov. The limit is four tests per household with delivery in about 14 days (English, Spanish, and other languages).
