New Parent Resources

Learning to parent does not come automatically after the birth of a baby. It is a learning process that takes time, patience and a sense of humor. Help yourself by reading about an infant’s expected growth and development. Seek out the support of your friends and family, and pediatric care provider. When the opportunity arises, talk with other parents or join parenting support groups. Parents need the support of each other during this time. Most importantly, remember that infancy passes quickly, so enjoy the adventure and discovery of each day as your family develops.

To support you’re your emotional and physical needs during pregnancy and the postpartum period, we have compiled this list of available community services, should you need them.

Parenting Support
  • Warmlines Parent Resources of Newton
    617-244-4636
    Runs workshops, new mothers’ support groups, drop-in play groups, "Matching Moms" programs, computerized childcare referral program and "sitter solutions."
  • Massachusetts Depression After Delivery
    800-944-4PPD
    Offers support groups, education and individual referral for women experiencing postpartum mood changes and depression.
  • Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts
    617-926-5008 or 800-632-8188
    Offers referrals to self-help groups for parents.
  • Mom-To Mom Jewish Family Services: Framingham
    508-875-3100
    Provides home visiting programs and drop-in groups for new moms.
  • Visiting Moms Program, Jewish Family and Children’s Service
    617-558-1278
    Servicing families of all faiths with programs to support new mothers in regards to feeding, pregnancy loss, postpartum adjustments, etc.
  • Families First
    617-868-7687
    Helping parents build positive relationships with their children, may charge a fee.
  • Department of Public Health
    617-983-6800
    Offers immunization information.
  • Birthing Gently: Doula Services & Professional Education
    978-314-5533
Home Postpartum Care

The following agencies provide a variety of post-partum care services, including newborn care and homemaking (meals, laundry, house cleaning, errands and sibling care). These agencies are fee-for-service. Brigham and Women’s Hospital does not incur any liability for the services of these professionals.

  • Newborn Support Services in Brookline
    617-232-5344
    Provides at home visits to teach and assess infant care and breastfeeding, and provide postpartum support.
  • Nite Nannies
    781-862-5600
  • SOSTEK Home Care: newborn care
    617-244-8560
  • MotherCare Services
    508-759-6800
  • Bluebirds Childcare LLC: Care of Multiples
    978-440-9948
Breastfeeding Support
  • Brigham and Women’s Hospital Lactation Consultants
    75 Francis Street
    Boston, MA 02115
    617-732-8045
    Offers daily in-hospital breastfeeding classes. Breast Pump Rental: 617-732-7092
    Call for a Lactation consultant contact in your are (fee-for-service)
  • LaLeche League of Massachusetts
    617-298-2540
    Provides phone counseling and information about breastfeeding support groups.
  • Nursing Mothers Council of Great Boston
    617-244-5102
    Offers phone counseling, breast pump rental information and support group.
  • Drug Information Center at the University of Rochester, NY
    716-275-0088
    Offers drug information for breastfeeding mothers (call your pediatrician first).
  • Massachusetts Breastfeeding Coalition
Breast Pump Rentals

Some health insurance policies cover breast pump rentals if written as a prescription by the pediatrician for the baby, especially if the baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

  • BWH Lactation Support Service
    75 Francis Street
    Boston, MA 02115
    617-732-7092
  • Medela, Inc.
    800-435-8316
    Offers listing of rental stations, breastfeeding consultants and catalog of breastfeeding products
Hotlines/Help lines/Crisis Intervention Available 24 hours A Day or as Noted
Childcare Resources
Financial Assistance
  • Boston Mayor’s Health Line
    617-534-5050 or 800-847-0710
    Offers information and referrals to health care for Boston residents with low income and no health insurance.
    Available 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
  • WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
    800-942-1007
    Provides health food and nutrition education to breastfeeding women and children under five years of age.
  • Greater Boston Legal Services
    617-371-1234
Multiples Support Groups

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