Lonely, confused, scared—do those feelings sound familiar? If you’re a new mommy-to-be, they probably do, especially if you’re the first of your friends to need maternity clothes. Even if you didn’t expect to be expecting and feel overwhelmed with the thought of becoming a mom, there are resources that can help you through the next 9 months, and beyond. The life growing inside you is, in many ways, depending on you to be healthy and informed. Whether or not you decide to embrace the role of “mommy” after your baby is born, you can find support in your current role as mommy-to-be.
Health Care & Nutrition Support
Especially if you’re a single or teen mom, the financial aspect of your pregnancy is probably a concern. In the US, though, there’s no reason for finances to mean lack of care. In most states, any woman without maternity insurance can apply for Medicaid. You can apply as soon as you have a note from a doctor, verifying that you’re pregnant; this kind of proof can be offered as early as 8 weeks. Your doctor’s office can probably refer you to your local Health & Human Services Department, or you can call the 800-number on this website to get connected with a local branch. In addition to medical insurance to cover prenatal and postpartum visits, as well as your delivery and hospital stay, you may benefit from the nutrition program called WIC (Women, Infants, and Children). This listing of contact information by state will help you on your way.
If you’re an ethnic minority, Healthy Start may also be a help to you. The government’s home visiting program may be helpful to you, as well. To find out which governmental assistance programs can help you have a healthy pregnancy and deliver your baby safely, you can fill out the form on this government website.
Educational & Social Support
Like many areas of life, being informed is a major step toward greater confidence in your role as a mom. One popular resource sometimes offered for free by OB doctors is What To Expect When You’re Expecting (available at Amazon.com). You can also sign up for weekly e-mails, like the ones from this popular source, letting you know how big your baby is growing and how you should expect to feel. For a more thorough weekly guide, the book Your Pregnancy Week by Week (available at Amazon.com) is an excellent doctor-authored resource.
Especially if you don’t know anyone else who can’t fit into her skinny jeans, connecting with other pregnant mommies can be hard. Online forums like “Due Date Clubs” can be helpful, allowing you to connect with other women due around the same time. At MOPS (Mothers Of PreSchoolers) programs, including some specifically geared toward teenaged moms, where you can connect with other moms and moms-to-be, in person.
Help in the Dayton, Ohio region
Whether you need medical, nutritional, educational, or social support, Women’s Centers of Ohio have Six Pregnancy Medical Centers that can help you find the help you need.
No related posts.
