Pregnant and Expectant Families

Resources for pregnant and expectant families that support healthy prenatal care, education, and basic needs.

If you are a doula currently working with Minnesota families and would like to be included in the Help Me Connect directory, complete the Minnesota Doula Workforce form on the MN Department of Health’s website.

Basic Needs

The Basic Needs section of Help Me Connect has additional resources that support families beyond pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and Lactation Support

Programs and resources to support expectant and new parents that chose to breastfeed. Most birth hospitals, birth centers and clinics serving postnatal clients offer lactation services and support.

• ZipMilk Directory of Breastfeeding Providers Enter your zip code to search for breastfeeding support in Minnesota.
• MN Breastfeeding Coalitions
• Baby Cafés (search in Minnesota)

Car Seats

Organizations that provide free or low-cost car seats. Many health plans offer free car seats to eligible members. Contact your health insurance for more information.

Diapers

Organizations that provide free or low-cost diapers

Food: Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Healthy eating and breastfeeding support program for pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children. Benefits include nutrition information, healthy foods, and referrals to other services in the community. Apply for WIC through the online application.

Health Insurance for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women can qualify for Medical Assistance using the MNsure application process. Get free help from an enrollment expert (MNsure-certified assister). To learn about the different kinds of assisters and how they can help you every step of the way, visit MNsure.

Child Care

• Online Child Care Search and Phone Support
  Use the Parent Aware online child care search or call 1-888-291-9811 to talk with a specialist that can help families find the quality child care, preschool and other early education programs (multilingual services available).
• Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP)
  County program that helps families with low income pay for child care while they go to work, look for work or attend school.
• Early Learning Scholarships
  Financial support for parents to access high quality early childhood programs for their children up to age four with high needs.

Health Care and Mental Health

Health Insurance for Pregnant Women

Pregnant women can qualify for Medical Assistance using the MNsure application process. Get free help from an enrollment expert (MNsure-certified assister). To learn about the different kinds of assisters and how they can help you every step of the way, visit MNsure.

Birthing Centers

Birth centers are facilities designed to provide care to women with low risk pregnancies who want a choice between a hospital and home birth. Births are typically overseen by certified nurse-midwives, doulas, and other professionals. They provide prenatal and postpartum care, labor and delivery services, and may also provide childbirth education, annual exams, birth control, and fertility counseling.

Birthing Hospitals

Hospitals offer variety of labor and delivery services, including access to specialty services for high risk situations.

Genetic Counseling (MN Genetic Counselors Association)

Genetic counselors work with patients and families to evaluate family health history, discuss genetic conditions, and explain and assist in decision-making about genetic testing. This organization has an online directory of counselors that serve Minnesota families.

Medical Transportation

Organizations that provide rides to non-emergency medical appointments for people around their community. Pregnant people that are on Medical Assistance are eligible for free medical transportation to appointments.

Mental Health Resources

• National Alliance on Mental Illness MN ‐ Perinatal Resources
• Perinatal Mental Health Support Resources (MN Department of Health)
• Pregnancy & Postpartum Support MN

Quit Partner's Pregnancy Program

Quit Partner's Pregnancy Program provides free help to quit smoking, vaping, or chewing for those who are pregnant or planning to be.

Reproductive and Sexual Health Services

Services may include contraception (birth control), testing and treatment for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), pregnancy testing and all-options pregnancy counseling and referrals, gender affirming hormone care, screening and laboratory tests, preconception care, and evidence-informed sexuality education for young people, teens, and caregivers.

Substance Use and Recovery Services

Organizations that specialize in providing substance use treatment and recovery services for pregnant women and those with children.

Education and Support

Birthing and Parenting Education

Services may include prenatal education, birthing and parenting classes, nutrition education and breastfeeding support, and access to basic needs (diapers, car seats, baby clothing, formula).

Doulas and Birth Workers(New!)

Doulas provide emotional and physical support throughout birth and labor, and intermittently during the prenatal and the post-partum periods. If you are a doula currently working with Minnesota families and would like to be included in the Help Me Connect directory, complete the Minnesota Doula Workforce form on the MN Department of Health’s website.

Family Home Visiting

Family home visiting (FHV) is a voluntary program for families who are pregnant or who have very young children. Trained home visitors meet with families in their community to provide social, emotional, health-related, and parenting support and information, and to link them to other helpful resources. Some examples of services an individual family may receive are prenatal education, help creating a safe and healthy environment, and referrals to early childhood programs in the community.

Early Childhood Family Education

School districts offer classes in a variety of topics through their Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) program, including prenatal education, newborn care, infant (0 – 12 months) milestones, and many others for families with children between the ages of birth to kindergarten. Visit the district’s local website or call to learn about their current classes and availability.

Parent Support Outreach Program

The Parent Support Outreach Program (PSOP) is a voluntary, supportive service that focuses on helping pregnant and parenting families thrive. The overarching goals of PSOP are to enhance the well-being of children and families, support families so they can meet the needs of their children by themselves and through their support system and support the safety and stability of children and families.

Tribal Health and Local Public Health Agencies

Staff are available in Tribal Health and county public health agencies to talk with families about available services in their own communities. These organizations are a great resource when you're not sure where to start.

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

Healthy eating and breastfeeding support program for pregnant women, new mothers, babies, and young children. Benefits include nutrition information, healthy foods, and referrals to other services in the community.