Informational Resources
Below is a list of websites that have useful information on parenting as well as prenatal and postnatal health.
There is so much information available on the internet, how do you know where to look?
Here, we list four reputable websites to help you start your journey. We only list four as to not overwhelm you. The information is provided for your own curiosity and by no means a guide of what you must know before becoming a parent. No one is responsible for knowing all the information below, including yourself!
Remember, we learn through experiences and making mistakes. As you begin your parenting journey, you will learn what is necessary for your child. Use the information below to satisfy your curiosity and help answer any questions you may have.
What information can you find?
You're Pregnant: Now what?
What are the stages of pregnancy? How do I stay healthy during my first trimester? What kinds of care and tests can I expect? How does my body change?
Getting Ready for a Baby
Here you can find information on preparing to breastfeed, baby-proofing your home, and a list of actions that you may to consider doing before giving birth.
Childbirth and Beyond
What are the signs and stages of labor and birth? How do I bond with my baby? What are the different ways I can recover from birth? What should I consider in newborn care, safety, and childcare?
What information can you find?
Pregnancy
Information on labor, vaccines during pregnancy, birth plans, epidurals, miscarriages, postpartum depression, and physical aspects of pregnancy (e.g., leg cramps, diet), and more!
Breastfeeding
How to get started with breastfeeding, the meaning of pain and discomfort while breastfeeding, how to pump, and what to expect in different stages of breastfeeding (1-3 months vs. 1-2 years).
Formula Feeding
How to feed and burp your newborn, as well as the pros and cons of breastfeeding vs. formula feeding
Introducing Solid Foods
Weaning your child (what it means and its importance), how to start feeding your baby solid foods, and more!
What information can you find?
Complex Pregnancies
Gestational diabetes, miscarriage, premature babies, and more.
Labor and Birth
Pain relief options, how to develop a birth plan, and information on pregnancy and birth care options.
Parenting
What to expect the first few weeks after birth and how to care for yourself as well as what postpartum depression is and how to find support.
Prenatal Options
Laboring/giving birth at home, baby-proofing your home, and questions to ask your obstetrician/midwife
Rights and Responsibilities
Discussions on confidentiality/privacy in healthcare, patient rights at the doctor's office and in the hospital, and when to seek a second opinion!
What information can you find?
Healthy Pregnancy
How the body changes, how the baby develops, and how to stay healthy during pregnancy
Pregnancy Week-by-Week
Click ‘next page’ at the bottom of the site for week-by-week fetal development. Also find information on physical changes to expect during pregnancy, and tips for improving health during pregnancy.
Fetal Development
How is your baby developing? What can you expect when having twins or even triplets?
Labor and Birth
Learn more about the healthcare workers who will be assisting you during your pregnancy, labor, and delivery; birth procedures; facility choices
Baby Growth
Baby growth week by week, how to keep track of the ways your baby is developing and more!