Pregnancy Resources
Whether you’re a new parent or you already have years of experience, Reid Health offers pregnancy resources that can help you gain knowledge and confidence.
Extra help for new and experienced parents
Whether you just found out you’re expecting or recently gave birth, becoming a parent — even if not for the first time — comes with a lot to learn and prepare for. Fortunately, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Reid Health offers new parents in East Central Indiana and West Central Ohio a variety of pregnancy classes and resources. We’ll share important information to help you boost your chances of a healthy pregnancy and develop the skills you need to give your baby the best possible start in life.
Shared Beginnings
If you’re planning to deliver at our Family Birthing Center, we invite you to share your journey to parenthood with us. Shared Beginnings, a free service for expectant parents, includes:
- A private Shared Beginnings appointment with a tour of the Family Birthing Center
- Lactation support services, including one-on-one outpatient breastfeeding visits based on availability
- Pre- and post-delivery education and support, including optional classes on childbirth preparation, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and baby care basics.
Call (765) 935-8805 for more information.
Centering Pregnancy
Explore the joys and challenges of pregnancy with the support of providers and other pregnant women. The Centering Pregnancy program at Reid brings together groups of eight to 10 expectant women with similar due dates to help moms learn from one another by asking questions, sharing experiences, and building support. Visits last about 90 minutes, which include one-on-one time with your provider. The program’s longer meeting time provides you with plenty of time to ask questions and play a bigger role in your own pregnancy.
Pregnancy Navigators
At Reid, a pregnancy navigator will meet with every mom-to-be during her first OB appointment. They’ll review your needs and help connect you with any services you might require to stay healthy and attend appointments during your pregnancy. They’ll also offer risk screenings and help you find the education and support you need during your nine months of pregnancy.
Mental health during and after Pregnancy
During pregnancy, you might experience a range of emotions, from joy and excitement to anxiety and depression. It’s essential to monitor and support mental health by maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider, seeking therapy if needed, and building a strong support network.
We have advanced practice providers with certificates in mental health care and providers who’ve gone through dedicated postpartum support training. Our advanced practice providers help identify women who need mental health care and can recommend medications or treatments that are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
These providers understand how hormones fluctuate during pregnancy and how those changes can impact mental health, and they’re available to help you navigate those changes.
women's health
Childbirth and parenting classes
Families planning to deliver their babies at Reid have access to classes designed to teach them about labor, delivery, and life with a new baby. Our classes include:
- Baby Care Basics
- Childbirth Preparation
- Infant CPR/CPR Anytime
- Breastfeeding Education
Packing for the hospital
In the weeks leading up to your due date, you’ll want to get your bag ready to go to the hospital. Here’s a basic packing list to help you get started.
For mom:
- A baby book to record baby’s first days
- A comfortable, loose going-home outfit for you to wear
- Birth plan
- Books, electronic devices, cards, and crossword puzzles to keep you occupied during a long labor
- Cellphone and charger
- Extra underwear that can be worn with large maxi pads
- Glasses and/or contacts
- Hair ties or a headband to wear during delivery
- Identification, insurance card, and hospital paperwork
- Nursing bra and breast pads if you’re going to breastfeed
- Toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant
For baby:
- A going-home outfit
- Blankets and burp cloths
- Clothing to wear in the hospital
- Infant car seat
For coach:
- Bills and change for vending machines
- Camera or cellphone with a camera
- Cellphone and charger
- Extra clothing
- Pajamas
- Toiletries, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant
Breastfeeding support
In addition to our Breastfeeding Education class, mothers who wish to breastfeed have access to a variety of support services after their babies are born:
- Breastfeeding assistance: We educate new mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding and how to start. We follow established best practices, including helping mothers start breastfeeding within an hour of birth and maintaining the practice even when separated from their infants.
- Milk Matters: Meet other new mothers and get advice from lactation experts in this breastfeeding support group.
Postpartum Challenges
Your OB/GYN is ready to help with your postpartum care, but the transition to parenthood isn’t always smooth. Attending a postpartum support group can help you connect with other individuals who understand what you’re going through. Our support groups include:
- Perinatal & Infant Loss: This group offers comfort and guidance to families grieving the loss of a baby. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates and times.
- Postpartum: Share tips and find support for coping with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder, such as postpartum depression. Find an upcoming meeting in our events calendar .
Additional pediatric services
We offer services to help your baby grow into a healthy, happy child, including:
- Car seat checks: Using and properly installing a car seat is one of the most important things you can do to keep your baby safe. We perform safety checks to help ensure your little one is ready to ride snugly and safely, and our Community Health group offers car seat assistance for women in financial need.
- Pediatric care: Find a board-certified pediatrician who can manage your child’s health for years to come.
- Sleep safety: Our Community Health group offers education and resources to ensure your baby is following the ABCs of Safe Sleep: Babies should sleep alone, on their backs, and in a crib or bassinet.