Having A Baby
Welcoming a new baby is an exciting time. It's also a big change and a lot to navigate. From prenatal care and nutrition to emotional support and baby essentials, 211 connects caregivers and parents to community supports for pregnancy, postpartum, and the early years of the baby's life.
Start your search by picking up the phone or finding resources in our statewide resource database.
Health Care for Pregnant Moms and babies
During pregnancy, health care (prenatal care) is important for the health of the mother and the developing baby. Health insurance programs are available to offer free and low-cost health care during pregnancy.
If you don't qualify for the programs while pregnant, check again once the child is born, as they may qualify even if you don't.
Medicaid
Medicaid offers coverage during pregnancy and for a few months after the baby is born. Learn how to qualify for Medicaid. There is also an option for those who are not U.S. citizens, are pregnant, and meet the other qualifications.
Maryland Children's Health Insurance Program
If you do not meet Medicaid's financial eligibility requirements but also aren't eligible for private insurance, another option is the Maryland Children’s Health Insurance Program (MCHP). That program supports eligible pregnant women and children up to age 19.
They can provide:
- doctor visits
- dental care
- lab work
- immunizations
- mental health services
- vision care
Apply for this coverage online through Maryland Health Connection or one of the alternative methods, such as your local health department or social services.
Community Resources
We have hundreds of resources in our 211 Community Resource Database for pregnant and postpartum moms, and babies. Find the ones you need by type of support.
Pregnancy-related
Counseling/Support
Click the links for a list of counseling and support groups in our database. Enter a ZIP code for nearby listings.
Safe Haven
If you're unwilling to care for the baby, Safe Haven is a confidential way to safely abandon an unharmed newborn. You don't have to answer any questions. Simply say, "This is a Safe Haven baby" and drop them off at a designated location in Maryland.
Placing a Child
If a mom can't care for the child, programs are available to help.
These are commmon counseling searches in our Resource Database.
Kinship may also be an option if there's a serious hardship. This is a temporary arrangement with a relative or non-relative, and it can be formal or informal.
Postpartum
Find postpartum support in our database.
Dial 211
Talk to a caring and compassionate person 24/7. They can also connect you to resources.
Nutrition for Pregnancy: WIC
Maryland WIC (Women, Infants and Children) provides access to food, while pregnant and nursing for those who meet eligibility criteria. It's also available for children up to age five.
Maryland WIC offers food vouchers for healthy foods, nutrition information, and breastfeeding support.
Learn about qualifications and how to apply.
Home Visiting Programs
Home visits during pregnancy and after delivery are a great way to get answers to your questions in the comfort of your home. It is also ideal for a home visitor to be able to help tailor recommendations that work best for your family in your home environment.
There are two ways to get home visiting in Maryland.
One is through Medicaid and the other is through your local county.
Medicaid Home Visiting
Those who qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for a home visit from a nurse or skilled professional during pregnancy and after childbirth.
These home visits offer an opportunity to talk about:
- Pregnancy
- Parenting
- Postpartum care
- Nutrition
- Life challenges
The visits are specific to the personal situation.
Request home visits through a Medicaid health partner, referred to in Maryland as a Managed Care Organization (MCO).
Other home visiting programs in Maryland
There are also other home visiting programs for new parents in certain cities and counties throughout Maryland.
Family Connects Maryland is a free and voluntary program for new moms, available in some areas of Maryland. A registered nurse can check in on the child and parent.
There are also Healthy Start and Healthy Families programs in other parts of the state.
Connect with a home visiting program:
- Anne Arundel County
- Baltimore City | Baltimore City (Sinai Hospital patients)
- Frederick County
- Howard County
- Prince George's County
Listen to a mom talk about how this program helps.
In Baltimore City, home visiting is available through the Healthy Start Program. And in Howard County, Somerset, and Worcester County, it's Healthy Families.
Find Resources Now
Find community resources for food, health care, housing and more in our database. Search by ZIP code.
Child Care Resources
Child care can be challenging to find, and pregnant moms may encounter wait lists. So, plan early, even before the baby is born.
Assistance programs are available to help pay for child care. The 211 child care guide explains your options.
You can also search our 211 Community Resource Database for a list of early childhood centers and locations to get help paying for it.
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