Childbirth and Newborn Care Education
GROWING HEALTHY BABIES
The Delaware County Health Department supports families before, during, and after pregnancy. We help keep mothers, babies, and families healthy by connecting them to free or low-cost services, offering health education, and monitoring community health.
Have questions? Wondering if you or your family may qualify for additional programs or resources? Call us anytime 484-276-2100 or complete this form to get started.
Childbirth education helps families get clear, up-to-date information about giving birth so they can make informed choices about their care. Maternity Care Coalition offers free childbirth and newborn care classes. The Foundation for Delaware County Family Village offers childbirth classes.
The Coco Life free Delco Moms program offers additional support, including virtual prenatal and postpartum doula groups, on-demand text-based doula support, one-on-one postpartum consultations, connections to social-emotional resources, and postpartum mental health screenings.
There’s a lot to learn about caring for a baby
Free Supplies for your baby
FREE diapers, baby essentials, and other supplies may be available at community events or through programs offered by organizations such as Delco Helping Hands, Maternity Care Coalition, CocoLife Foundation, Family Village, and others.
Infant Immunization
Infants and young children are often at higher risk of serious problems if they get a vaccine-preventable disease. Make sure they get all their immunizations on time, every time. Learn more about immunizations available at the Delaware County Health Department.
Mental Health for New Mothers
Pregnancy and new parenthood can bring anxiety or depression, which can affect both mother and baby. About 1 in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression, a treatable condition that usually starts within the first few weeks after birth. Learn more about mental health during pregnancy and postpartum depression
Related services in Delaware County:
- CareConnect WarmLine provides reproductive psychiatry (484) 278-1679
- Coco Life free Delco Moms program includes postpartum mental health screenings
- Maternity Care Coalition Rapid Response program
Pregnancy Testing
DCHD provides pregnancy testing at our Yeadon and Chester Wellness Centers. Free pregnancy tests are also available at DCHD’s Test and Go Kiosks around the County.
Safe Sleep
Sleep-related deaths are one of the top causes of deaths for newborns until 1 year of age. This is called sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDs), formerly called SIDs. Learn safe sleep strategies to prevent sudden unexpected infant death syndrome (SUIDs).
Your family may be eligible for a free crib through the Cribs for Kids programs of the Foundation for Delaware County or Maternity Care Coalition.
Substance Use and Pregnancy
Learn About The Effects of Substance Use During PregnancyLearn about substance use (including opioids, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol) during pregnancy. Find related services in Delaware County:
- CareConnect WarmLine provides real time substance use navigation 9am – 9pm, 7 days a week. Call (484) 278-1679
- EMMA (Expectant Mothers Managing Addiction) at Recovery Works supports any mom or mom-to-be at any stage of recovery. Call 484-466-4737 or email info@recoveryworkspa.org.
- PA Quitline (tobacco session)
- Parent Cafes - A safe space for parents impacted in some way by substance use disorder
- Penn Medicine’s Family Recovery Support Services provides support to families affected by substance use.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
Get WICWIC provides healthy foods, personalized nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to other services and supports for you and your family — all at no cost to you! WIC does not require proof of citizenship. On-site resources are available in Eddystone, Springfield, and Upper Darby. Find out if you are eligible for WIC benefits here.
