Philadelphia is a bustling city full of resources and opportunities for expecting and new parents. Whether you’re looking for guidance on pregnancy, baby care, or parenting, there are plenty of organizations, non profits, and resources that cater to your needs. This guide will help you navigate these resources in the area, ensuring you have access to the latest information and support. Find even more resources and help in our Philly Baby Guide!

Philly Loves Families

The Division of Maternal, Child, and Family Health of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health offers Philly Loves Families to connect Philly residents with the services they need. Offering programs for every stage of the parenting journey, their goal is to be your go-to resource in the city. Find programs like Doula Support, Breastfeeding & Chestfeeding, and Safe Sleep, as well as resources for postpartum depression, a youth care team, and Philly Families CAN. Philly Families CAN is a support professional who comes to you- because babies don’t come with a manual!

Maternity Care Coalition

Maternity Care Coalition (MCC) offers a variety of educational programs and classes to help mothers, birthing people, fathers, and families make informed, healthy, and compassionate decisions. They believe a listening ear and a little help along the way can make a huge difference. They offer services and classes such as Childbirth Education, Newborn Care, Cribs for Kids, Group Parenting Classes, Parenting and Reproductive Health Education for Teens, Doula and Lactation Community Health Worker Training, and more.

Childbirth and Parenting Classes at Pennsylvania Hospital

Pennsylvania Hospital’s Parenting University offers both virtual and in-person classes for new and expectant parents. Classes are lead by specially qualified educators to help you learn what you need to know about pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care. Class topics include Labor Lab, Childbirth Prep, Baby Care Basics, Becoming Grand (for the grandparents-to-be!), Exploring Parenthood, Baby Talk, Sweet Sleep Seminar, and others.

Healthy Start Program

The Healthy Start Program, by the City of Philadelphia, provides case management, home visiting, and health education to help pregnant women get the care they need to have healthy babies. It is part of a national program to address issues of maternal and infant mortality, low birth weight, and racial disparities in perinatal outcomes. Healthy Start case managers/home visitors help families create personalized care plans for their health with a ride range of services from preventative healthcare to mental health support, for both mothers and fathers.

Header photo courtesy of Maternity Care Coalition.