Healthy Pregnancy & Parenting

Mental Health During Pregnancy and Parenting

Many people struggle to adjust to pregnancy and parenting and some parents experience depression and anxiety. Without support and treatment, distressing feelings can affect how you respond to and bond with your child.

Fortunately, help is available - from family, peers and providers – to prevent, identify and treat depression and anxiety. 

The Whatcom Perinatal Mental Health Task Force provides information on resources, referrals, and support for both local families and the providers who care for them from pregnancy to parenthood.

Need to talk to someone right away?

If you need immediate support, call or text the Washington Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Press 2 for Spanish. Press 4 for Native and Strong Lifeline. You can also chat with someone at imhurting.org.

Or, call Perinatal Support Washington's Warm Line at 1-888-404-7763. Trained staff and parent volunteers are available to answer calls live between 9am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday. On evenings and weekends, calls will be returned within 12 hours.

Additional Resources

• Mental Health Resource List for Parents (PDF) - English, Spanish
• Perinatal Support Washington
• Swedish Center for Perinatal Bonding & Support
• Postpartum Support International

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both mom and baby. While mothers often find it rewarding and convenient, it can be challenging in the beginning.

These resources can help you get off to a good start breastfeeding your baby and answer common questions.

• Getting Started Breastfeeding
• All About Breastfeeding
• Whatcom County Breastfeeding Resources 
  • English
  • Spanish

Child Health & Development

Your child’s health is the foundation of all their growth and development. These resources provide great information about key areas of child health and development.

• Parenting Infants and Toddlers
• Common Childhood Illnesses
• Child Development Basics (CDC)
• Checklist of Milestones (CDC)

If you have a concern about your child’s development, talk to your primary care provider or call the Single Entry Access to Services (SEAS) line at 360-715-7485.

Through Healthy Children's Fund funding, doula services are now available for Medicaid-eligible families in Whatcom County. This program aligns with Washington State efforts to expand doula services under Apple Health. To learn more about state efforts, visit the Washington State Health Care Authority's Doulas page and the Washington State Department of Health's Birth Doulas page. 

Services Available

This no-cost program includes birth and postpartum doula services. Through this program, eligible clients can receive:

• Up to three (3) visits before birth.
• Help during labor and delivery.
• Two (2) visits after birth.
• Up to 16 hours of support after the baby is born.

Eligibility

These services are available for Medicaid-eligible families, especially families experiencing challenging social-economic circumstances. In addition to Medicaid eligibility, clients must be pregnant or have a child younger than six (6) months old.

How to Receive Program Services

This is a referral-based program. Eligible and interested families should talk to their doctor or midwife for a referral.

Referral Process

To refer a client, providers fill out an intake/referral form and fax the completed referral form to 360-778-6004. A referrals coordinator will follow up with the client within five (5) days of receipt to match and connect them with a doula.

What is a Doula?

A doula is a trained, non-clinical worker who guides and supports clients who are pregnant, in labor, or recently gave birth. This includes emotional, physical, and informational support. Doulas can help families plan for the birth experience they hope for. They share important information about what to expect during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the transition to parenting. 

Doula Benefits

Doula care benefits include: 

• Increased knowledge and confidence about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.
• Improved perinatal and infant health outcomes.
• A system of support for navigating health care and social services.
• Reduced likelihood of low birth weight and premature birth.

For Doula Providers

Doula providers should complete the Doula After Visit Form following each interaction with clients assigned to them as part of the Healthy Children’s Fund Pilot Doula Project.

Orientation materials and training information are coming soon.