Resource List for Soon-to-Be Parents in Western Washington

Doula Referrals

Pacific Association for Labor Support (PALS): (206)325-1419. www.pals-doula.org

Doulas of North America (DONA). (801)756-7331 www.dona.org

www.doulaworld.com and www.angelfire.com/wa/doulacare/ref.html

Breastfeeding Support / Lactation consultants

La Leche League - information and support for breastfeeding women. Monthly group meetings and phone counseling. (206)522-1336. www.lalecheleague.org

Evergreen Hospital’s Hotline for Breastfeeding Questions. 425-899-3494

Listings for lots of local resources: www.metrokc.gov/health/breastfeeding

Most hospitals have lactation consultants available, call your hospital for information.

You can also contact your local Public Health office. (see below)

General Information and Referrals

Children’s Hospital Resource Line, for basic health information: (206)526-2500

Crisis Line: 24 hour phone support and info for any personal/family crisis. (206)461-3222

Family Help Line: Referral to support groups and crisis line open 9 am - 11 pm 1-800-932-HOPE (4673) or (206)233-0139

Public Health Department - home visits by nurses, mother/infant groups, medical clinic, family planning, referral for children w/ special needs, health insurance, Medicaid and WIC program. Information & referral to the nearest Public Health Dept (206)296-4786

Education and Support for New Parents

PEPS – Program for Early Parent Support. Neighborhood support groups for new parents (begin when babies are under 4 months), which meet once a week for six months. Also, offers drop-in groups for families of children up to age 3. (206) 547-8570 www.pepsgroup.org

Hospital Programs: Many hospitals offer classes for new parents, which offer education, peer support, and a chance to meet other new parents. Check with your hospital.

Family Support Centers: offer discussion and support groups, referral, recreational activities for parents/children, classes on parenting, child care, child development activities, and health screening. Most activities are free. Go to www.parenttrust.org for a listing of all the family centers. Or call Family Help Line.

Parent Education Programs for Parents and Children

Several local community colleges offer parent education programs for parents and their children, from birth through age 5. Programs may include: mom and baby playtimes, toddler groups, and co-operative pre-schools. Generally a fairly low-cost opportunity for recreation, making new friends, art and music activities for kids, and parent education and peer support. Contact:
North Seattle C.C. (206) 206-528-4625. http://nsccux.sccd.ctc.edu/~parented/

South Seattle C.C. (206)938-2278. http://southseattle.org/programs/home.htm#coop

Bellevue Community College. (425) 564-2365; www.bcc.ctc.edu/parent-ed/default.htm

Shoreline C.C. (206) 546-4593. www.shore.ctc.edu/shoreline/parentcoop.html

Seattle Central (206)587-6906; Edmonds (425) 640-1665; Everett (425) 388-9300; Green River (425) 833-9111; Highline 878-3710 x3460 Lake Washington Technical College, (425)739-8100. Renton Technical College, (425)235-2352.

For lots more resources for parents, including: hotlines for domestic violence and child abuse, postpartum depression issues, support groups for parents of stillborn infants and SIDS babies, food banks, childcare referrals, and much more, get a copy of PEPS Family Resource Guide, by calling (206) 547-8570 or looking at www.pepsgroup.org/familyresources/default.htm

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