PREGNANCY + NEW MOM GUIDE
Resources for Pregnancy, Childbirth, and New Moms in Lakeland + Polk County
Are you expecting a new baby? Or are you a pregnant mom who has recently moved to the Lakeland or Polk County area? Start your parenting journey with our resources for a healthy and happy pregnancy. In this Guide, you’ll find listings for hospitals, OBGYN’s, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, baby stores, new mom support, pediatricians, and more.
Plus, once your new bundle of joy arrives, we have plenty of information to help you enjoy the Lakeland area with your little one(s).
Don’t miss our Health + Wellness Guide and our Fitness + Nutrition Guide.
PREGNANCY + CHILDBIRTH ARTICLES
Safe Sleep Awareness: Keeping Babies Safe while Sleeping is as Easy as A-B-C
Sleep-related deaths are consistently one of the leading causes of death in children under 1 in Polk, but they are 100% preventable. By remembering a few simple sleep safety tips – the ABC’s – you can create a safe place for your baby to sleep and nap.
New Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health
Check out the new Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health! It includes helpful articles and videos, plus tracking tools for contractions, kick counts, newborn feedings, and more.
Lakeland Regional Health offers Virtual Classes on Childbirth, Breastfeeding, and Newborn Care
Lakeland Regional Health continues to help women and families in our community prepare for childbirth, breastfeeding, and caring for a newborn through virtual sessions and Q&A series. Learn more and register for an upcoming class.
Ask the Experts: Q & A with Lakeland Regional Health Pediatricians
“What would you ask your pediatrician if you could sit and have an extended chat with them?” We asked, you answered, and now we are getting answers for you! Read our Q&A session with Dr. Janelle Lee and Dr. Maria Martinez-Ramos, pediatricians from Lakeland Regional Health.
Center for Fetal Care at Lakeland Regional Health: Providing specialized care for high-risk pregnancies
For expecting women who are more likely to develop problems during pregnancy, the doctors at the Center for Fetal Care at Lakeland Regional Health can provide the reassurance and additional care you need to help guide you through a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Lakeland Regional Health Offers a Personalized Childbirth Experience with new changes in Labor & Delivery
Lakeland Regional Health provides moms with the opportunity to create a personalized birth experience. Learn more about the variety of birthing options and labor tools in the new Pavilion for Women & Children.
Our Tour of the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children at Lakeland Regional Health
With the opening of the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women & Children, Lakeland Regional Health is now the premier destination for family-centered quality healthcare in our area. Women and children will receive compassionate and safe care during life’s most important moments. Learn more and see our photos and videos.
ARTICLES FOR NEW MOMS
10 Great Ways to Meet Mom Friends in the Lakeland Area
Making mom friends is intimidating. And hard. And often outside our comfort zone. But we all need friends through this journey of motherhood! We are here to help with list of local places where moms congregate and your newest mom friend might be waiting.
PREGNANCY DIRECTORY
For a full list of Pregnancy, Childbirth & New Mom Resources, click the links below to visit our Directory:
HELPFUL INFORMATION
What to expect during Pregnancy?
- Sign up for the FREE Pregnancy and Newborn Care App from Lakeland Regional Health to access a wealth of information about pregnancy and childbirth
- LRH has a guide for the First, Second and Third trimester on its website.
- Sign up for Lakeland Regional Health childbirth classes or learn more about breastfeeding, newborn care, or take a tour of the Women’s Pavilion
- BabyCenter is a great online resource and will send you weekly emails to track your pregnancy
- The Office on Women’s Health website is full of helpful information
What to bring to the Hospital?
- LRH has a great list on its website
Car Seat Checks
- Be sure you have an infant car seat prior to giving birth. Use the Car Seat Guide from Safekids to find the right seat.
- Lakeland Regional Health has Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians on staff. Call 863.284.1882 to schedule a free appointment.
- Safe Kids Florida Suncoast Car Seat Checks – sign up on Eventbrite for an upcoming car seat safety check
Safe Sleep for your Baby
- Healthy Start Coalition Safe Sleep Task Force works year-round to educate local parents about safe sleep practices. Learn more about the safest place for a baby to sleep.
Assistance with Medical Care
- Check the Medicaid website to find out if you’re eligible.
- If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) can help you find low-cost medical care. Call 866-762-2237 for more information or visit the Access Florida website.
Additional Resources for Pregnant Women + New Moms
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a nutrition program for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or who have recently been pregnant, infants & children under age 5. Visit their website or call 1-800-765-5942 to see if you qualify.
- Healthy Start is a free home visiting program that provides education and care coordination to pregnant women and families of children under the age of three. They are a helpful contact for finding local resources – 863-534-9224.
- Call 211 for help locating local resources for health care, food, and other needs
- Healthy Families Polk is a voluntary, home visitation program designed to promote and enhance the healthy development of children and families. Call (863) 534-5257 for info.
- Peace River Center provides a 24-hour crisis line: (863) 519-3744 – and a Crisis Response Team for any type of emotional crisis, both during and after your pregnancy. (Call 911 if you are in danger)
Guide to Lakeland + Polk County
Check out our Guide to Lakeland + Polk County for more parenting resources and local information including Things to Do with Kids, Education, Childcare, Healthcare, Classes + Lessons, Youth Sports, Birthdays, and more.
