Maternal Health Resources

If you are thinking about getting pregnant, just found out you are pregnant, just gave birth, or a family member there are services available to assist in this new journey. Please visit the links below for information, resources and services. Your local county health department can provide information on local resources.

Financial help

• CalWORKs: CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible California families in need. Apply online through BenefitsCalor contact your local county.
• Child Support: To apply for services, complete the Application for Child Support Services Packet and return it to the county child support agency in your area. Individuals currently receiving CalWORKS are automatically referred to their local child support agency for services. If you are a CalWORKS beneficiary and have questions about your case, please contact your local child support agency.

 Food assistance

• CalFresh: The CalFresh program helps to improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing a means to meet nutritional needs. Each county may have a different way to apply for CalFresh benefits. Apply online through BenefitsCal or contact your local county.
• California WIC: The California Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program helps families across the state by providing nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to health care and other community services

Health care

• Medi-Cal: Medi-Cal offers free or low-cost health coverage for California residents who meet eligibility requirements. Most applicants who apply through Covered California and enroll in Medi-Cal will receive care through managed health plans. Find ways to apply for Medi-Cal.
• Abortion Access: Abortion remains safe, legal, and accessible in California, whether or not you live in the state. Find current and accurate information about how you can access abortion services in California.
• Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program: The Comprehensive Perinatal Services Program (CPSP) is a Medi-Cal benefit that provides a wide range of culturally competent services to pregnant individuals from conception through 60 days postpartum. In addition to standard obstetric services, patients receive enhanced services in the areas of psychosocial, health education, and nutrition.

Mental health support

• CDPH Maternal Mental Health: Learn about maternal mental health support and resources, including tips and fact sheets on maternal suicide prevention.
• BrightLife Kids: Personalized behavioral health coaching for parents, caregivers, and children 0–12.
• CalHOPE: CalHOPE is here to help with free peer counseling for those times when you feel stressed, anxious, depressed, or worried. You’re not alone.
• Positive Parenting, Thriving Kids: Free videos and print resources with practical, evidence-based information and skills to address common parenting challenges.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Whether you’re facing mental health struggles, emotional distress, alcohol or drug use concerns, or just need someone to talk to, caring counselors are here for you.

 Other resources

• Black Infant Health Program: Black Infant Health (BIH) is a health equity program that offers individual and group support to pregnant and post-partum Black mothers and birthing people.
• California Home Visiting Program: The California Home Visiting Program (CHVP) is designed for overburdened families who are at risk for Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including child maltreatment, domestic violence, substance use disorder and mental health related issues. Home visiting gives parents the tools and know-how to independently raise their children. It’s a preventive intervention focused on promoting positive parenting and child development.
• Early Start: California’s early intervention program for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or at risk for having a developmental disability and their families.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance ​Program: A federally funded program that helps low-income households pay for heating or cooling in their homes.
• Low-Income Weatherization Program: Providing low-income households with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and energy efficiency upgrades at no cost to residents.

California Department of Public Health

Are you thinking about getting pregnant, just found out you are pregnant, or recently had a new baby, visit the California Department of Public Health to learn more about how to take care of yourself and your loved ones.

The California Department of Public Health wants everyone to know that there is no shame in seeking he​​lp for maternal mental health challenges, and most people experience full recovery when they get treatment.

First 5 California

First 5 California connects families to the services and support they need to give their children a healthier tomorrow. For more information about resources available in your community from First 5 California, visit your local First 5 county commission.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Interested in learning more about maternal and infant health. Please visit the Center for Disease Control’s website to learn more.

National Maternal Health Hotline

If you are pregnant and just had a baby you can call the National Mental Health Hotline for free and confidential support – 1-833-TLC-MAMA.

Women’s Preventative Services International

Want to learn about what healthcare services are available to you? You can find a comprehensive list of services under the “well-woman” category created by the Women’s Preventive Services Initiative. Feel free to bring this chart with you to your next healthcare visit.

March of Dimes

The March of Dimes provides an overview of local resources available for pregnant individuals and babies. If you are looking for support during your pregnancy or after, please visit this website.

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American Heart Association

American Heart Association offers support for heart disease in pregnancy. Some women experience heart conditions during pregnancy, find out how to address these conditions.

There are many different resources available to the healthcare team. Here are a few key resources that will help guide your maternal health services.

Department of Health Care Services

The California Department of Health Care Services oversees the California Medi-Cal program. If you provide services to Medi-Cal patients, you can find more information on available services.

If you are currently a midwife providing services in California, please see the Medi-Cal website regarding benefits associated with midwives.

If you are currently a doula providing services in California, please see the Medi-Cal website regarding benefits associated with doulas.

Newborn Gateway is a new way for health providers to ensure babies have health insurance coverage right away.

California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative

The California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative has a variety of resources available for healthcare teams and systems.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have an extensive list of resources for healthcare providers providing maternal health.