While You're Waiting
Resources of interest to parents waiting for a PEPS group.
Within a month or two after your baby's birth (or from the time you register), you will be placed into your PEPS Group and you'll start building connections to a community of parents. In the meantime, be sure to attend one of our orientations to learn more about what to expect, and check out our FAQ.
While you're waiting for your group, here are some other things you may find interesting and helpful:
If you're pregnant:
- Take an early pregnancy class and/or take a childbirth and parenting preparation class to learn all about pregnancy, birth, babies, and breastfeeding.
- Find ways to reduce stress: rest, relax, connect with others, think about whether there's anything you could give up to help make life less busy.
- Take a prenatal yoga or water aerobics class, or learn more about other options for exercise.
- Learn about nutritious food choices for a health pregnancy and a healthy baby. Learn what to avoid.
- Multi-media: Read or watch videos about 6 steps to a healthier, safer birth. Track your pregnancy and share news with friends on Facebook using Birthwatch. Sign up for a weekly pregnancy email from Lamaze.
- Learn more about choosing a care provider and a birthplace for your baby: Great Starts Guide, The Birth Survey
- Learn about ways to cope with labor pain. Learn about doulas, and find a local doula.
- Dads-to-be: Take a Conscious Fathering class.
If you've already had your baby:
- Attend First Weeks or another drop-in new parent group.
- For breastfeeding support: attend Breastfeeding 9-1-1 or La Leche League meetings. Or call a breastfeeding hotline for assistance with breastfeeding challenges.
- Check out tips on everyday learning moments that help your baby or child learn about his world.
- When parenting is stressing you out, call the Family Help Line: 1-800-932-HOPE or 206-233-0139.
- Learn more about the baby blues and postpartum mood disorders.
- Learn about sleep safety and reducing the risk of SIDS: safe sleep in a crib, co-sleeping safety.
- Check out ParentMap to learn about local parenting resources, and read great articles, like: Games Babies Play; Why You Should Sing to Your Baby; Sleep Strategies for New Parents, and Finding Support Online.
- Check out Red Tricycle for more local parenting resources and kids' activities.
Whether you're pregnant or already had your baby:
- Focus on strengthening your relationship: take a Bringing Baby Home class.
- Take a baby safety or CPR class.
- Check out resources on child safety and wellness at www.seattlechildrens.org.
- Take a Happiest Baby on the Block class to learn more about calming crying.
- Read and watch videos about brain development and ways to help your baby learn, and develop emotional IQ. Sign up for Early Words, an e-newsletter about early learning. View an online slideshow about brain development and early learning.
- Research resources for low income parents, including food, health insurance and child care. 1-800-322-2588
- Learn more about choosing child care, and get referrals to local child care providers. 206-329-5544
- Read about car seats, or have your car seat installation checked by a professional.
- If you are an LGBT family, or a single parent, check out our PEPS supplemental groups. You can begin attending supplemental groups even before your weekly group starts.
- If you're a parent of twins or more, check out Seattle Families of Multiples.
