Resources for Expecting and New Parents in Frederick MD
You are embarking on one of the biggest adventures of your life – parenthood. Raising a child is no small task, and they say it takes a village, so while most of us may not be living much of a traditional “village life,” I’m hoping to help point you to some resources that can help serve as your “village.” As a family photographer based in the Frederick, MD, area, I have kept these resources specific to the Middletown/Frederick region. However, I’m hoping my Resources for Expecting and New Parents in Frederick, MD, will serve as inspiration for the types of resources you can look for in your area if you live somewhere else.
Navigating Parenthood: Key Resources in Frederick
Frederick Health Hospital
400 W 7th St, Frederick, MD 21701
(240) 566-3300
If you are planning a hospital birth in the Frederick area, you are likely already familiar with Frederick Health Hospital. The hospital provides a range of maternity services that extend beyond labor and delivery. If you haven’t already looked into the resources and services Frederick Health provides for expecting and new parents, be sure to check out their childbirth education classes and lactation support services.
Frederick County Health Department and Monthly Moms
350 Montevue Ln, Frederick, MD 21702
(301) 600-1029
www.health.frederickcountymd.gov
The Frederick County Health Department offers prenatal care, breastfeeding support, and parenting classes for new parents. FCHD also hosts a group called Monthly Moms, which is a group for pregnant and postpartum women. The goal of this group is to provide a safe space for new moms to feel supported, socialize, gain access to resources and information to help them in their motherhood journey, and have fun together. The transition to motherhood is not one to do alone – find some mom friends!
Frederick Pediatric Associates
9093 Ridgefield Dr #202, Frederick, MD 21701
(301) 662-0133
In addition to caring for sick children, Frederick Pediatric Associates provides well-child visits, lactation consulting, and newborn care classes for new parents. You’ll need to decide on a pediatrician before your baby is born and check on new patient availability so you can schedule your baby’s newborn appointment a few days after birth. For a more comprehensive list of all your options in Frederick, MD, check out my blog post about Frederick pediatricians here.
Frederick County Parents of Multiples
Frederick County Parents of Multiples Facebook Group
If you are expecting multiples, here is the group for you! Frederick County Parents of Multiples is a support group for parents of twins, triplets, and more. They have membership meetings with different speakers and topics, hold events, offer resources, share advice, and provide community for parents facing the unique joys and challenges of raising multiples.
Moms of Frederick County, MD
Moms of Frederick County, MD Facebook Group
www.facebook.com/groups/665339598819580
Local Facebook groups are one of the best ways to find out about events, resources, and groups in the area. If you are a new or expecting mom in Frederick County, I recommend joining the Moms of Frederick County, MD Facebook group so you can stay updated on what’s happening in the mom world near you, and so you have a place you can ask questions or initiate a playdate and make some new mom friends.
Mental Health Association
www.fcmha.org/how-we-help/families
When you bring a baby into the family, it is an adjustment for the whole family, so it is good to have mental health support as well as physical health support. The Mental Health Association offers various services to families, including counseling, support groups, and educational programs. The MHA is for families with children of all ages, so this could be a good resource to tuck in your back pocket if you ever feel the need for it later as well. It’s always good to have support!
The YMCA of Frederick County Head Start Program
(301) 663-5131
www.frederickymca.org/give-your-child-a-head-start
The YMCA of Frederick County Early Head Start Program offers free pre-school education for low-income families, including a full-day school-readiness program for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack. Fun events are incorporated throughout the year that the whole family can enjoy, like outdoor movie nights, Frederick scavenger hunts, and more. You may just be learning how to change a newborn diaper, but that baby will be a preschooler before you know it, so it’s never too early to start examining all your options!
Jennifer Riley Newborn Photography
(301) 660-3709
www.jenniferrileyphotography.com
And of course, we can’t forget your maternity and newborn photography resource! I consider it a privilege to capture photos of some of life’s most precious moments – the earliest days of a little person’s life – and to be there as a cheerleader for new parents. My goal is to make your experience as comfortable as possible while capturing and delivering to you beautiful keepsakes that will help you treasure these special days.
My hope is that this list will serve as a sampling of the kinds of resources that are available to new parents and that you will be well supported in your parenting journey as you put together your own “village.”
