Emergency Support
If you require emergency medical attention, please call 911 to access your local emergency services.
Below is a list of emergency hotlines and textlines that are free, confidential, and 24/7
National Domestic Violence Hotline
To reach the domestic violence hotline:
- Call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233)
- 1-800-787-3224 TTY for the Deaf
- Text START to 88788
- Or you can visit their website to chat with someone.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
To reach the sucide prevention lifeline:
- Call 1-800-273-8255
- Ayuda En Español 1-888-628-9454
- For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Or you can visit their website to chat with someone.
National Crisis Intervention Helpline
The Crisis Helpline is here to provide support for anything ranging from emotional challenges to confusion as a new parent.
To reach the crisis helpline:
- Text HOME to 741741
- Envía un mensaje de texto con la palabra AYUDA al 741741
- Or you can visit their website to chat with someone.
Non-Emergency Support
Non-Emergency Support Lines
If you’re struggling to care for a baby who is fussy, crying excessively, or has difficulties with sleeping or feeding, contact the Fussy Baby Network at 1.888.431.BABY (2229) or email fussybaby@erikson.edu. They offer all their services in English and Spanish, and they will answer the phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will return after-hours calls the next business day.
Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois
The Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois offers non-emergency support to women across the state of Illinois. You can contact them at 1-847-205-4455 and they will return your call within 24 hours. Or you can reach them through the contact form at the bottom of this page. Their support volunteers are all moms who have experienced either a pregnancy or postpartum mood disorder themselves.
Postpartum Support International HelpLine
To reach the PSI HelpLine:
- Call 1-800-944-4773
- #1 En Español or #2 English
- Text Help to 800-944-4773 (English)
- Text en Español: 971-203-7773
Support Groups and Classes
Support Groups and Classes
Support groups are places to connect with others who may have similar experiences to you. Although this is different from professional support, like therapy, meeting with a group of peers can provide understanding and give encouragement. Support groups for new and expectant parents at Northwestern Medicine are facilitated by specialists in perinatal mood disorders.
Expectant Parent Classes and more at Northwestern Memorial Hospital
Northwestern Medicine offers a variety of classes, events, and support groups with virtual and in-person options. Classes cover topics such as Understanding Birth, Understanding Your Newborn, Infant and Child CPR and Safety, and Understanding Breastfeeding. All classes and events are led by certified nurse educators. Partners are encouraged to attend.
Beyond the Baby Blues offers therapeutic support groups for women who are experiencing feelings of sadness, anxiety, isolation, or who are having difficulty adjusting to life with a new baby, as well as for women experiencing anxiety and/or depression during pregnancy, and for women who have experienced a loss. Their goal is to create a safe and caring space that allows participants to connect with each other and regain their sense of well being.
For partners who are looking for information on how to better support each other, Partners Becoming Parents is the place to look! They provide practical tips for parents-to-be to help you support one another and reduce your chances of experiencing low mood or anxiety. Topics include how to stay connected to your partner, what to do if you think you or your partner is struggling, and understanding how your sexual relationship may change.
Family picnic supports people in becoming parents, developing strong relationships and bonds with their infants, and fostering the learning and development of infants and toddlers. They have a variety of support for new and expectant parents from Doulas and Childbirth Classes to Breastfeeding and Postpartum Groups to Infant and Toddler Groups and Workshops.
This is a professionally led education and peer support program for new moms of babies ages birth to 6 months old. The group is an opportunity to come together to discuss the ups and downs of being a new, first mother in a supportive and nurturing environment. The New Moms Group allow women to learn through the group discussions, share experiences, exchange information and gain support.