A healthy pregnancy begins with a healthy you! By being proactive in your pre-pregnancy (preconception) journey you can reduce the likelihood of pregnancy-related complications. 

Visit, the Office on Women’s Health’s website for tips to improve your wellness before pregnancy. 

Planning ahead can help support both you and your baby’s health. Planning your pregnancy means considering when it would be best to become pregnant, supports you have and will possibly need, and making decisions with your partner.

To help you feel prepared and confident as you embark on your journey, click here.

If you and your partner are struggling to have a baby, know that you’re not alone. Infertility can occur due to a variety of factors.  However, there are many safe and effective options that can improve your chances of getting pregnant.

To learn more about infertility and treatment options, click here. 

Congratulations! As you prepare to welcome your new baby, learn how First 5 Ventura County can support you and your child, prenatally through age 5, through a variety of resources by visiting our parenting page.

To explore topics such as the stages of pregnancy, prenatal care, bodily changes, and more, visit the Office on Women’s Health. 

Now that you’re pregnant, your nutrition and wellness choices can help increase your chances of having a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby. Regular prenatal care is necessary to support the health of you and your baby. 

To explore how to have a healthy pregnancy, click here.

As you are transitioning into life as an expecting parent, remember the importance of caring for yourself and your mental health. Thinking about how you will nourish yourself post-baby and the social support system you may need will allow you to provide the best care for your child.

We welcome you to visit your local Neighborhoods for Learning for community-social support and additional resources such as screenings, referrals, parent education, and more!

To explore mental and emotional health resources, click here.

Did you know that oral health is linked to a healthy pregnancy? Gum disease during pregnancy is associated with preterm delivery and low birth weight, and yet only 46% of women in the United States schedule a dental cleaning during pregnancy. The Building Healthy Smiles Initiative works to eliminate dental disease in Ventura County through education, care coordination, and advocacy.

Good oral health is important for your overall health, click here to explore Medi-Cal dental services.

• County of Ventura – New Baby Resources
• First 5 California Parent Guide
• Community Memorial Health – Maternity & Delivery
• Paid Family Leave

Young people who become parents often experience intense and mixed feelings about their pregnancy and the idea of becoming a parent. Know that with a proper support system and preparation, it is possible to have a healthy pregnancy and be an excellent parent. 

For tips on how to have a healthy teen pregnancy, visit the American Pregnancy Association. Additionaly, for suggestions on how to share the news with your loved ones and additional resources, click here.

If your teenage child is expecting, you can play a big role in supporting a healthy teenage pregnancy. Pregnant and parenting teens often face a mutltitude of challenges, ensuring that adolescent parents receive adequate social, emotional, medical, and academic support is essential to the parent and the baby’s future.

For tips on supporting your pregnant teen, visit. 

Many clinics provide free or low-cost counseling and reproductive health services, including birth control, for teens. By law, Title X family planning clinics must offer private and confidential services for teens. 

Learn more about teens’ rights in California, visit Sex, etc. 

• The Adolescent Family Life Program (AFLP)
• First 5 California Parent Guide

Doulas are non-medical birth workers who provide educational, advocacy, and emotional support to birthing people and their families throughout the entire term of the pregnancy and postpartum period. Research has shown that utilizing a doula is extremely beneficial for the birthing parent and the baby and can improve birthing outcomes for women of color. 

To learn more about doula services as a Medi-Cal benefit, click here. For beneficiaries who are on a Medi-Cal managed care plan please contact your health plan directly for assistance locating a doula.

You are your own best advocate. Babies are unpredictable and knowing your rights can help you better prepare so that you can advocate for yourself and your baby. If you are unable to work with a doula who can advocate on your behalf, view Healthline’s article on How to Advocate for Yourself and Your Baby During Delivery. 

One way to communicate your preferences to the Labor and Delivery staff who will care for you is to create a birth plan. A birth plan is an outline of what you would ideally like to happen during your labor and after the birth. Your birth plan is personal to you and depends on what you want and think is best.

Birth plans aren’t essential, but if you would like to explore making a birthing plan, visit the American Pregnancy Association. 

Becoming a parent is one of life’s biggest joys and responsibilities. As you are preparing to welcome the newest member of your family, be sure to get your free Kit for New Parents to give your baby the best start.

Also, view the links below to help you prepare for labor and delivery.

• Explore birthing classes with your partner
• Tips to prepare siblings 
• Making your home safe for baby
• Packing your bag for delivery day
• Recognize the early signs of labor

The Fourth Trimester is a critical time period in a birthing parent’s life, usually viewed as the time between birth and 12 weeks postpartum, which sets the stage for long-term health and well-being.

The Fourth Trimester is a time of recovery and adjustment as you are filled with many new experiences and changes. First 5 Ventura County’s Welcome Every Baby home visitors can serve as trusted partners to help you through early parenthood. 

To learn more on how to recover from birth, click here.

Many people experience symptoms of depression at some point in their lives, and directly following birth, parents are more susceptible to depression due to the major life changes of welcoming home a new baby and the hormonal changes that follow childbirth. 

Consider visiting your local Neighborhoods for Learning for additional supportive resources such as screenings, referrals, parent education resources, and more for your family!

90% of your child’s brain is developed in the first five years. These years are critical for developing lifelong social, emotional, and learning skills. Help Me Grow Ventura County helps you provide the best start for your child! If you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s development, we’re here for you!

As a no-cost service to families, Help Me Grow can:

• Answer questions about your child’s development and behavior.
• Offer free developmental screenings.
• Provide tips to support your child’s development.
• Connect you to local services, if your child needs extra support.

Call or text 805-244-6911 or complete the online enrollment form.

Let’s celebrate your child’s milestones together!

How you feed your newborn is the first nutrition decision you make for your child. While your newborn’s feeding pattern can be unpredictable, it’s an opportunity to begin forming a bond with the newest member of your family.  Below are resources if you need help feeding your child.

• View First 5 California’s baby feeding guide
• Breastfeed/Chestfeeding: A variety of lactation-related concerns can happen during this period of life,  connect with a lactation consultant to support you and your baby. 
• Formula feeding: For resources on how to access formula, reach out to your local WIC. 

California has some of the strongest laws and regulations in the nation to support breastfeeding and lactating individuals. To view Breastfeeding Rights, click here.

Also, view a variety of breastfeeding support resources below:

• Locating a breast pump
• Ventura County Health Care Agency – Breastfeeding Resources
• Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County
• County of Ventura – Breastfeeding Support

Whether you are choosing to plan your next pregnancy or use a contraceptive method to prevent pregnancy, there are many options to consider when it comes to family planning postpartum. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what is best for you and your family. 

If you are thinking about contraceptives be sure to discuss it with your doctor.