Ascension Seton (official site og:image)

Expecting or just had a baby

Congratulations! Whether you're counting down the weeks or running on two hours of sleep, you don't have to figure it all out alone. Austin has free breastfeeding help, free car seat checks, nutrition support and new-parent groups. And if the baby blues feel heavier than “blue,” please reach out. Postpartum depression is common and treatable.

Postpartum depression and anxiety are medical conditions. Talk to your doctor or midwife, and in a crisis use the numbers below. This page is not medical advice.

Crisis and urgent help

Call 911
If anyone is in immediate danger.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988, any time, free and confidential.
Get help
Integral Care 24/7 Helpline
512-472-HELP (4357). Psychiatric Emergency Services walk-in 24/7 at 1165 Airport Blvd, 2nd floor.
Get help
SAFE Alliance SAFEline
512-267-SAFE (7233), 24/7. Text "SAFE" to 737-888-7233, or chat at safeaustin.org/chat. For family violence, sexual assault, and abuse.
Get help
2-1-1 Texas
Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.
Get help

First 30 days

0 of 8 done

Pick a pediatrician and learn the safe sleep basics (back to sleep, own flat space)How to Source
Get your car seat checked for free. Austin Public Health holds monthly inspections by appointment.How to Source
See if you qualify for WIC (food, nutrition and breastfeeding support)How to Source
Breastfeeding questions? Call Mom's Place for a free consultation: 512-972-6700How to Source
Apply for Medicaid or CHIP for your baby if you're eligibleHow to Source
Start your childcare search early. Check licensing and openings on the state site.How to Source
Join a free online postpartum support groupHow to Source
Get out of the house: Books and Babies storytime at the libraryHow to Source

Resources

Austin Public Health WIC

Healthy food, nutrition education and breastfeeding support for eligible pregnant people, new parents and kids under 5. It has 13 clinic locations plus 2 lactation support centers.

Free if eligible13 locations, including Montopolis (2901 Montopolis Dr Ste 1300), St. John (7500 Blessing Ave), Northwest (8701 Research Blvd Ste A), Far South (405 W. Stassney) and Dove Springs (5811 Palo Blanco Ln)

512-972-4942 (scheduling: Mon–Thu 7:30–4:30, Fri 7:30–1:30)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Mom's Place Lactation Support Center (Austin Public Health)

Free breastfeeding consultations and support, baby weight checks, education and phone help. Open to all mothers, not just WIC participants.

FreeNorth: 8701-B Research Blvd, 78758 (Mon–Fri 8am–4:30pm). South: 405 W. Stassney Ln, 78745 (Thursdays only).

The North location closes 12–12:30 for lunch and on the second Wednesday of each month.

512-972-6700; breastfeeding hotline 1-800-514-MOMS Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin Public Health free car seat inspections

Certified technicians check your car seat installation at monthly events. The next listed date is Fri Nov 13, 2026 at Dove Springs Neighborhood Center. Registration opens the Monday two weeks before.

FreeDove Springs Neighborhood Center, 5811 Palo Blanco Lane (next listed date)

512-972-6699 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Kids in Cars (Dell Children's)

Car seat safety help from Dell Children's.

See programAustin

512-324-TOTS (8687)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas DSHS child safety seat calendar

A statewide calendar of free car seat check events.

FreeStatewide

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Mothers' Milk Bank at Austin

Nonprofit donor human milk bank. Families can also donate milk.

See site5925 Dillard Circle, Austin 78752

512-494-0800 Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Ascension Seton (official site og:image)

Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin

Hospital with labor and delivery services.

Insurance or paid1201 W. 38th St, Austin

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Ascension Seton: Belly to Birth free support group

Free weekly virtual Q&A and talk time about pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Fridays 1–2pm (per listing).

FreeVirtual

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

St. David's HealthCare classes and events

Childbirth and breastfeeding classes. Listed: Childbirth eClass $150 online, Reality Childbirth (4-part virtual) $200, and Breastfeeding Basics $50 per couple in person at St. David's Medical Center.

Paid (as listed)Online and St. David's Medical Center

844-630-5295 (North Austin classes line)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

St. David's Women's Center of Texas

Women's hospital with labor and delivery.

Insurance or paidNorth Austin

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Postpartum Support International: free online support groups

Free virtual peer support groups for pregnant and postpartum parents, including groups for dads.

FreeOnline

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

CarmenEsparzaAmoux, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Austin Public Library: Books and Babies

A free lapsit storytime for non-walking babies (0–12 months) and caregivers, with songs, rhymes and playtime.

FreeVarious branches

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas Child Care Search (Texas HHS)

Search licensed childcare and see inspection history.

Free to searchStatewide

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Workforce Solutions Capital Area child care scholarships

Help paying for childcare for eligible Travis County families who are working, in school or job searching.

Free to apply; income limits applyTravis County

As of 2026-10-27, the general waitlist is closed with an estimated 12–18 month wait. Kids ages 0–3 have an open priority track with an estimated 6–9 month wait (see /childcare/for-parents/waitlist-status/).

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Local helpers you may need next

Doulas and birth workers
Lactation consultants (IBCLC)
Postpartum and night nannies
Pediatric dentists and pediatricians

Categories only, not endorsements.