Education and Classes

Having a baby is exciting, but it can also cause some anxiety, especially for first time parents.  There are many places around Nashville that offer classes for parents and families.  Some are free, but some do have a cost.

Hope Clinic

All classes are free as part of their Bridge program.  Men’s classes are also available.  Some of their classes include:

• Nutrition/Newborn Feeding
• Budgeting
• PostPartum Adjustment/Depression
• Infant CPR
• Labor
• Accessing DHS services
• New Moms Group
• Teen Mom Group
• Doula/Labor Support.

St Thomas Midtown (Baptist)

In addition to complimentary tours to see the Childbirth Center, St Thomas midtown offers several different classes. Costs can range from $10-$140.

• Brothers & Sisters-To-Be
• Cesarean Birth and More
• Childbirth Education – CPR
• Just About the Baby
• Labor Xpress Class
• Lamaze (Natural) Childbirth Class
• Marvelous Multiples
• Midtown-Childbirth Education Class – Weekday Series
• Tots On Tour

Baby+Company

This new boutique birthing center, run in collaboration with Vanderbilt, also offers classes to the public. Costs vary depending on the class and if you are a client.

• Preparing for a Birth Center Birth
• A Mom is Born
• Newborn Care Basics
• Breastfeeding Basics
• New Moms Group
• Yoga by Blooma

Imagination Library

Imagination Library

Started by Dolly Parton, this program sends a new, age appropriate book to your child each month until the age of 5.  Everyone is eligible.  Click here to enroll.

Childcare Services

Finding affordable childcare is something that is a struggle for many families.  There are frequently long waiting lists and it is important to be thinking about child care early if you plan to return to work or school.

The McNeily Center for Children provides child care services for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years.  Cost is based on a sliding scale and is open to all parents who work, are in school, or are in job training.  Call 615-780-5427 to start the enrollment process.

The Department of Human Services also provides information on what to look for when deciding on child care as well as checklist to help parents make a decision.  You can also search for licensed child care providers/facilities as well as see relevant information (phone number, address, ages of children accepted) and the rating given.

Financial Assistance

NeedLink Nashville

For all people in need in Nashville.  Assistance of all kind is provided, from holiday food boxes to rent and utility assistance.  Click here for more information.

United Way 2-1-1

United Way runs a database of organizations offering all kinds of assistance in Tennessee.  You can search by what you need and by area in which you live.

Catholic Charities

Call the Material Assistance Help Line at 615-760-4436 to request assistance with diapers and other baby items.

Hope Clinic

Participating in the Hope Clinic’s Bridge program can earn points to be used in their clothing room.

SNAP & WIC

The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC) are both government assistance programs to provide food for people in need.  

SNAP

SNAP is formerly known as food stamps.  Anyone who meets the income criteria can receive SNAP.  You must go to a DHS office to fill out an application for SNAP.

You will need the name, date of birth, and Social Security number of everyone in the house who wants benefits.

You may be eligible for more money if you provide proof of these kind of expenses:

• Medical
• Child care
• Child support
• Housing 
• Utilities

WIC

Due to increased dietary needs, WIC provides nutrition education and supplemental food to women who are pregnant, post-partum, or breastfeeding and children up to the age of 5. Income guidelines can be found here.

You can apply for WIC at WIC Clinics, which are a part of the local health department.  Click here for a list of locations by county.  

You will need:

• Proof of identity 
• Proof of residency
• Proof of income

Only certain foods can be bought using funds from WIC.  

For more information, call 1-800-342-5942.  

TennCare

TennCare is the Tennessee version of Medicaid.  It provides low or no cost insurance to pregnant women under 195% of the Federal Poverty Line.  If you are pregnant, fall within the income guidelines, do not have insurance, and do not qualify for insurance through a job or family member, then you may be eligible for TennCare.  You can apply for TennCare at any time.

There are several ways to apply for TennCare

1. Apply online at www.healthcare.gov
2. Apply over the phone by calling 1-800-318-2596
3. You can get help from a private group by calling 1-866-720-1711
4. You can go to any DHS office and someone there is trained to assist you
5. You can fill out and mail a paper application.

You will need certain documents to apply.  For every person in your family, you will need:

• Address
• Date of birth
• Social Security number (or document numbers for any eligible immigrants)
• Employer and income information (ex: W-2, pay stub, wage and tax statement)
• Policy numbers for any current health insurance
• Information about any job related insurance available to your family

TennCare also has a program to provide insurance for your child.  It is called CoverKids.  You can call 1-855-259-0701 to enroll.

YOU MUST RENEW YOUR TENNCARE EVERY YEAR

You can find more information by visiting the TennCare website at www.tn.gov/tenncare

Prenatal Care Locations

Prenatal care is important for both you and your baby.  Womenshealth.gov says that women who do not have prenatal care are 3 times more likely to have a baby with a low birth weight and 5 times more likely to die in childbirth.  It is important to see a doctor as soon as you know you are pregnant and attend all appointments.

Most doctors recommend monthly appointments until the 7th month, twice monthly appointments for months 7 through 9, and weekly appointments from the 9th month until the baby is born.  However, if you are over 35 years old or are high risk, you can expect to see your doctor more often.

Places to receive prenatal care in Nashville

United Neighborhood Health Clinic

http://www.neighborhoodhealthtn.org/locations

With 7 locations throughout Nashville, UNHS offers convenient and affordable prenatal care.  You will also be assigned an individual pregnancy coach who can help you get insurance and plan your care.  They will also teach you how to take care of your baby and offer pediatric care so you don’t have to find a different office.

Call 615-227-3000 to make an appointment.

Shade Tree Clinic

https://shadetreeclinic.org/prenatal.php

For women who are pregnant, uninsured, and not receiving any prenatal care.  One Saturday a month, medical students from Vanderbilt and Meharry run a free prenatal clinic.  You can get a full prenatal visit, free prenatal vitamins, and assistance getting insurance.  Since they are not accepting new patients, you would only have the first visit there and someone will help you find a full prenatal office for your other visits.

Call 615-422-5262 to make an appointment.

Hope Clinic for Women

http://www.hopeclinicforwomen.org/pregnancy/

At your first visit you have a pregnancy test, counseling, education about TennCare and WIC, and get information about their Bridge program.  The Bridge program offers points for attending classes that can be used in their store to buy clothing and other items.

Call 615-321-0005 to make an appointment.

Baby+Company in collaboration with Vanderbilt Health

http://nashville.babyandcompany.com/

Staffed with Certified Nurse Midwives, this boutique birthing center provides an alternative experience while still close to major hospitals.  They also offer classes, workshops, prenatal care, and well woman visits.

Call 615-647-8220 to schedule a free tour and get more information.

Cost Saving Tips

Publix Baby Club

A free program from Publix that sends relevant coupons and newsletters.  A free copy of the parenting guide Caring for Your Baby and Young Child is sent to first time parents.

Winn-Dixie Baby Club

Similar to the Publix Baby Club, the Winn Dixie Baby Club sends relevant coupons, discounts, and gifts throughout the year.

Amazon Mom

If you are an Amazon Prime member, you have full access to Amazon Mom. If you subscribe to 5 things or more, you get 15% off of everything. You also get 20% off of diaper subscriptions. Student Prime memberships are not eligible.

 

Digital Coupons

Many stores have digital coupons. Target’s Cartwheel app can be downloaded onto your phone and scanned at the register. Kroger has digital coupons that can be put onto your Kroger card.