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Welcoming Your New Baby

The day has arrived and your new baby is here. Learn more about the resources available to you to make those first days, weeks, and months a little easier.

 

Add Baby to Your Health Insurance

You have 30 days from the date your baby was born to add him/her to your health insurance. Review GW's Benefits Administration site to learn more about Qualifying Life Events and how to make the necessary changes to your health insurance and other benefits.

This might also be a good time to also consider opening a Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA) if you will be paying for child care. An FSA can allow you to pay for your child care costs pre-tax, saving you money.

Connect with Other GW Parents

Join GW's Healthy Pregnancy Program group on Facebook to get tips and resources, ask questions, and share stories with other new and expecting GW parents. The GWHPProgram Facebook group is a closed group so you will need to request to be added. In this way, anything you post to the group is confidential and can't be seen by non-group members.

Get Educated

Check out UnitedHealthcare's Healthy Pregnancy Owner’s Manual, which includes valuable information on taking care of your new baby.

Our work-life provider, LifeCare, has a large library of articles, podcasts, videos, and webinars on caring for your child from birth through college. Also, don't miss ordering the child safety kit and checking out the discounts on breast pumps through LifeCare's Mother's at Work program.

Find Breastfeeding Support

Research has shown that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mom and baby. But that doesn't mean it's always easy. Many women struggle with breastfeeding and need extra help.

Your health provider or pediatrician is a great place to start. They may be able to refer you to a lactation consultant in your area. You can also find a directory of lactation consultants on the International Lactation Consultant Association website. And don't forget to check out La Leche League International's website for valuable resources and information on local breastfeeding support groups. There's even a GW La Leche League group that meets on the Foggy Bottom campus.

Employees Guide to Breastfeeding and Working, developed by the Department of Health & Human Services, is a six page booklet that provides you with the basics you need to know for successfully continuing to breastfeed after returning to work.

The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington is a great resource located alongside the Foggy Bottom campus. The Center offers classes, consultations, and great prices on breastfeeding equipment and accessories.

In addition, you can enjoy discounts on some of the most popular breast pumps through LifeCare's Mothers at Work program.

When it's time to return to work, GW has special "Motherhood Rooms" on all three campuses just for lactating mothers.

Consider Your Child Care Options

Finding the right child care can be a major source of concern for new and expecting parents. GW can support you in identifying child care options that meet your needs through our partnership with LifeCare. By calling LifeCare, you will be connected with a child care consultant who will discuss your specific child care needs and preferences and then identify providers with openings in your area. This is a free service to you as a GW employee

Getting Emotional Support

Having a baby isn't always easy. It can take a major toll on your physical and mental health. Whether it's sleep deprivation, relationship challenges, or the stress of juggling work and family, sometimes it helps to talk with someone experienced in the struggles of being a parent.

As a GW employee, you and members of your household can take advantage of GW's employee assistance program 24/7 to identify and address concerns, develop an action plan, and receive referrals. As part of this benefit, you and your household members can also take advantage of five in-person counseling sessions per issue. This can be a valuable benefit for any member of your household and it's completely free.

Free Gifts and Special Discounts

We know having a baby can be expensive. So we have put together a package of gifts and discounts just for you available through our LifeCare program.

Free Child Safety Kit - If you have a child under age three, the Child Safety Kit can help you protect him or her from today's most prevalent dangers.

Breast pump discounts - Enjoy discounts on some of the most popular breast pumps through LifeCare's Mothers at Work program.

Shopping discounts - Through LifeCare's LifeMart Discounts you have access to hundreds of discounts on apparel, entertainment, travel, home, etc. Stocking up on baby supplies? Trying to find a hotel discount for your family visiting to see the new baby? Are you and your partner planning a much needed night out? Save on these items and more.

Take Care of Your Legal and Financial Responsibilities

Now that your new bundle of joy has arrived, it's time to make sure they are protected no matter what life brings. Employees who have enrolled in GW's Legal Resources benefit have access to a network of lawyers who can help you create a will, trust, power of attorney, and other important legal documents.

Not enrolled in Legal Resources? Contact LifeCare to get referrals and discounts to legal professionals in your area. While talking with your LifeCare consultant, ask them about LifeCare's financial services to help you budget for your baby's needs today and in the future.

 

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