There are many special circumstances that new parents may experience. If you need more information on any of the special circumstances related to your pregnancy, please do not hesitate to call the OB Case Manager for your hospital. For additional information please visit www.seton.net
Single parenting
There are many resources available for single parents. A list of support groups and other community resources is available on our resources page.
Teen Parenting
There are many agencies that help teen parents with staying in school, finances, housing, and other support and information. Two resources are 211 Texas (211) and Family Connections (478-5725).
Depression and Mental Health
If you have a history of, or are being treated for, depression or other mental health conditions, your health care provider needs to be aware in case problems develop or your treatment needs to be changed. Do not hesitate to talk to your health care providers about any concerns you may have.
Parenting Multiples
If you are expecting twins (or more!), there are additional resources to help you. Contact the local Mothers of Multiples Club for information on their meeting times, newsletter, and baby equipment exchange program.
Parenting an Infant with Special Needs
If you and your doctor anticipate that your baby may have special needs, or if your older child has special needs, be sure and speak with a social worker in the hospital before going home.
Spiritual Support
The Seton Pastoral Care department is available to offer spiritual and emotional counseling to you and your family during your pregnancy or after delivery if needed. Please call the Pastoral Care department for assistance from one of our chaplains.
Bed Rest During Pregnancy
Occasionally, pregnant women are confined to bed rest for a possible complication of pregnancy such as pre-term labor or high blood pressure. If you are required to be on bedrest during your pregnancy and need additional resource information on coping with bedrest, call your OB Case Manager. (Please refer to the section on pregnancy complications and preterm labor for warning signs).
Family Abuse and Violence
Family violence and abuse may sometimes become a problem during pregnancy. No one wants to believe their partner could be abusive, but if you are confused or feeling uneasy about your relationship, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does your partner try to control your behavior, dictate what you wear, what you say, or who your friends are?
- Are you repeatedly attacked, threatened or criticized?
- Is your partner extremely jealous and possessive?
- Does your partner damage your possessions or torment and hurt your pets?
- Are you afraid when your partner gets angry?
- Does your partner blame you for everything that goes wrong in the relationship?
- Does your partner prevent you from seeing your family and friends?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may be involved in a potentially violent relationship.
Do not hesitate to call 911 in an emergency. There are many resources for help in abusive or violent circumstances. Safeplace also has a 24-hour Hotline for information and assistance (267-SAFE, 267-7233).
Financial Concerns
If you are in urgent need of basic necessities (food, clothing,or shelter) call the OB social workers before you deliver at 324-7347, or 324-1000 x 18205, or speak with a social worker in the hospital before you are discharged.
If you have concerns about your upcoming hospital costs, call the hospital where you plan to deliver and speak with the Financial Counselor.