Chicopee Maternal & Perinatal Resources

This page was created in collaboration with the Advancing Chicopee Together / Adelantando Chicopee Juntos (ACT) coalition to help pregnant and postpartum individuals and families in the greater Chicopee area find important information and resources.

Pregnancy, Birth and Postpartum

Learn about different types of providers and support services during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. For more information about your rights, protections, and resources during pregnancy, please refer to the MA Attorney General's Office Maternal Health Guide.


If you are a MassHealth member, learn about the services that MassHealth covers during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and through 12 months following the end of pregnancy.


Individuals with high risk pregnancies and C3 health insurance, can also seek support from Holyoke/Chicopee Health Center's high-risk maternal care management team. The provide personalized support during pregnancy and after delivery to help you and your baby stay healthy.

  • Doulas

    What is a doula? Doulas are trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional and informational support to pregnant people and families before, during and after childbirth. Doula care can improve  physical and psychological outcomes for pregnant, birthing, and postpartum people and their baby.  Doulas are NOT medical providers. You should still see your OBGYN, certified nurse midwife, or other health care provider for medical care during your pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum. Learn more about doula care.


    Is doula care covered by health insurance?

    If you have private insurance, check your plan to see if doula services are covered. If you have MassHealth, doula services are covered during pregnancy, delivery, and up to 12 months after delivery, as well as for adoptive parents of infants under one year old. Learn more about MassHealth doula coverage. 


    Doulas in the Chicopee area:

  • Midwives

    What is a Midwife?

    Midwives are healthcare professional who specialize in pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and gynocological care. Midwives focus on patient-centered care and typically support low-intervention births in hospitals, birthing centers, or at home.


    Finding a local midwife:

  • OB/GYN

    An OB/GYN (obstetrician-gynecologist) is a doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health, pregnancy, and childbirth.


    Local OB/GYN practices:

  • High Risk Pregnancy Support

    Individuals with high risk pregnancies and C3 health insurance, can also seek support from Holyoke/Chicopee Health Center's high-risk maternal care management team. The provide personalized support during pregnancy and after delivery to help you and your baby stay healthy. Learn more. 

    • For referrals, call the Holyoke/Chicopee Health Center at 413-420-2200 and request a referral to the High Risk Maternity Program.
  • Local Birth Centers

    Baystate Medical Center in Springfield is the closest birthing hospital. Their team of certified nurse midwives and obstetricians provide labor and delivery services for the region, including all high-risk pregnancies.  Baystate Medical Center also provides the region's only neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 


    Cooley Dickinson Hospital birthing center in Northampton offers many birthing options supported by a team of certified nurse midwives and obstetricians.


    Seven Sisters Midwifery and Community Birth Center in Florence provides midwifery care including prenatal and postpartum care and low-intervention birth.


    Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield provides a midwifery-driven care team to support labor and delivery. They are able to care for low-risk and certain high-risk pregnancies.


    Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT provides comprehensive labor and delivery services. It also provides a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 

  • Child Birth Classes

    Baystate Health provides a range of childbirth and parenting classes, both in person and virtual. 


    Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers 5-week virtual childbirth classes. 

  • Fertility & Preconception Support

    The following providers offer a range of services and treatment:


Feeding and Lactation

There are resources that can provide professional support with latching and milk production, and financial aid for those who want to feed with infant formula.  Find some tips for breastfeeding your newborn from the MA Breastfeeding Coalition


Many health insurances cover some sort of breastfeeding support. Contact your insurer to identify what your insurance covers.

Need more help with food and nutrition for your family? Find more resources, such as food pantries, SNAP enrollment support, and more on the Food Resource Page.

Parent Support & Home Visiting

  • Parent Stress Line

    The Parent Stress Line offers a safe place for parents and caregivers to talk about the challenges of raising children and receive kindness, understanding, and the non-judgmental support. Calls are free, confidential, and anonymous. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

  • Family Resource Centers

    Family Resource Centers offer parenting programs, support groups, assessment services, and information and referral resources.


    Holyoke Family Resource Center(Enlace de Familias): 

    Springfield Family Resource Center(Gandara):

  • Home Visiting Programs

    Welcome Family program offers a free one-time visit from a nurse who is experienced in supporting moms and newborns. This program is for families with a newborn up to 8-weeks old. 


    The Healthy Families program provides free home-based family coaching program that supports first-time parents, aged 23 or yonger, and helps them create stable, nurturing environments for their children. 


    HCS Early Headstart Program serves pregnant moms and children birth to 2.9 years old who meet eligibilty criteria in either a home-based model or center-based model. 

  • Parent Peer Support

    La Madrina Project provides holistic postpartum peer support for mothers in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke through weekly home visits and other community support. 


    BHN's Tender Transitions: A Postpartum Group for New Mothers provides peer support, connection, and skill-building for new mothers as they experience the transition to life as a new parent. This group is open to mothers of infants aged 0-12 months and meets via telehealth, making support easily accessible for new mothers.



    Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers support and education groups for pregnancy, parenting, and childbirth. Find their schedule and how to connect on their website. 


    Parents Helping Parents offers a range of support groups including:

  • Parent Education Programs

    Families First Power of Parenting program provides interactive, skills-based parenting education and support during twelve weekly sessions. 


    HCS Headstart CFCE provides a 6-week parenting skills workshop for families with children ages birth-8 years old. 


    Baystate Health offers several virtual and in-person classes, such as infant care, breastfeeding, baby safety. Learn more on their website.


    Cooley Dickinson Hospital offers support and education groups for pregnancy, parenting, and childbirth. Find their schedule and how to connect on their website. 

  • Fitness for Moms

    LauraDonn Coaching helps moms get fit & feel confident with simple workouts that fit  into busy and ever-changing daily lives. Laura is a local mom and personal trainer who is passionate about helping moms feel stronger and healthier. Learn more about her 1:1 coaching, group classes, and MoveMamaCo kid friendly workouts on the website.  

  • Higher Education

    The Care Center helps young mothers and low-income women go to college. Learn more about their supportive structure and education programs on their website. 


    Holyoke Community College provides many associate degree and workforce development programs. Students have access to the free Itsy Bitsy Child Watch program for their children aged 6 months to 12 years old. Learn more about their student resources.


    Vally Opportunity Council(VOC) provides several adult education programs, including:

    • Adult Basic Education classes
    • 10-week Citizenship Class
    • Comprehensive Integrated Employment Services (CIES)
    • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Healthcare

Maternal Behavioral Health

  • Perinatal Mental Health Conditions

    Learn about Perinatal Mental Health Conditions, including prevalence, symptoms, risk factors, and potential treatment options. 

  • Get Help Now

    The MA Behavioral Health Help Line provides 24/7, free, confidential support from a trained staff member who will assist you in accessing the support you need. 

    • Call or Text 833-773-2445, or chat online
    • The BHHL is for everyone, including LGBTQIA+, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), Deaf or hard of hearing, individuals with disabilities, and individuals whose first language is not English. 

    The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline provides 24/7, free, confidential support, resources and referrals to any pregnant and postpartum mothers facing mental health challenges and their loved ones. 


    Gateway Community Behavioral Health Center provides an outpatient behavioral health clinic, 24/7 mobile crisis services, and crisis stabilization for youth and adults in person and via telehealth.

    • 1109 Granby Rd, Chicopee
    • Call 833-CHD-TALK for 24/7 access to emergency services

    BHN's Crisis Line provides 24/7 response and stabilization services for individuals of all ages who are experiencing a mental health or substuance use crisis regardless of insurance.

    • Call 413-301-9355 or walk in: 417 Liberty Street, Entrance B, Springfield MA 01104
  • Mental Health Counseling

    There are many practices and private clinicians that offer counseling and therapy services. Find a clincian that takes your insurance by contacting your health insurer. 


    One large provider in Chicopee is River Valley Counseling, which provides in-home child therapy, outpatient services for adults and children. 


    The Center for Perinatal Wellness specializes in maternal mental health counseling and treatment. Appointments are held virtually. 


    BHN's Individual Therapy & Counseling Options offers individual therapy & counseling options that are open to children, youth, adults, couples, and families with the support of credentialed clinicians and accredited psychiatric providers. Services can be offered in English and Spanish Speaking options. Specialized individual therapy services are offered for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community.  Services are offered Monday through Friday and weekends.


    Locations: 

    • BHN City Clinic: 235 Maple Street, Holyoke
    • BHN Mt. Tom Center for Mental Health & Recovery: 40 Bobala Road, Holyoke
    • BHN Center for Wellbeing: 417 Liberty Street, Springfield

    To enroll in BHN's Therapy & Counseling Services, please call 413-301-WELL(9355) or fill out an inquiry form.

  • Support Groups

    Postpartum Support International provides peer support, education and resource referrals to families and individuals affected by perinatal mental health conditions.

    • Call the free PSI HelpLine(800-944-4773) to get basic information, support, and resources. Available in English and Spanish.*Please note that the HelpLine is not a crisis hotline and does not handle emergencies.
    • Connect with peer support groups
    • Find more support, including ways to chat with experts, specialized resources, and peer mentors

    Empty Arms Bereavement serves individuals and families whose babies have died through miscarriage, stillbirth, early infant death, or termination for medical reasons. Find a local or virtual support group.

  • Substance Use

    The following programs specifically work with mothers who are using drugs or in recovery. 


    New Beginnings at Cooley Dickinson in Northampton provides support for pregnant/postpartum people in or working towards recovery from substance use. To be eligible for prenatal care, you must be a patient with Cooley Dickinson OB/GYN & Midwifery. The support group is open to all regardless of where you receive care. Learn more.

    • To register, contact Amy Walker (Nurse Midwife) at 413-586-9866

    Center for Human Development provides several programs for parents in recovery. Call 844-243-8255 to get involved.

    • First Steps Together is a peer coaching program is for mothers recovering from opioid dependence. A recovery specialist will come to your home and support you through your parenting and recovery work.
    • Parenting Journey is a free therapeutic support group that meets weekly for 14 weeks. Lunch and childcare are provided.

    Behavioral Health Network(BHN) provides many inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment programs in the Greater Springfield area. Two are specifically for pregnant and postpartum women. Call 413-301-9355 to learn more

    • My Sister's House is a long-term residential treatment program, which prioritizes placement for pregnant and postpartum women parenting babies.
    • The BHN Family Center is a residential substance use treatment program for pregnant and parenting women with children in their care up to age 18. All referrals must come through the Institute for Health & Recovery(IHR)

    River Valley Counseling provides many substance use counseling services in Chicopee. 


    Tapestry Health provides important harm reduction services in Chicopee


  • More resources

    Find more Mental Health resources in Western MA.


    Find more Substance Use resources in Western MA



Safety

  • Domestic Violence

  • Child Advocacy Center

    The Baystate Family Advocacy Center(BFAC) in Springfield serves children, families affected by child abuse, domestic violence and/or homicide.  Learn more about their services

  • Car Seat Safety

    Car seats are critical for keeping children safe in the car.  Learn about the types of car seats and what is appropriate for your child, car seat laws, and how to install them. Find the right car seat for your child.


    The Chicopee Police can help install your car seat correctly. Make an by emailing Car-Seats@chicopeepolice.com, or check their calendar for upcoming car seat check community events.

  • Safe Sleep

    For a safe and secure sleep environment, place babies on their backs, but on a separate, firm surface that’s free of blankets and pillows.  Learn more about how to keep your baby safe during sleep times.

Child Development, Child Care, & Activities

Basic Needs

  • Benefits

    Apply for food and cash assistance through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Offices are open 8-5 pm.


    Holyoke/Chicopee Health Center can help you with health insurance enrollment. Certified Application Counselors can assist with applications to MassHealth (Medicaid), Health Safety Net, and Qualified Health Plans with or without tax credits. All services are offed in English and Spanish.

    • Walk ins are available Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm
    • Holyoke: 230 Maple Street
    • Chicopee: 505 Front Street

    If you’re applying, please bring the following documents with you:

    • A valid photo ID
    • Social Security number
    • Proof of income (such as recent pay stubs)
  • Clothing

    LIst of free clothing programs.


    Thrift Stores:



  • Diapers

    Contact your nearest WIC office to inquire about diapers. 



  • Car Seats

  • More essentials

    Find more servcies, like food, housing, mental health, legal, education, and more! Use 413Cares resource pages or do your own search for servcies you need. 

    413Cares

Are there resources missing from this page? Let us know.

Connect with key resources in these common areas of need.
Food resources in Western Massachusetts

Food
Housing resources in Western Massachusetts

Housing
Mental health resources in Western Massachusetts

Mental Health
Substance use resources in Western Massachusetts

Substance Use
Digital resources in Western Massachusetts

Digital
Legal resources in Western Massachusetts

Legal
Reentry resources in Western Massachusetts

Reentry
Resources for immigrants in Western Massachusetts

Immigrants
Older adult resources in Western Massachusetts

Older Adults
Mentoring resources in Hampden County

Mentoring
Resources for veterans in Western Massachusetts

Veterans
Resources for LGBTQIA+ people in Western Massachusetts

LGBTQIA+
Key resources in Berkshire County

Berkshires
Resources in the Quaboag Hills region of MA

Quaboag Hills
Key resources and information about accessing food in Chicopee

Chicopee Resources
Warming and cooling center locations in Western Massachusetts

Warming & Cooling Centers
Meal sites for students during the summer

Summer Eats