Tiny human. Big life changes. You've got this.
From the first ultrasound to the first ride home, having a baby comes with a whole new to-do list. Here's your Texas guide to maternity care, paperwork, parental leave, insurance and getting ready for your growing family.
Little socks.
Very big to-do list.
Preparing for a baby is exciting, emotional and occasionally a little overwhelming. There's the nursery, the appointments, the paperwork and approximately a million tiny things to buy.
Let's focus on the important stuff so you can spend a little less time worrying about logistics.
First, find your people.
Choosing a maternity care provider and understanding your health coverage are two important early steps.
Find a provider.
Look for an obstetrician, midwife or maternity care team who meets your needs. Check hospital affiliations and insurance networks.
Understand the costs.
Ask your insurer about prenatal visits, hospital delivery, deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums and newborn care.
Explore financial assistance.
Eligible families may qualify for pregnancy Medicaid, CHIP Perinatal or other assistance programs through Texas Health and Human Services.
EXPLORE TEXAS BENEFITS ↗Check out Texas WIC.
WIC provides eligible pregnant and postpartum parents, infants and young children with nutrition support and related resources.
TEXAS WIC ↗One insurance question worth asking early.
Is your preferred hospital in network? Confirm both the facility and the providers involved in your maternity care, and ask about possible out-of-network charges.
A little planning now. A lot less scrambling later.
You don't need to have every detail figured out. But these tasks are worth tackling before your due date.
Check your insurance network, office location, availability and newborn appointment procedures.
Choose an appropriate rear-facing car seat, follow the manufacturer's installation instructions and consider a certified car seat safety inspection.
Pack identification, insurance information, comfortable clothing, necessary medications and essentials for your baby.
Talk with your care team about delivery options, pain management, support people and what to expect if plans change.
Think about meals, transportation, help at home and who you can call when you need a break.
Baby's here.
Now for the paperwork.
There are a few administrative tasks to take care of after your baby arrives. Put these on your calendar before the sleep deprivation really kicks in.
Add your baby to health insurance.
Employer health plans generally require you to request special enrollment within 30 days of birth. Marketplace plans generally provide a 60-day special enrollment window. Confirm your specific plan's instructions.
HEALTH INSURANCE ENROLLMENT ↗Order the birth certificate.
Your hospital or birth attendant typically submits the birth information. A certified Texas birth certificate must be ordered separately. Review the information carefully for accuracy.
TEXAS BIRTH RECORDS ↗Request a Social Security number.
Parents can often request their newborn's Social Security number during the hospital birth registration process. Ask your hospital how this works.
SOCIAL SECURITY INFORMATION ↗Schedule newborn appointments.
Follow your baby's discharge instructions and arrange the recommended follow-up visit with your pediatrician.
Make time for your newest family member.
Before your baby arrives, talk with your employer about parental leave, paid time off and your benefits.
Family and Medical Leave Act
Eligible employees of covered employers may receive up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for qualifying family and medical reasons.
LEARN ABOUT FMLA ↗Check your leave policy.
Some employers offer paid parental leave, short-term disability benefits or additional time beyond federal requirements.
Pregnancy accommodations
Federal law provides qualifying workplace protections related to pregnancy, childbirth and associated medical conditions.
WORKPLACE PROTECTIONS ↗Plan your return.
Discuss your expected leave dates, benefit payments, childcare arrangements and return-to-work expectations with your employer.
Does Texas require paid parental leave?
Texas does not have a general statewide paid family leave program for private-sector employees. Check federal protections and your employer's specific benefits.
Find your village.
Whether you're planning to return to work or simply looking for extra support, it's worth exploring childcare options early.
Find a provider.
Research licensed childcare providers, review inspection information and ask about availability, schedules and costs.
TEXAS CHILDCARE SEARCH ↗Explore childcare support.
Eligible families may qualify for childcare assistance through local Texas Workforce Solutions offices.
CHILDCARE ASSISTANCE ↗Call 2-1-1 Texas.
Find information about food, housing, family services and other community assistance programs.
FIND LOCAL SUPPORT ↗Take care of yourself, too.
Keep your postpartum appointments, ask for help when you need it and talk with your healthcare provider about any physical or emotional concerns.
Small person. Big financial future.
A new baby can change your budget, savings goals and long-term financial priorities.
Account for medical expenses, childcare, supplies, reduced income during leave and other new costs.
Consider how much you may need for unexpected medical bills, home repairs or time away from work.
Check beneficiary designations on insurance policies, retirement accounts and other financial assets.
Speak with a qualified professional about wills, guardianship arrangements and other documents appropriate for your family.
If college savings are part of your goals, consider whether a 529 education savings plan fits your situation.
Oh yeah.
Insurance.
Your family just got a little bigger. That makes this a good time to review the protection you already have and consider what might need to change.
Life insurance
Life insurance can provide financial support to your loved ones if something happens to you. Review coverage amounts and beneficiary designations as your family grows.
Homeowners or renters insurance
A growing family may mean new belongings, home improvements or even a move. Review your coverage limits and update your policy as needed.
Auto insurance
Upgrading to a family vehicle? Changing your commute? Review your auto coverage and make sure your policy reflects your current circumstances.
Umbrella insurance
An umbrella policy may provide additional liability protection beyond your underlying home and auto policies, subject to its terms.
Hey Charley is independent, so we can help you compare available insurance options as your family's needs change.
Little bundle of joy.
Let's talk protection.
Expecting a baby? Bringing your newborn home? Planning for your family's future? Let Charley help you review your insurance options.
LET CHARLEY TAKE A LOOK →