Resource Directory for New Parents

Breastfeeding Information, Support and Supplies

The following resources are available to answer basic breastfeeding and baby care questions. If the line is answered by voicemail, leave a message, and someone will return your call as soon as possible.

Phone Numbers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  • 24-Hour Breastfeeding Information Line (800) 972-6003
  • Case Management (310) 423-4446
  • Lactation Education Center (310) 423-5312
Other
  • La Leche League International (800) LaLeche

Websites

Back to Top

Childcare Services

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center does not endorse any particular childcare program. This list is for your convenience. Please ask prospective providers for credentials and licensing before enrolling your child.

Phone Numbers

  • Child and Family Services (213) 427-2700
    (Resources and referrals for all types of childcare)
  • Crystal Stairs (323) 299-0199
    (Childcare referral service for Los Angeles County)
  • L.A. Unified School District/Early Childhood Division (213) 625-6506
    (Operates 102 children centers and five infant centers)

Websites

Back to Top

Child Passenger Safety

Information on safety standards, proper installation and usage.

Phone Numbers

  • Car Seat Loan Information (800) 745-7233
    (For rental or loan of car seats)
  • Free Child Safety Seat Inspection (877) 348-4254
    (Trained inspectors ensure proper installation of car seats)
  • U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (800) 638-2772
    (Safety standards on cribs, toys and car seats, as well as referral numbers for product recalls)

Websites

Back to Top

Continuing Education and Employment Opportunities

Phone Numbers

  • Connect L.A. (310) 470-6590
    (Provides links to local employers, healthcare and social services)

Websites

Back to Top

Emergency Assistance (Food, Shelter, etc.)

Phone Numbers

  • Info Line Los Angeles (800) 339-6993
    (Free 24-hour multilingual information and referral line for emergency needs)
Back to Top

Emotional Concerns: Postpartum Mood Disorders

Please check with your doctor for a referral to a therapist with expertise in postpartum mood disorders.

Phone Numbers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  • Physician Referral Service 1-800-CEDARS-1 (233-2771)
    (Referrals to Cedars-Sinai affiliated physicians specializing in postpartum disorders)
  • Postpartum Depression Groups (310) 423-1510
Other
  • Depression after Delivery (800) 944-4773
    (Information request line for postpartum depression and support groups nationwide)
  • Postpartum Education for Parents (805) 564-3888
    (24-hour warm line addressing questions about the postpartum period and newborn care)
  • Postpartum Health Alliance (310) 915-7028
    (Resource and referral services for women suffering from postpartum depression)

Websites

Back to Top

Financial Assistance Programs

The following agencies can determine your eligibility for supplemental benefits.

Phone Numbers

  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (213) 744-6623
    (For supplemental income, health benefits and food stamps)
  • WIC Program (888) 942-2229
    (Supplemental food program for pregnant women and mothers with children up to age five)
Back to Top

Finding a Doctor

Representatives from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center can assist you in finding an OB/GYN doctor, a family practice doctor, a pediatrician or specialist near your home or work.

Phone Numbers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  • Physician Referral Service 1-800-CEDARS-1 (233-2771)
Back to Top

General Health

Phone Numbers

Other

  • National Women's Health Information Center (800) 994-WOMAN

Websites

Back to Top

Hotlines: Information and Referrals

The following resources are available 24 hours a day for information, support and referrals.

Phone Numbers

  • Asthma Information and Referral Line (800) 822-2762
    (24-hour information and referral service)
  • Child Abuse Hotline (800) 540-4000
    (24-hour hotline for the reporting of child abuse and crisis counseling)
  • Community Helpline (877) 541-2525
    (24-hr confidential crisis intervention, information and referral service)
  • Domestic Violence Hotline (800) 548-2722
    (24-hour bilingual referral and support line)
  • Info Line (323) 686-0950
    (24-hour information and referrals to human service agencies in L.A. County)
Back to Top

Incontinence

Phone Numbers

Websites

Back to Top

Infant CPR Classes

CPR for infants and children differs from the techniques used on adults. Call for information on these life-saving classes.

Phone Numbers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

  • Infant Safety and CPR Classes (310) 423-5168
Other
  • American Heart Association L.A. County (213) 580-1408
  • American Red Cross L.A. Chapter (213) 739-5200

Websites

Back to Top

Infertility

Phone Numbers

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Other
  • International Council on Infertility Information and Dissemination (703) 379-9178

Websites

    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    Other
    Back to Top

    Multiples

    Phone Numbers

    • National Organization of Mothers of Twins Club (877) 540-2200

    Websites

    Back to Top

    Parenting Education and Support

    Phone Numbers

    Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

    • Good Beginnings (310) 423-6389
      (For parents of infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit)
    • Infant Care Class (310) 423-5168
    • NICU Graduate Parent-Infant Group, contact Marilee Harthing (310) 423-1510
    • Parent Support Groups (310) 423-5168
    • Private Parenting Classes (310) 423-5168
      (Personalized instruction with a certified childbirth educator in your own home)
    • 24-Hour Warm Line for Parents (310) 423-3500
    Other
    • Parents Anonymous, Inc. (909) 621-6184
      (Offers weekly support groups for parents throughout California)

    Websites

    Back to Top

    Poison Control

    Phone Numbers

    • Poison Control Hotline (800) 8-POISON
      (24-hour emergency hotline for treating poisoning exposures)
    Back to Top

    Postpartum Exercise

    Exercise classes for new moms. Call for program information and registration.

    Websites

    Back to Top

    Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

    Phone Numbers

    • SIDS Alliance (800) 221-7437
      (Provides education and support to those affected by an infant death)
    • SIDS Foundation of Southern California (800) 974-3752
      (24-hour support to anyone affected by a loss related to SIDS)

    Websites

    Back to Top

    Support Groups

    The following organizations offer support groups for different needs.

    Phone Numbers

    • Compassionate Friend of Los Angeles (310) 474-3407
      (Support groups for bereaved parents)
    • Down Syndrome Association of L.A. (800) 464-8995
      (Support and education on Down syndrome)
    • Juvenile Diabetes Foundation (800) 223-1138
      (Support and education on juvenile diabetes)
    • Koch/Young Family Resource Center (213) 380-0008
      (Support group for parents with children who have developmental disabilities)
    • L.A. County Deaf Information (800) 663-8883
      (Information and referral services for the deaf and hearing impaired)
    • Sidelines National Support Network (999) 447-4754
      (Support group for mothers with complicated or high-risk pregnancies)
    • Tri-Pos Grapevine (800) 2TRIPOS
      (For parents of deaf or hard of hearing babies and children)

    Websites

    Back to Top