Caring for an infant with medically complex needs is a big job. You’ll quickly learn that you need a lot of support along the way.

Your Progyny Care Advocate is here to talk with you about navigating care and insurance, finding support resources, and managing stress. Please set up a call with us any time.

For now, we’ll share some ideas to help you focus on self-care — even when it feels like every ounce of your energy is going towards your little one.

Protect your time and energy

Taking care of your baby and working with their care team will take a lot of time and energy. It’s so important for you to use strategies to avoid burnout and stress.

• Ask about flexible work arrangements. Ask your manager about flexibility at work. Ideas include part-time hours, remote work, or a modified schedule. Many employers are willing to help out during challenging situations.
• Understand your leave options. Meet with human resources to go over your time off policies and options for extended leave. This can be a big help for managing ongoing health needs.
• Explore home health care. Depending on your child’s needs, having an in-home nurse a few hours a week may be a big help. Call your health plan to find out if this is covered for you.
• Accept help from others. People usually want to help, but they might not know what you need. It’s ok to be specific in your requests. Do you need help with cleaning, meals, or taking care of other kids? Maybe you’d like company when you go to the hospital, or simply need someone to listen? You can even make a list to share with family and friends.
• Try to use sleep strategies. Many parents of babies with health needs are sleep deprived. You may feel anxious, you might need to wake up often, or other reasons. Talk with your doctor and your baby’s care team for personalized sleep advice.

Take care of your emotions

As you care for your baby, pay attention to your own emotions and well-being too. It will help you, your baby, and others in your family.

• Join a parent support group. Ask your healthcare team or social worker if they have any support groups they recommend (either in-person or online). It can be a good way to talk about how you’re doing and learn what’s helped others.
• Find out about respite care. Respite care is a way to take a break from caregiving. It might be in the form of a caregiver at home, or drop-off day programs for your child. Your hospital’s social work team can help you find services and understand costs (and programs to help with costs).
• Do something to recharge every day. You have full permission to do this! Choose anything you enjoy: exercise, deep breathing, a hot bath, talking with a friend.
• Get professional help. If you ever feel overwhelmed, anxious, or depressed, please seek out professional help. Your company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or your Progyny Care Advocate can help you sort through your counseling or therapy options.

You’ll have good days and bad days, but you’re never alone. And throughout it all, you’re doing an incredible job for your little one.

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If your child has special needs, you might feel like traditional parenting advice doesn’t apply. Your family faces unique challenges, and it’s important to know where to turn for specialized resources and support.

With the right guidance, you’ll feel more connected and supported. It will be easier to handle your child’s developmental, educational, and medical needs — and manage emotions and relationships along the way.

Here are a few things to think about, with a small step you can take for each.

Accepting a diagnosis

Receiving and adjusting to a diagnosis can bring on so many feelings. Whatever you feel (or felt) is OK, and it will change over time.

You will probably become an expert in the condition. Your knowledge, paired with real-life advice from others who have been through it, will help you process your thoughts and feelings.

As a parent, you’re also aware of how other people react to your child’s condition. You know your child is so much more than the diagnosis, but it’s common to fear others can’t see beyond the “label.”

• Try to view the diagnosis as an opportunity for you and others to understand and support your child.
• Recognize your child’s strengths and look for ways to grow those strengths and skills.

Finding day-to-day and emotional support

Every parent needs a village, and even more so for parents of children with complex needs. A supportive village helps with:

• Childcare and medical help
• Home and day-to-day needs
• Helping you and your child feel seen and understood

Not everyone has a support network around them. You may need to seek out your own support, and it’s essential that you do.

Start researching services for children with special needs. There may be programs and assistance available in your state and local community.

Try reaching out to:

• Your healthcare and social work teams
• Support groups (in person and online)
• Nonprofit and advocacy communities
• Your Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Your Progyny Care Advocate

Thinking about your whole family

There’s no question, a serious diagnosis is felt by the entire family. It’s emotional. Your home setup may change. Schedules can be strained with appointments. And you may need to spend a lot of time on your child’s health needs, which can affect relationships.

Strategies to try:

• Communication: Encourage your family to share how they’re feeling. Counseling is common and can be a big help.
• One-on-one time: Try your best to protect alone time each week (or a little every day, if you can) with your partner or other kids.
• Self-care for everyone: It’s important for everyone to have time for their own well-being and interests. It’s OK to ask family, friends, and neighbors to help with transportation or other support.
• Planning. Family outings and events may look different. Plan ahead and set realistic expectations. This will help you roll with surprises and minimize setbacks.

Planning for your financial future

Raising a child with special needs is very expensive. You can reach out to hospital social workers or nonprofit groups for guidance on programs that can help. Some ideas to explore:

• Supplemental security income may provide financial help for families with limited income.
• Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program cover lower-income families and children.
• The United Way can help you connect with financial and other forms of support.
• The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides food benefits for families with children with disabilities. Contact your state office to learn more.
• Nonprofits related to your child’s condition may be good resources for grants and financial assistance.
• Your employer’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) may be able to help you with financial planning and budgeting.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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Work travel is exciting, important… and sometimes stressful. But you’ve got this! A little preparation will make it a lot easier for you and your family.

Here’s a checklist of things you may need to do to get ready. Read on for a deeper dive.

• ☐ Tell my kid(s) about my trip ahead of time.
• ☐ Plan when we’ll have phone or video calls.
• ☐ Leave reminders for my kid(s) around home.
• ☐ Help my partner with any chores or prep.
• ☐ Make a clear plan for childcare.
• ☐ Have a date night!
• ☐ Create my pumping travel checklist.

Get your child(ren) ready

Let them know your plans. Build trust by telling your child how long you’ll be gone in a way they understand. (“I’ll be back in 2 sleeps” or “I’ll be back after 2 days of school.”) Let them know where you’re going and why it’s important.

Check in on a schedule. This is extra important if you’re traveling across time zones. Scheduled calls help both you and your child feel more connected. By the way, open-ended questions like “What was the silliest thing that happened today?” can encourage kids to chat more. But if they only want to talk for a minute, that’s OK too.

Leave a trace. Keep little hints and reminders of your presence around the home. Your child will probably love finding a note under their pillow, at the breakfast table, or in their lunchbox. You could send a video of you reading a bedtime story or leave a favorite photo of you together.

Show-and-tell when you come home. Spend time going through the crafts or schoolwork your child created when you were gone. And of course, they’ll love it if you have a little souvenir or postcard for them.

Make a plan with your partner or childcare

Help with solo parenting. If your partner will be the only caregiver while you’re gone, see if you can help out with anything ahead of time. If you can tackle grocery shopping, laundry, or cleaning before you go, it will make their life easier.

Sort out childcare. If you usually do drop off or pick up, is your backup plan ready? If you need a babysitter, family, or neighbor to help out be sure to discuss that ahead of time and have a clear plan.

Get quality time together. A date night with your partner can help you both feel better about the upcoming separation, especially if it’s going to be a long trip.

Think about what you need

Prepare your milk supply. If you’re breastfeeding or pumping, build your milk supply ahead of time to be sure your child has enough milk while you’re away. Talk with your partner or caregiver about how much milk your baby needs and review their feeding schedule. Talk about formula if you’ll be using it.

Remember to pack any pumping equipment when you go. If you’re flying, TSA does not limit breastmilk or formula, and you can bring your equipment, coolers, and ice packs. Also, find out if your employer offers a milk shipping benefit. You can also talk with your Progyny Care Advocate for more information.

It’s OK to focus on work. As much as you’ll want to stay connected with your family back home, remember why you’re traveling. Enjoy this chance to focus on your work. Try not to nag or call home too much — trust your partner or childcare provider to take care of things.

Plan your re-entry home. You might be tired and looking forward to relaxing… but your child might have other plans. It’s a good idea to spend at least 15 minutes focused on them so you can hear all about what they’ve been up to. Then take a little time to yourself to shower and reset.

Reach out for support

If you’d like to chat through any upcoming work travel plans, give your Progyny Care Advocate a call. We’re here to help ease any concerns you have.

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For many working parents, it’s a challenge to find time to really connect with your kids. With work, daily responsibilities, and busy schedules for everyone in the family, it can be hard to spend quality time together.

Small moments of connection can go a long way, even during the busiest weeks.

Create mini rituals that matter

Shared rituals with your child can bring you together, even if they’re simple or quick. According to behavioral scientist Michael Norton in his book “The Ritual Effect,” rituals are small, repeated actions that carry emotional meaning.

Ritual ideas for moments of connection:

• Create a special handshake to use before school drop-off.
• Use a morning mantra like: “You’ve got this, and I love you.”
• Listen to a shared playlist during time together in the car.
• Share your day’s highs and lows during dinner or before bed.
• Read a bedtime story at night (you can use a video call when you need to!).

Take a moment to reflect on any rituals you already have with your family. Is there a way to make these moments of connection more intentional?

Use tech thoughtfully

Technology can help you stay close when you’re apart. Hearing your voice or getting messages from you can help your child feel safe and reassure them that you’re thinking about them.

A few ways to stay connected using technology:

• Send a quick video message for your child to see after school.
• Share a digital photo album to swap pictures.
• Keep a parent-child chat thread of inside jokes and emojis.
• Give your child a call on your commute home.

Just be sure to use technology with care! Use it in a balanced and thoughtful way that works for your family.

Protect holiday and weekend time

Make the most of your holiday time and days off together. But don’t stress! This doesn’t mean you have to plan something expensive or elaborate. Even an hour of undistracted time can go a long way. Try to put your phone away during your time together. It’ll set a great example for your child, too.

Just like daily rituals, your weekends can have regular, shared moments. Think Saturday morning pancakes or Sunday night boardgames. They’re easy to do and mean a lot.

Ask open-ended questions

Connecting over conversation means opening up emotionally and asking deeper questions. Ask open-ended questions that go beyond “How was your day?”

You can try:

• “What made you smile today?”
• “Was there a moment you felt really proud?”
• “If you could freeze time today, what moment would you pick?”

Give your own answers, too! When your child sees your vulnerable side, it can help them feel more connected with you.

Find what works for you

Think about how you can use these tips in your own life and choose one to start or continue this week. Your Progyny Care Advocate is here if you’d like to talk through more ideas for connecting, even during the busiest times.

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You’ve spent hours researching the perfect childcare option for your family. Before you know it, though, your little one gets sick. Or there’s a family emergency, the childcare provider can’t make it, or a snowstorm hits.

Do you have backup childcare in place?

Discover your options ahead of time

As a working parent, scrambling for emergency childcare is stressful. It might be OK to take unplanned days off once in a while, but it’s important to have backup childcare in case you can’t take time off.

To really help avoid stress, try to come up with a Plan “B” and a Plan “C.” Your backup might not be able to come through on short notice.

Talk with your partner, family, or neighbors.

Do you have a partner, relatives, or neighbors who may be able to help? Talk with them to find out:

• Who can use their time off
• Who can work from home
• Who has flexible work hours

To avoid last-minute disagreements, you and your partner might try taking turns staying home.

Screen caregivers ahead of time.

You can search websites like care.com for babysitters or nannies you can use in an emergency or drop-in basis. Interview them ahead of time so you have a list of possible caregivers ready if you need it.

Do you have help from your employer?

Some employers may help by:

• Saving spots in nearby childcare centers on a drop-in basis
• Working with a company that sends trusted caregivers to an employee’s home

In addition, your Employee Assistance Program (EAP) probably offers help finding backup childcare and can tell you if your employer offers any discounts. A couple of childcare companies that do this are Bright Horizons® and KinderCare®.

And don’t forget to talk with your manager! It’s always helpful to communicate clearly about your situation. They might be able to offer flexibility or alternatives to taking time off.

If your child is sick

Many childcare centers require that a child be fever-free for at least 24 hours before they can return.

If you or your partner can’t stay home with your little one, be sure to ask your relatives, neighbors, or in-home babysitters if they are comfortable with sick children.

Some cities may offer “sick child” daycare, which is staffed by nurses who can give medicine and keep children comfortable. The organization Child Care Aware has a helpful resource about finding childcare if your child is mildly sick.

We’re here to help

Let your Progyny Care Advocate know if you’d like help creating your backup childcare plan. We’re here to ease stress and help you stay on-track with your life at home and at work.

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Working parents have a LOT to manage. It’s common to feel guilty about how you’re doing with it all — whether you’re just going back after welcoming a baby or you’ve been a working parent for years.

This guilt can go both ways: feeling bad that you’re not spending more time with your little one, and like you’re not doing enough at work.

Reframing how you think can help you lessen these feelings of guilt. And support is available to help if you need it.

Name your thoughts

The first step to managing guilt is becoming aware of what you’re thinking. We have a lot of thoughts that happen automatically, without us even realizing it. Some common ones include:

• “I’m feeling guilty that I’ll be spending less time with the baby when I go back to work full-time.”
• “I feel bad that I’m not always going to be the one to comfort them or teach them new things.”
• “I feel like I’m not as committed as everyone else at work when I leave to pick up my child.”

Reframe your thoughts

You might notice many of your thoughts include “shoulds” or “all-or-nothing” thinking. That type of thinking leads to unrealistic pressure.

Fortunately, you can practice responding differently. You are compassionate for others — can you show that same kindness to yourself?

Here are some ways to reframe those negative thoughts:

• “I’m doing my best.”
• “Being a working parent is a big job and I’m proud of my accomplishments.”
• “My work is aligned with my values and our family goals.”
• “My role at home and at work are both important. I will give myself grace as I adjust to my new normal.”

Use strategies to feel better

• Keep a gratitude journal: Every morning, start your day by jotting down 3 things you feel grateful for.
• Connect with others: Talking with other parents at work or in your community can help you learn and feel supported.
• Be present: Do one thing at a time. At home, put away screens and anything that reminds you of pressure from work.
• Practice self-care: You matter! You are allowed to say no, take time for self-care, and do less so you can focus more.

Get help when you need it

Identifying your guilt and exploring why you feel this way is a good start.

But we know it can be really hard to change how you think. Working with a therapist can be a great help managing negative thoughts and guilt. Talk with your Progyny Care Advocate or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for help getting connected to support in your area.

Remember, you’re not alone — and you’re doing a great job.

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Being a parent means you’re always on the go: keeping up with kids’ activities, appointments, and school events. To avoid getting overwhelmed, honestly assess how much room you have for activities. There are also a lot of ways to be strategic about fitting appointments and activities into your existing routine.

Assess your family schedule

You know your work and family schedule best. What days are off-limits? What days have openings or flexibility?

Over-scheduling is stressful for everyone. Think about setting limits and striking a balance for all of you. For example, you might decide that Sundays are for unstructured time with friends and family, or each child only participates in 1 sport at a time.

It can be hard to say no to activities, especially if you’re worried your child will miss out. But it gives kids a chance to rest and relax, entertain themselves, do schoolwork, and have family time. In fact, free time is really important for healthy child development.

And this is important: it leaves time for your own life too.

Be strategic when you schedule

Once you’ve assessed your weekly schedule, look for ways for your family to be efficient. Some ideas to get you started:

• Based on your schedule, decide if it makes sense to do multiple appointments (doctor, dentist, orthodontist) stacked in one morning or sprinkled over several weeks.
• Establish an evening routine that includes time to do homework or prep for the next school day.
• Plan your meals for the week ahead or try meal prep on the weekend if you have time.
• Find out if your child’s school offers aftercare or after-school activities, which lets you stretch your workday longer. Also ask if your school offers transportation to after-school care or activities.
• Trade carpooling duties with other parents if you can.

Use a family calendar

A family calendar on the fridge or other shared space is a big help. (A whiteboard calendar lets you easily update it as schedules change.)

By the way, you’ll definitely run into scheduling conflicts at times. Reach out to family and friends for help if you need it, and go easy on yourself. It’s totally OK if you (or your child) can’t make every practice or game. You are juggling a lot and doing your best!

During extra-busy times, consider setting up a quick check-in with your manager to discuss flexibility or support. Your Progyny Care Advocate is available to help you prepare for these conversations and strike the right work-life balance for your family.

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You know work-life balance matters. But changing that is easier said than done, right?

Maybe not! You can take small steps to manage your work and personal life. This can help you feel more focused when you are at work — and more relaxed and engaged when you’re at home.

First, let’s reflect on how you’re feeling now.

Do you have any of these signs?

I’m neglecting my health. Not sleeping enough, eating on-the-go, or skipping exercise? These are signs your work-life balance might be off.

I’m struggling emotionally. Burnout at work can lead to anxiety, depression, and mood swings. If you’re lonely or feel like your mood is affecting you at home, it’s time to find better balance.

I’m over it. (Or: I worry too much.) When you’re doing too much at work, you might stop caring about it as much as you used to. Or you might worry constantly that you’re not keeping up.

I’m always available. If your hours are just too long or you feel like you can’t take time off, you may need to look at your work-life balance.

Steps you can take, starting now

Set limits at work.

• Set realistic goals. Schedule what you’ll do each day, and stick to it. It’s a big help to work on one thing at a time. Turn off distractions like email or let others know you need to focus.
• Work on what’s most important. That might mean saying “no” or “not now.” You don’t have to make these decisions yourself. Ask your manager for help.
• Talk about boundaries with your manager. Be clear about what you need and share your ideas for working efficiently.

Practice self-care, no matter what.

• You deserve to eat well, sleep enough, exercise, and do small things that bring you joy. Schedule these like you schedule work or kids’ activities.
• Take short movement breaks during your day. Bonus points for fresh air.
• Prep healthy snacks and plan meals for the week. It saves time — and makes healthy choices easier.

Protect time at home.

• Turn off notifications on your phone or see if you can put your phone away for certain time periods.
• Be open with your partner or family about how you’re feeling. Ask for help. Most people want to help but aren’t always sure how.

Seek professional help.

• If you feel like you can’t keep up with everything, you can get help.
• Your Progyny Care Advocate or Employee Assistance Program (EAP) can help you find a trained professional to talk to and help you develop a plan for finding better balance.

Finding balance takes time — and it looks different for everyone. Try one small change to start making a positive difference.

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When your baby has complex medical needs, it’s so important to know that you are not alone and have a lot of support on this journey.

If you haven’t already, find out if your healthcare system and health plan offer a care management team. This service coordinates care around your baby’s and family’s needs. It helps with specialists, referrals, community services, and navigating costs.

Your care management and medical teams can help you feel more confident, answer questions, and guide you. Let’s go over a few aspects of your baby’s care that are really important for you to understand (with your team’s help).

Medicine, feeding, and treatment

Be clear on your baby’s medicine, feeding, and treatment schedule:

• When to give each medicine, feeding, or treatment
• How much to give
• How to give it

One way to be sure you understand the instructions is called teach back. With this, you repeat the instructions back to your provider in your own words. They can also watch you give the medicine to be sure you’ve got it. Teach back is helpful for other treatments too, like feeding tubes, breathing equipment, or monitors.

Also be sure to get any instructions in writing. This way, you’ll have it later if you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, or just need a refresher.

Keep a detailed log of when you gave each medicine, feeding, or treatment. And learn about possible side effects and what to do if they happen.

Appointments and specialists

You are your baby’s advocate, medical decision maker, and the person coordinating care. It can be an overwhelming job but there are strategies to help you stay organized.

• Come prepared to appointments with a written list of your top 3 (… or top 10) questions to ask. This helps make sure your concerns are addressed.
• Bring another adult if you can. They can tend to the baby so you can listen fully to your healthcare team.
• Take notes during your visit. It’s very easy to forget what the provider said as soon as you walk out the door.
• Keep medical records (after visit summaries, test results, labs) in one place so it’s easier to share with different members of the care team. This can be done digitally or in a binder.

Also work with your health plan to manage healthcare costs.

• Enroll your baby in your benefits, usually within 30 days of birth. Talk with your human resources department for help with this.
• Use in-network providers, which will cost less and may be easier to use.
• Ask about pre-authorization, which is required by some health plans before you can schedule medical visits or procedures.
• Request a case manager from your health plan. They can be a big help navigating care.

Digital tools

Digital tools can help you stay on top of everything more easily. A few to consider:

• Patient portal: Sign up for your provider’s online patient portal to easily see your baby’s medical records, schedule appointments, and communicate with your team.
• Tracking tools: Ask your team what digital tracking tools they recommend. For example, it may be helpful to track medicines, treatments, feedings, and diapers or output.
• Digital wellness: Find out if your health insurance offers digital wellness tools, including ones to help you manage your own stress and self-care.

Emergency planning

Have a clear emergency plan in place in case of a power outage, natural disaster, or if you need backup caregiving. This should include:

• Your healthcare team’s contact information
• Backup supply of medicine and specialty formula
• Medical records including:
  • Health conditions
  • Medicine list
  • Allergies
• A complete checklist of devices, medical equipment, and supplies so you can prepare them in a hurry
• Plan for transportation and mobility aids
• Backup power such as battery packs or a generator

Find out if your utility company has a medical priority program to get power back on for you as soon as possible.

Self-care for you

As you care for your baby, it’s so important to find ways to look after yourself and the rest of your family too.

• Read our tips for caring for yourself when you have a baby with health needs.
• Talk with your baby’s care team for ideas and resources.
• Give your Progyny Care Advocate a call any time you need guidance.

You’re going through a lot — taking care of yourself will help you be your best for your little one.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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If your child needs extra support in school, you might feel like there’s a lot to learn and many steps to take. Try not to feel overwhelmed. Your child’s school, and perhaps medical team, can work closely with you to help your child get the support they need.

Let’s go over 2 programs you may hear about (a child may be eligible for one or both). This can help you feel more confident to ask questions and explore on your own. Your Progyny Care Advocate is also here to talk through your concerns or questions.

• An individualized education program (IEP) is used in public schools as a formal, detailed document describing special education lesson plans or services to help a student succeed.
• A 504 plan removes barriers for children who are limited in their daily activities. Their lesson plan is the same, but they have accommodations (changes) so they can learn along with their peers in the usual classroom setting.

Individualized education program (IEP)

IEPs are covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal special education law. When a child needs special education services, an IEP helps families work with educators to create a plan for their child’s success.

An IEP documents the student’s learning goals, how progress will be measured, and which services or accommodations will be offered.

Students may be eligible for an IEP if they have certain disabilities. Often, a teacher or parent notices a child is struggling and refers the student for an assessment. The assessment is done by a team of professionals (this may include teachers, a school psychologist, therapists, or others). There is no cost to parents for their child to be assessed or have an IEP.

Reasons for an IEP include but are not limited to:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Developmental delays
• Hearing or vision problems
• Learning problems
• Physical disabilities
• Speech or language impairment

Your child’s IEP will be developed with your child’s teacher, school team, and you. Examples of services offered in an IEP include:

• Individually designed instruction
• Counseling
• Medical services
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy
• Transportation

IEPs should be reviewed every school year. You can always ask to talk to your child’s teacher or school when you have questions or concerns.

504 plans

504 plans are covered by section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in any program that gets federal funding. This includes public schools and some private schools that receive federal money.

These plans help children with disabilities learn in a regular classroom. So rather than adjusting their lesson plan, it helps overcome barriers to learning.

Reasons for a 504 plan include but are not limited to:

• ADHD
• Autism
• Hearing or vision problems
• Mental health conditions (like anxiety, depression)
• Physical health conditions (like diabetes, epilepsy, asthma, allergies)

You, your child’s teacher, or a healthcare provider can ask the school to evaluate your child for a 504 plan. The process will likely include a team of professionals from the school. They will also work with you to suggest which changes will help your child.

Examples of accommodations in a 504 plan include:

• Assistive technology use
• Classroom seating placement
• Extra time on tests or assignments
• Occupational or physical therapy

A 504 plan should be reviewed every school year. You can always ask to talk to your child’s teacher or school when you have questions or concerns.

Your rights as a parent

Your child cannot be evaluated for an IEP or 504 plan without your written consent. In addition, the school must let you know about any major changes to the plan. The IEP process will also give you a timeline to expect.

Tell the school if you disagree with how your child is being supported. They may offer a mediation service or have a process to follow. If you feel your child’s rights are not being respected under their 504 plan, you can file a complaint with the US Office for Civil Rights.

Overall, it will be a huge help to learn more about the forms of support available in your child’s school as you advocate for your child’s needs. For help navigating the process, please reach out to us! Your Progyny Care Advocate is here for you.

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