Pregnancy Resources

Pregnancy Resources
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Saint Mary’s College of California is committed to creating a supportive environment for pregnant and parenting students.  Below is a topical list of resources available on campus to pregnant and parenting students, as well as an alphabetical list of departments that are equipped to offer support.

For frequently asked questions, please click here.

 

Support:       

Students looking for emotional support, information for accessing services designed to support pregnant and parenting students (such as Women Infants and Children), or help in processing how to create a new sense of balance as parent, student and individual can find staff allies across campus in departments ranging from the Women’s Resource Center and the Mission & Ministry Center to Student Disability Services and the Counseling Center.

 

Academic Accommodations:

Students are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a representative from Student Disability Services early in their pregnancy to learn about available support services.  Accommodations are determined on a case-by-case basis and may include assistance such as specialized academic advising related to their medical status, guidance when communicating with instructors, consideration for absences, and academic coaching.

 

Advocacy/Support/Resource Referrals:

The staff of the Women’s Resource Center is available to provide one-on-one support and to connect students with on-campus and community resources. The WRC also provides support groups for pregnant and parenting students.

 

Counseling:

Dealing with an unplanned or even a planned pregnancy can be overwhelming for anyone. The Counseling Center provides no-fee counseling and psychological services to full-time, undergraduate students. If the Center is at capacity, its staff can refer or connect students to community counseling centers.

 

Healthcare (STI and Pregnancy Testing, Medical and Prenatal Care): 

The Health & Wellness Center offers free pregnancy tests and STI tests, consultations, support and confidential referrals to outside care providers. They also have brochures on women's health and pregnancy. The health insurance that SMC offers does cover pregnancy visits. It is important to note that although the SMC Health & Wellness Center will respond to immediate, urgent issues, it does not provide long-term care.

 

 

Housing:       

Although Saint Mary’s College isn’t able to accommodate student families or children of student parents, students may live on campus throughout their pregnancies. It is helpful to be pro-communicative about such situations with the offices of Residential Experience and Housing, as well as the Residential Advisor within your hall. The Director of the Women’s Resource Center Sharon Sobotta will help student parents  consider appropriate off-campus housing options after they have given birth.  

 

Nursing/Lactation Room:            

The WRC has a private room that can be used for nursing and/or pumping by new parents. The WRC is located on the Garden level of Mitty Hall.

 

Health & Wellness Center            925-631-4364

Mission & Ministry                        925-631-4366

Student Disability Services          925-631-4358

Women’s Resource Center           925-631-4171

 

 If you would like to find more resources or if you would like to talk to someone about your pregnancy, the Woman's Resource Center is open from 8:30 to 4:30 M-F.  Come in anytime or call us at 925-631-4192 to make an appointment with one of our staff members.