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Thinking About Babies?

  1. First, know what you qualify to receive. Several medical students have been able to qualify for government programs such as WIC (for nutritional advice, breast pumps, food coupons), NC Health Choice (health insurance for children), food stamps, pregnancy medicaid (if you or your spouse are not covered by another insurance), and Head Start programs. Also get your name on the waiting list for child care assistance offered through UNC and Orange County

    • W.I.C. Program
      WIC is a Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children funded by the United States Department of Agriculture. WIC provides at no cost: Healthy Food Milk Dried Beans and Peas Cereal Juice Infant Formula Peanut Butter Cheese Eggs Infant Cereal (The WIC Staff determine which foods a participant receives based on individual needs.)
    • Orange County DSS
      This site has a comprehensive list of services available to eligible residents of Orange County. You can find information on food stamps, childcare subsidy, and NC Health Choice coverage here.
    • Child Care Subsidy

      The Child Care Subsidy Program provides low-income families with information and financial resources to find and afford quality childcare for their children. Resources enable families to make informed choices regarding childcare providers.

    • UNC Child Care Assistance Program

      Definitely apply, but don't hold your breath for it. Funds are, apparently, extremely limited.

  2. Second, look into what options are out there in terms of taking a year away from medical school, if you so desire. For many of us, this worked out to be time to pursue research, an MPH, and other resume-boosting endeavors. Most importantly, make sure you and your family are comfortable with the arrangement. Birth and infancy are such precious periods and the flexibility that we can have as students is very fortunate so take advantage of it.

    • UNC School of Public Health

      Dig in by looking at available departments and years required for obtaining an M.D./M.P.H. at this world-renowned institution.

  3. Third, keep med school faculty in the loop. Meet early with block directors around the time when you are expecting and have plans in order for time off, make-up exams, etc.

  4. Fourth, decide on childcare and if it is a daycare, get your name on the waiting list ASAP! Childcare in the Chapel Hill area is in high demand.

                                                                                                               

    IF THERE IS ONE RESOURCE YOU LOOK AT ON THIS WEBSITE LET IT BE THIS   

    This is a UNC student-produced publication that is a comprehensive guide for UNC parents and parent to be. If this is at all your situation, you must check this out. The topics covered are: childcare, family friendly activities, financial aid and community assistance, healthcare, legal resources, nursing/lactation support, on-campus housing, pregnancy, social support, and transportation. It is also a good idea to add yourself to the listserve for the group that published this resource, the UNC Student Parent Association. It keeps you in-the-know about opportunities for parents and kids in the area--pandpsupport@listserv.unc.edu.