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New and Expecting Parents Guide

At Carnegie Mellon University, we're here to support you through every step of this process so you can focus on what matters most — the well-being of your growing family. This guide outlines primary considerations related to welcoming a child, with special attention to the CMU programs, services and benefits that can help. If you have questions or would like personalized assistance, please reach out to the family care concierge specialists.

The Pregnancy Support and Accommodations Policy [pdf] applies to university faculty, staff and student workers. It provides reasonable accommodations for concerns related to pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions or events. To learn more, please contact your supervisor or HR business partner.

Vendor Resources

Groups and Guidance

  • Better Moms Unite helps parents create a postpartum plan for their mental health. There are a variety of ways to engage, including social media, virtual hangouts, peer support and professional counseling.
  • Postpartum Pittsburgh fosters the mental well-being of new and expectant parents. It includes information on mental health services, virtual support groups, child development, and resources that support families from pregnancy through early childhood.
  • NurturePA text messaging program pairs new parents with mentors who offer guidance, support and helpful tips to support both the parent and child.
  • MAYA offers mentors, doulas and assistance for Pittsburgh parents. They offer prenatal classes, mentorship and counseling services at no cost.

You are encouraged to start planning your time away from work as far in advance as possible. Leave options vary based on university affiliation, employment status and other factors.

  • Staff members may be eligible for leave options following the birth or adoption of a child including Family Medical Leave, Short Term Disability, Parental Leave, Maternity Leave, Reserve Sick Days and PTO. These options can vary depending on your situation and some may overlap. Reach out to the Leaves Team to discuss your leave plan. Please note that these options may not be applicable to staff members governed by a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Pay practices for such staff members shall be governed by the terms of the applicable CBA.
  • Graduate students may be eligible for short-term accommodation for gestational parents, a formal leave of absence, and/or parental accommodation for qualifying doctoral student parents. Students seeking these accommodations must register with the dean of Student Affairs by scheduling an appointment at 412-268-2075. You are encouraged to reach out 90 days before the proposed leave and are required to submit documentation 60 days prior to the leave. Carnegie Mellon also offers interest-free loans and stipend continuation to students who become parents while enrolled.
  • Faculty Parental Leave offers paid leave for regular faculty members who are the parent and primary caregiver of a newborn child or the adoptive parent of a child of preschool age. Family Leave may be taken on a full or partial basis by faculty members who are the primary caregiver of a child or other dependent during the period of leave. For more information about any of these options, please contact the Faculty Leaves Team. Faculty members may also be able to request leave via the Family Medical Leave Act. Contact the Office of Human Resources Leaves Team to learn more.

Through the university's Employee Assistance Program, you can access many articles related to delivery. Choosing Where to Deliver Your Baby explains the considerations for hospital, birthing center and home-based births. Birthing Specialists provides information about options for support professionals.

Hospitals and Birth Centers in the Pittsburgh Region

Many hospitals offer tours of their maternity wards for expecting parents.

Resources for Home Births and Doulas

According to the American Psychiatric Association, an estimated one in seven women experiences depression during pregnancy or after childbirth. Though less common, the non-birthing partner may also experience depression after the birth of a child. If you are experiencing signs of depression, know that you are not alone and that there are many resources you can turn to for help. Please contact your health professional. The following services can offer additional support:

  • CMU staff and faculty can receive support through the Employee Assistance Program. Employees and their household members can access free, confidential assessments from a counselor and, if needed, referrals to other providers. Coping with Postpartum Depression provides additional resources and coping tips.
  • Postpartum Support International aims to raise awareness of and provide support for mental health issues related to childbirth. It offers online support groups, peer mentorship, and help finding local support and providers. It also offers help for dads, partners and families, and birth and adoptive parents.
  • The Substance and Mental Health Services Administration has a 24/7 Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357). This free and confidential service provides referrals to local support groups, facilities and organizations.
  • AHN's Postpartum Depression Resources include mental health screenings, several types of individual therapy, group counseling and medication management.
  • UPMC Magee provides help for postpartum depression through counseling, medication and support groups.

When you experience a life change, such as adding a new child to your family, you have the opportunity to adjust some of your benefit elections. There is usually an increased cost if you are transitioning from a family without children, so consider costs and compare plans. Pediatricians request to see infants frequently during the first year, and there is increased risk of illness if your child attends a group child care setting. This may factor into your decision making when choosing a plan.

  • Medical plans — You have 60 days after the date of birth or adoption to add your child to your medical plan, and 30 days after adding them to provide the supporting documentation. In most cases you may not change the benefit carrier or option, but you can change the level of coverage.
    • Most medical plans will allow the infant to be covered on the mother's medical plan for the first 30 days.
    • If you are not insured under a Carnegie Mellon University plan, consult with your provider to make changes.
    • The federally funded CHIP program is another option for your child's insurance.
  • Life Insurance — You have 30 days from the birth or adoption of your child to increase your optional life insurance.
    • Remember to review and consider updating your beneficiaries.
    • MetLife offers a will prep service [pdf] to employees enrolled in optional life insurance. The addition of a child is a good time to update your will to plan for the finances and custody of your new child.
  • Health Care Flexible Spending Account — You have 30 days from the birth or adoption of your child to make changes or begin contributions to a flexible spending account. These accounts can be used to cover medical expenses incurred by your dependents.
  • Dependent Care Reimbursement Account — You have 30 days from the birth or adoption of your child to make changes or begin contributions. The DCRA can be used to cover qualified dependent care expenses, including daycare and sitter fees, before- and after-school care, and summer day camps.

Learn more about changing your benefits:

Student Plans

If you are a student, your plan options are different. Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield is available to undergraduate and graduate students and their eligible dependents. If you are a full-time student based in the United States, you must either enroll in the student insurance or submit a waiver. To request a change to your student insurance for a qualifying life event such as the birth or adoption of a child, please email University Health Services to request an enrollment change form.

Maternity Programs Through Your Heath Plan

If you are not covered by a CMU health plan, reach out to your provider to see what is available for you.

  • UPMC: Baby Steps provides caring clinical support before, during and after pregnancy. Care managers are skilled nurses and social workers who can find providers, schedule visits and answer questions about topics like chronic health conditions, signs of labor, breastfeeding, making a plan to return to work and much more. Contact the program at 866-778-6073 or via email.
  • Highmark: Baby Blueprints provides educational information on all aspects of pregnancy in addition to ongoing one-on-one support from a women's health specialist. Contact the program at 866-918-5267.

Finding a Pediatrician

Selecting a pediatrician is done prior to the birth or adoption of child. If you are giving birth, your child's pediatrician may be able to see your child at the hospital shortly following the birth. You may be able to share the pediatrician's information with your prenatal care provider prior to birth so it can be on record.

View instructions to search Highmark and UPMC providers.

  • When searching Highmark, in the menu to browse by category, select "Medical," "Primary Care" and then "Pediatrician."
  • When searching UPMC, under "Find a Person or Place," select "By type, specialty, procedure, service, or equipment," then select "Pediatrics."

Emergency or After-hours Medical Care

Local options include:

Support groups can be a meaningful way to form relationships, learn from fellow parents, build a sense of community and access information and resources.

  • Fathers Trying Together — A group for single fathers and caregivers. You can connect with others to learn how to cope with stress, overcome barriers and bond with your child.
  • Women's Rap — Offered through the Homewood Family Center, this is an opportunity for parents and caregivers to engage in self-care by gaining encouragement and support from others.
  • Parent/Primary Caregiver Support Group — PA Parent and Family Alliance offers a weekly virtual support group where parents can discuss shared questions and issues with each other and build a sense of community.
  • Allegheny Family Network — Offers a variety of groups and ways for parents to come together, including specific groups for foster parents and fathers.
  • Mother to Son Program — Small Seeds Development, Inc. runs this group for single mothers of African American sons.
  • Family Resources — Provides counseling, treatment and services to help families build healthy interactions and positive relationships.
  • Latino Community Center — Offers a variety of supports for Latino families in Allegheny County, including parenting classes, home visits and a family hotline.
  • Angels' Place — Offers support for single parents, including childhood education, child care, and parenting education and assistance.
  • Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry — Offers child, marriage and family counseling in addition to workshops, parenting groups and a tutoring program for school-age children.
  • Family Support Centers — The Allegheny Intermediate Unit offers 10 centers that provide assistance and information to caregivers, including development assessments for children, parenting support groups, home visits and family activities.

Additional Resources