At the HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI, we believe that postpartum safety, including access to domestic violence services and strong social supports is vital to the health and stability of families. The period after birth can bring heightened stress, isolation, and vulnerability, making safety, connection, and support not optional, but essential.
Postpartum safety resources help families navigate concerns related to personal safety, housing stability, financial stress, emotional well-being, and relationship dynamics. For some, this may include access to domestic violence advocacy and crisis services; for others, it may involve strengthening social supports that reduce isolation and create pathways to stability. Safety is not only about responding to a crisis, but about building environments where caregivers and children can thrive without fear.
The resources in this section of the Birth to Five Resource Guide are provided to guide, raise awareness, and offer pathways to support during a critical and often overlooked season. We hope that these tools help individuals recognize when support is needed, understand available options, and take informed steps toward safety and stability.
These materials are informational and supportive in nature. They are not intended to replace medical care, mental health treatment, or individualized guidance from a physician, therapist, or other licensed clinical provider. Medical, mental health, or safety concerns should always be discussed with qualified professionals who can provide appropriate and confidential care.
Safety is foundational. When caregivers are supported and protected, children are too. We hope these resources serve as a steady guide toward connection, protection, and the support every family deserves.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive or coercive behavior used to gain power and control—physical, emotional, financial, or sexual. Postpartum stress can be intense, but it does not involve intimidation, threats, or control over your choices. See this overview of domestic violence and patterns of abuse.
The time when someone is preparing to leave or has just left is often the most dangerous period in an abusive relationship, so leaving must be done with a safety plan and support (advocates, shelter, legal help).
A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan to help keep you and your children safer while you’re living with abuse, planning to leave, or after leaving (for example: safe rooms, go-bags, code words, emergency contacts). Advocates can help you create a plan that includes your infant’s needs.
Rhode Island has a 24/7 Helpline (1-800-494-8100) coordinated through the Rhode Island Coalition Against Domestic Violence, connecting callers to local shelters, advocates, and safety planning support statewide.
In the SouthCoast (New Bedford/Fall River area), The Women’s Center offers a 24-hour hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, and child trauma services.
On Nantucket, A Safe Place provides free, confidential services, including crisis intervention, supervised family visitation, counseling, and children’s programs.
Please enter your ZIP code:
Important Notice
The Birth to Five Resource Guide is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. By using this site, you acknowledge that you are accessing these materials voluntarily and at your own discretion.
The information shared here is not intended to replace professional medical, clinical, legal, or therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of your physician, pediatrician, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding health, development, or medical conditions.
The HEED Coalition and The Basics Southcoast/RI make no representations or warranties regarding the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information provided and assume no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the use of this site.
Use of this site constitutes your acceptance of these terms.
