Navigating Parenthood as a Graduate Student at CU Boulder

Being a parent is a sweet experience, though challenging, especially as a graduate student balancing academics, finances, and healthcare. We, Mohsena and Jubair, became parents during our second year of PhD studies in Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder. Here’s valuable information based on our experiences that might help new student parents at CU Boulder.

Early Pregnancy

  • Pregnancy Test: Conduct your test at the Wardenburg Health Center, where the first ultrasound is also available. These should be covered by the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan, but please verify with studentinsurance@colorado.edu.
  • If you don’t have Anthem Gold insurance, the Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center. offers confidential appointments and ultrasounds.

OB-GYN Referral

  • Upon a positive test and decision to continue the pregnancy, congratulations! While Wardenburg won’t assist with OB-GYN specialists, they provide information on where to make appointments. We visited Boulder Medical Center at Foothills. Remember, appointments are outside Wardenburg, so prepare for co-pays.

Medicaid Application

  • Due to substantial baby-related medical expenses, consider applying for government health insurance through the PEAK website, covering:
    • Pregnancy-related costs for the mother
    • Three months postpartum medical costs for the mother
    • Free Medicaid transportation for medical appointments via IntelliRide
    • One year of medical costs for the baby (with renewal options)

WIC and SNAP Programs

  • Apply for WIC while applying for Medicaid to get financial assistance before and after the pregnancy. The Colorado WIC website and office can be reached at 303-413-7520 and Colorado WIC.
  • Also consider applying for the SNAP program through the PEAK website.

Doula Services via Medicaid

  • Hire a doula 4-6 months before your due date. Doulas guide you through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, helping create a birth plan and ensuring a safe and prepared birthing experience. Mama Bird offers free doula services: info@mamabirdinc.com.

Postpartum Support

  • The postpartum period can be overwhelming, especially with breastfeeding. Order breast pumps mid-pregnancy with a prescription uploaded to an ordering website like Aeroflow. or Babylist.

Resources for New Parents

  • The Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center and other community centers provide essentials like diapers, baby wipes, and clothes. Contact details for these centers are:

Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center 2334 Broadway Suite D, Boulder, CO 80304 (303) 923-0723 [Need appointment]

This Boulder Pregnancy Resource Center will also help you by referring to other resource centers throughout Boulder County. For example– A Precious Child. For getting an appointment, you must have a referral. This center can help you with food, baby items, clothes, diapers, and wipes. 7051 W. 118th Avenue, Broomfield, CO 80020 Phone - (303) 466 4272

There are other centers that can help with baby clothes and food supplies. For example - Joyful Journeys (BABY CLOTHES): Contact #303-667-9695, Address: 6900 w 117th ave Broomfield CO 80020 #400, You do not need to make an appointment, however you need to register @ newclient.link2feed.com, This must be done before you head to the store. Please bring picture ID with you. This location also has a food pantry where you could shop once a week also if you would like the assistance. More info on Joyful Journeys & hours of operation: https://www.joyfuljourneys.org/jts-thrift-store.

Childcare Resources

  • Consider childcare options such as CU Boulder Children’s Center, YWCA Boulder, and local subsidy programs that help with childcare costs while you work or study.

Congratulations to New and Expecting Parents!

Welcome to parenthood! We wish you a joyful and prosperous journey ahead.

Authors: Mohsena and Jubair