Skip to main content

Thurston County, Washington

The content on the Thurston County website is currently provided in English. We are providing the “Translation” for approximately 10 languages. The goal of the translation is to provide visitors with limited English proficiency to access information on the website in other languages. The translations do not translate all types of documents, and it may not give you an exact translation all the time. The translations are made through an automated process, which may not result in accurate or precise translations, particularly of technical and legal terminology.

Public Health and Social Services

Thurston County Public Health and Social Services, parent and child health services strive to deliver high quality, trauma informed resources to underserved and communities at risk, improving the health of the public and mitigate health disparities.

Parent Support Services

Free Parent Support Line: Call or text 1-888-404-7763. Perinatal Support Washington's Warm Line offers warm, understanding, and private support through their parent volunteers and trained staff. Answered live 9 am-4:30 pm, Monday-Friday. 

PS-WA Spanish Warm Line: Linea Gratuita De Apoyo Para Padres: Llama o textea al 1-888-404-7763 Ofrece comprensin y apoyo confidencial.

Upcoming Events

Drop-in Lactation Support Group - 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month

Parenting and Postpartum Support Group - 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month

Bereavement Support Group - Empowering families affected by fetal, infant, or child loss

Family hold baby on couch

Ages & Stages

Educational:

Stages of Pregnancy: Pregnancy is grouped into three trimesters. Find out what’s happening with you and your baby in these stages 

Pregnancy Basics: Learn how your baby grows during pregnancy 

Healthy Pregnancy Tips: Take the steps to have a healthy pregnancy 

Labor Induction: How is labor induced and is it right for me? 

Vaccines During Pregnancy: Certain vaccines are safe and recommended for women before, during, and after pregnancy to help keep you and your baby healthy

Dental Health: Dental health is an important part of your prenatal care 

Postpartum Depression: PPD happens during pregnancy or in the first year after giving birth. PPD is the most common complication for women who have just had a baby. It affects up to 1 in 7 women

Resources & Support:

Childbirth Classes

Nurse-Family Partnership: The Nurse-Family Partnership is a free program for pregnant individuals in Thurston, Lewis, and Mason 

Thurston County Parenting & Postpartum Support Group: Join other parents navigating the highs and lows of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting infants

Lactation & Infant Feeding in Thurston County: Breast/Chest-feeding is one of the best ways to protect the health of both you and your baby

Perinatal Support Line of Washington: You don't have to figure this out on your own.  The Warm Line was started by parents who never wanted another parent to feel alone and not know what to do

 

Milestones:

Educational:

Screen Time Recommendations: Babies younger than 18 months should not get any screen time

Well-Being:

Vaccination Recommendations: Vaccine guidelines from birth to 15 Months

Baby-Led Weaning: Learn how to give your baby a safe start to solid foods using baby-led weaning

Introducing Solids: Babies can be introduced to foods other than breast milk or infant formula when they are about 6 months old

Honey? Not so fast: In babies under 12 months, honey may cause a serious illness

Thurston County Parenting & Postpartum Support Group: Join other parents navigating the highs and lows of pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting infants

Lactation & Infant Feeding in Thurston County: Breast/Chest-feeding is one of the best ways to protect the health of both you and your baby

Perinatal Support Line of Washington: You don't have to figure this out on your own.  The Warm Line was started by parents who never wanted another parent to feel alone and not know what to do

Milestones:

Educational:

PBS Kids: Help your child learn & grow with tips & activities

Sesame Street: Learn along with Big Bird, Bert & Ernie, Oscar the Grouch, and Grover

Well-Being:

Healthy Toddlers: 10 steps for healthy toddlers

Family Media Plan: Create a Family Media Plan to help set priorities that matter most to your family

Lactation & Infant Feeding in Thurston County: Breast/Chest-feeding is one of the best ways to protect the health of both you and your baby

Perinatal Support Line of Washington: You don't have to figure this out on your own.  The Warm Line was started by parents who never wanted another parent to feel alone and not know what to do

Milestones:

Educational:

Well-Being:

Setting Boundaries: 16 tips on how to set limits

Gentle Parenting: Is it right for you & your family?

Milestones:

Education:

Childcare:

After-School/Summer Break Resources:

Parent Support: 

Mental Health:

Sex, Gender Identity & Puberty:

  • Mayo Clinic: Precocious puberty is when children's bodies begin to change into adult bodies too soon
  • UCLA Health: How to talk to young men about puberty 
  • UCLA Health: How to talk to young women about puberty 
  • NSVRC: How to talk about consent to your child 
  • The Talk Institute: 5 tips for talking to your child about masturbation 
  • NPR: The birds and the bees-how to talk to your children about sex
  • Planned Parenthood: How to talk to your child about sex & sexuality 
  • Period 101: First-period guide for young women 
  • U by Kotex: Browse articles, tips, and expert advice about your period
  • Amaze: Fun, animated videos that empower healthy relationships, with answers to help your child know about their body, puberty, healthy relationships, personal safety, gender identity, and sexual orientation

 

Resources coming soon

Together! Is on a mission to advance the health and well-being of all young people through community schools. They offer different support and opportunity services to children, youth, and families

2-1-1 Washington: Community resources at no cost

HelpMeGrow Washington: Find local resources for things such as clothing banks, employment, housing, and financial support

Food Resources: Apply for SNAP or WIC benefits, find local food banks, sign up for summer meals for your children

Health Resources: Enroll in free or low-cost health insurance, find dental clinics, and access to family planning services

Pregnancy and Childbirth Resources: Breastfeeding and childbirth support as well as access to diapers and supplies

Parent and Caregiver Resources: Childcare locations, foster care services, parenting classes, support groups, one-on-one parent & caregiver support

Contact our Maternal Child Health Program at (360) 867-2500 or email PHSS_MCH@co.thurston.wa.us if you have additional questions.