Cornell University Resources
Gannett Health Services - gannett@cornell.edu 255-5155, 110 Ho Plaza
A positive pregnancy test is certain to generate many thoughts and feelings. Whether it's an unwelcome surprise, or just the news you've been hoping for, Gannett has resources and support to offer. The Clinical Counselor can offer you (alone or with your partner or support person) pregnancy options counseling in which you can reflect upon and discuss the personal implications of your pregnancy and obtain the individualized information you need in order to make a decision.
While Gannett does not offer obstetric care, they can provide you with referrals to local obstetricians and midwives. Gannett's clinicians can also support you with other health concerns that may arise during your pregnancy. Gannett’s Early Pregnancy Guidelines fact sheet: provides other important health information and resources.
Graduate Parental Leave Policy - 255-5280
Cornell University is committed to fostering a family-friendly environment in which graduate students can balance scholarly and parenting responsibilities while successfully pursuing their academic and research goals. In support of this objective, the University offers graduate students two forms of accommodation for childbirth, newborn care, adoption, foster care, and acute child health care needs. Students may select six-weeks paid accommodation (for fully funded graduate students only) or up to one year of reduced-load registered student status not counting toward time-to-degree limits (available to all students).
Cornell Lactation Program - 255-5298
In support of the institution's life-quality initiatives for working and studying families, the university recognizes and respects the need to accommodate lactating mothers who choose to express breast milk while at Cornell University. As a part of the Lactation Program, a 3-part series on breastfeeding is offered twice per year and spaces are designated across the campus for pumping/expressing milk.
Community Resources
Planned Parenthood of the Southern Finger Lakes - 273-1513
Whether you are concerned with contraception, are planning a pregnancy, currently pregnant, or are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy or a pregnancy loss, a staff member at your local Planned Parenthood Health Center can talk with you about all of your pregnancy-related concerns.
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transexual Family Building Program
Offered by Planned Parenthood, this program is offered for the LGBT individuals and couples who want to start or build a family.
Birthright of Ithaca, Inc. - 272-9070
Offers free pregnancy testing, completely confidential help, non-judgmental and caring advice, friendship and emotional support, legal, medical, and educational referrals, prenatal information, maternity and baby clothes, housing referrals, social agency referrals, information on other community services and adoption information.
Ithaca Pregnancy Center - 273-4673
Provides objective, accurate information about all of your options. Beyond the information, they also provide a caring person who is trained to deal with the challenging circumstances that accompany an unexpected pregnancy. This person will listen to your unique situation and guide you through the decision making process.
Maternal-Child Health Department - 274-4380
Provides maternity services beginning with monthly two-hour classes on Infant Care, Safety in the Early Years, and Breastfeeding, as well as classes for the infant’s siblings. Labor, delivery, and postpartum care take place in one room and a variety of pain management options are available.
Bringing up Baby - 274-4408
Bringing up Baby presents a series of workshops for new and expectant parents and grandparents, older siblings, babysitters, or day care providers. Selected workshops are offered on breastfeeding, and infant care and safety.
Ithaca Birth Group - 277-3455
The Ithaca Birth Group is a not-for-profit community organization offering a seminar discussion series on birth, parenting and successful breastfeeding. They welcome friends, family and all interested parties to their seminars and provide referral services, a caring environment where all lifestyles are accepted, a lending library, a connection opportunities. The Ithaca Birth Group website also provides information regarding Obstetricians, Family Practitioners and Midwives who attend births at local hospitals or support families in home births.
Birthnet of the Finger Lakes
BirthNet of the Finger Lakes was created in response to changes in birth options in our local communities. They are a consumer-based and volunteer-run working group that advocates for women and their families in order to protect the availability of birthing options. They are also committed to providing comprehensive information regarding all aspects of prenatal, birth and postpartum health.
Mothers and Babies Perinatal Network of South Central New York - 1-800-231-0744
Promotes and coordinates services to help mothers and babies stay healthy. Includes a free smoking cessation program and facilitated enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus.
Babies First - 273-7521
A child with no crib, no diapers, no warm clothing, no safe car seat, no toys, no formula. These are a few of the problems addressed by Babies First, a church based program in Ithaca. They take referrals for families with children in need from local non-profit agencies, and try to help ensure that the basic needs of all children in our community are met.
La Leche League of Tompkins County
All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are invited to come to the meetings or call one of the Leaders for breastfeeding help or information. Pregnant women are especially welcome. Children and babies are always welcome at the meetings.