Support for Pregnant, Postpartum and Breastfeeding Students

Durham Tech seeks to be a supportive environment for pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding students. We provide personal consultation to expecting students to assist with academic planning and accessing resources both on campus and in the community to meet needs and concerns. Email Maggie West, Coordinator, Student Wellness and Basic Needs for an appointment or schedule one via the online calendar.

If you are in your third trimester or have a newborn, definitely let us know so the Student Parent Success Network can give you your free New Baby Care Package!

What are your Rights?

Get informed about your rights under Title IX. Read the U.S. Department of Education's Know Your Rights: Pregnant or Parenting? Title IX Protects You From Discrimination at School (PDF).

Durham Tech Class Absences Policy

Excused Absences: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Title IX) requires Durham Tech to adopt a policy to excuse absences due to pregnancy or childbirth for as long as the student’s doctor says it is necessary. The College will provide students the following:

  • The opportunity to return to the same academic and extracurricular status as before the student’s medical leave began;
  • The opportunity to make up any work missed; and
  • The same special services it provides to students with temporary medical conditions.
  • The College shall ensure that instructors understand the Title IX requirements related to excused absences/medical leave. Instructors may not refuse to allow students to submit work after a deadline missed due to pregnancy or childbirth. If an instructor’s grading is based in part on class participation or attendance, and a student missed class due to pregnancy or childbirth, the student should be allowed to make up the participation or attendance credits.

Students who wish to use an excused absence for pregnancy or childbirth must submit a Pregnancy/Childbirth Excused Absence Notification form and any supporting documentation as soon as possible once dates of absence are known and supporting documentation is available.

View the Class Absences policy and procedure for more information.

Breastfeeding/Lactation: Breastfeeding/lactating students should be allowed reasonable time and space to pump breast milk in a location that is private, clean, and reasonably accessible.

Key Durham Tech Contacts

Accessibility Services: Connect with Accessibility Services for assistance requesting accommodations during pregnancy or following childbirth. Email accessibilityservices@durhamtech.edu or call 919-536-7208.

Title IX Coordinator: If you feel you have been a victim of sexual or gender discrimination or inequity, Durham Tech has a system of care and support to provide you with assistance. Learn more about Sexual Misconduct/Title IX and how to file a complaint.

Community Pregnancy Support Resources

County Departments of Public Health: Prenatal care and childbirth classes; Newborn home visiting and postpartum care; Family planning. Accept Medicaid and most insurance; Fees for uninsured patients are based on income, and some services are free of charge.

Equity Before Birth: Offering Black birthing persons connections to and financial assistance to cover culturally affirming prenatal services, including doula services, childbirth education, and more. 

MAAME, Inc: Birth, postpartum, and lactation support for Black, Indigenous, and other birthing people of color provided by doulas. 

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Benefits: WIC is a food assistance program for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers and children under 5. WIC can also provide access to free prenatal vitamins to help you get essential nutrients needed during pregnancy.

  • Durham County WIC: Call Lincoln Community Health Clinic WIC Office at 919-956-4042
  • Orange County WIC: Call Orange County Health Department at 919-245-2422 or 919-245-2447
  • Wake County WIC: Call Wake County WIC Program at 919-250-4720

New Baby Resources

Diapers:Diapers, wipes, and baby food are available through the Durham Tech Campus Harvest Food Pantry. Submit a request.

Pac n Play: If you do not have a crib or other safe place for your new baby to sleep, community partners can provide a Pac n Play with a built-in bassinet for $15 or less. Email Maggie West at Durham Tech or call 919-885-4352 for a referral.

Car Seats: Welcome Baby can provide a car seat for your little one for just $10! Contact Alfonso at 919-560-0535 to learn more.

Baby Clothes: Welcome Baby’s Giving Closet provides clothing items for sizes newborn – 7/8. The Giving Closet is currently open by appointment only. Call 919-560-1750 to schedule your curbside clothing pickup.

Free (Virtual) Nurse Home Visits: Family Connects Durham provides no-cost postpartum home visits, available for all parents of newborns in Durham. Sign up for a (virtual) home visit at the Center for Child and Family Health or call 919-385-0777.

Support for Paid Leave and Essential Services after Childbirth: Equity Before Birth offers sponsorship for Black birthing persons, including  supplemental income in the absence of paid parental leave and/or support covering the cost of essential services following childbirth. Email Joy Spencer. 

Breastfeed Durham: Many support resources and a comprehensive community-wide calendar of free lactation support groups.

Women’s Birth and Wellness Center: Classes available in breastfeeding basics, newborn care, pumping, and starting solids

Welcome Baby: Provides classes in English and Spanish for families with children age 1-5. Email Cindy Riley or call 919-560-7319 to learn more.

La Leche League: Provides mother-to-mother support, encouragement, and education for breastfeeding. Virtual group meetings available.

Triangle Area Parenting Support: Connects parents to neighborhood based peer support groups, information, and resources.

Books, Books, and more Books! 

Ready4K: A free text message service for parents of children age birth to eight that gives the information needed to help build children’s language and literacy skills by the time they start kindergarten. Sign up to receive these practical and encouraging texts. Text DPFC to 70138

Postpartum Support

Postpartum Support International: “We want you to know: You are not alone and you are not to blame. Help is available. You will get better.” Connect with meaningful supports 24/7 by calling 800-944-4773 or texting 503-894-9453. 

Equity Before Birth: Offering sponsorship for postpartum support for Black birthing persons, including supplemental income for up to 3 months of maternity leave, grocery deliveries, and postpartum/new baby kits. Email Joy Spencer

Coping with Motherhood: Free mother-to-mother support group provided by the Women’s Birth and Wellness Center for pregnant and postpartum women who are struggling with mood changes during the childbearing years. Email Nancy Albrecht

Emerald Doulas: Peer support and judgment-free community when motherhood feels overwhelming. For women experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders during pregnancy or the post-partum period.