Accessing Childcare While You Attend Anchor's Perinatal IOP

For many new parents, the idea of being away from your baby—even for a short time—can feel overwhelming. It’s common to wonder:

Will my baby be okay without me? What if they need me and I’m not right there? Is it safe to let someone else care for them?

If you’ve had these thoughts, you’re not alone. Many parents in our programs share the same worries. It can feel overwhelming, even scary, to imagine your baby in another caregiver’s arms. At Anchor, we understand this deeply, and we’ve created a childcare space that reflects both your baby’s needs and your own.

Why We Offer Childcare at Anchor

Our Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is designed to support you in your healing—while honoring your role as a parent. We know that showing up for yourself can be easier when you know your little one is safe, cared for, and close by so our childcare Little Anchors is accessible down the hall for the children of our group participants. We developed it with these core values in mind:

• Your baby stays nearby. If your baby needs feeding, soothing, or a quick cuddle from you—you can step out to connect, or our team can bring them right to you.

• Caregivers who understand. Our childcare providers and doulas are trained and experienced in supporting infants and young children. They get to know your baby’s rhythms, preferences, and personality and follow your lead in how to care for your baby.

• A relationship-based approach. Over time, these caregivers become familiar faces for your baby—and a supportive part of your mental health journey.

  
  

Easing Common Fears

It’s natural to feel anxious about leaving your baby with someone else. That anxiety doesn’t mean you’re not ready for mental health treatment, or that you’re doing something “wrong.” It simply means you care deeply about your child’s safety and wellbeing, which shows how attuned and loving you are as a parent.

We invite you to utilize childcare at your own pace. Some parents use childcare right away. Others start by having their baby with them in virtual services, then ease into childcare once they feel more comfortable attending in-person. Some parents use our childcare intermittently when their pre-arranged childcare plan falls through. All paths are welcome here.

Here are some common questions we get about childcare:

• What ages of children stay in the childcare?

  • From birth until age 18 months with most kids being between 6 weeks and 12 months.

• What will they do in childcare?

  • What babies do all day anywhere! Sleep, feed, diaper changes, play, tummy time, snuggles. All in community with other babies and trained providers.

• Can I check on my baby during groups?

  • Of course. You have access to your baby at any time. We encourage you to visit between groups so you do not miss the important content and support of the groups.

• What if my baby is exclusively breastfed?

  • The doulas can contact you via text to let you know when baby is showing hunger cues or you can visit baby on your own schedule to feed. We have a private space available for breastfeeding or pumping.

• Are all babies on the same schedule?

  • Given the young age of the babies, no. Each baby is on their own schedule or tended to as needed based on instructions from their parent.

• Are you a licensed facility?

  • We are a drop-in childcare model that does not need a license as it is offered for less than 4 hours a day and parents are on-site and accessible. We do follow rigorous policies that align with many of the state's recommendations for the safety of the kids.

• What is your childcare ratios:

  • We make sure that we have a doula for every three children with a maximum of 6 kids with two doulas. Anchor staff and interns provide extra support when more hands are needed.

• How much is it? Is it covered by insurance?

  • $25 a day for one child, $40 a day for 2 children. If cost is a barrier, we can offer probono or sliding scale fees.

  • Childcare fees are not covered by insurance but you can check the parameters of your HSA/FSA as you may be able to utilize that to cover the fees.

    
    
    
    

Why Should I Consider using Childcare

Caring for your mental health is one of the most powerful ways you care for your baby. When you have space to process, breathe, and heal, you return to your baby with more steadiness and presence. Accessing childcare during IOP makes that possible, without asking you to choose between your own healing and your baby’s needs.

A Gentle Next Step

If you’re considering IOP but feel unsure about childcare, know this: you don’t have to make the decision alone. Our Admissions Coordinator will talk through your options with you during the admissions process, answer your questions, and walk alongside you as you decide what feels right. Once admitted to your program, your assigned therapist will be your point of contact as you navigate emotions and logistics of using our childcare.

Want to learn more about our IOP and childcare support?

• Schedule a free mental health screening

• Reach out anytime—whether you’re sure of your interest in the IOP or still figuring it out