Welcoming a New Baby

There is so much to celebrate after your little one's arrival. Tools and resources are available to you to make those first days, weeks and months a little easier.

Add Your New Baby to Your Benefits

The birth or placement of a child is a qualifying life event that allows you to make applicable changes to your GW benefit elections.

If you wish to add your child to your health coverage or request other changes, you can do so by logging into the benefits enrollment system within 60 calendar days after the date of birth/placement and starting a new enrollment. You may consider opening a Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (DCFSA) if you will be paying for childcare. A DCFSA allows you to pay for childcare costs pre-tax, saving you money. Please note: DCFSAs cannot be newly-elected or continued during a paid or unpaid leave of absence lasting longer than 30 days. If you wish to elect a DCFSA upon your return from leave, you may do so within 30 calendar days of your return.

Find Breastfeeding Support

Research has shown that breastfeeding has significant benefits for both mom and baby. However, that does not mean it is always easy. Many women struggle with breastfeeding and need extra help.

Employees Guide to Breastfeeding and Working, developed by the Department of Health & Human Services, is a six-page booklet that provides you with the basics you need to know for successfully continuing to breastfeed after returning to work.

The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington is a great resource located alongside the Foggy Bottom campus and is now in-network for lactation consultation. The Center also offers classes and great prices on breastfeeding equipment and accessories (not covered in-network).

When it is time to return to work, GW has designated lactation rooms across all campus areas for lactating mothers.

Employee Assistance Program

GW's Employee Assistance Program is a free service to you as a GW employee. You can find help with childcare, financial and legal support as well as emotional support during this period of change. Assistance includes:

Be connected with a childcare consultant who will discuss your specific childcare needs and preferences and identify providers with openings in your area. You and members of your household can receive five free counseling sessions. Now that your new bundle of joy has arrived, it is time to make sure they are protected no matter what life brings. Employees who have enrolled in GW's Group Legal benefit have access to a network of lawyers who can help you create a will, trust, power of attorney and other important legal documents.

Family Care Resources

GW provides benefits-eligible faculty and staff access to family care resources including in-home care for children or adults, in-center back-up care and elder care through Bright Horizons.