~Pregnancy, Birth, Postpartum and Breastfeeding Links~
(for book and dvd suggestions, check my lending library)
Pregnancy and Birth
Lamaze International - promotes a natural, healthy and safe approach to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting. Great articles all the time! Here is Lamaze's ever helpful Healthy Birth Practices (with videos also great for partners) that every mother preparing for birth should familiarize herself with.
Your Pregnancy Week by Week - by Lamaze International. Subscribe here for weekly updates throughout your pregnancy!
Childbirth Connection: Also for all things birth related. Great resource for any expecting mom! They also produce the Rights of Childbearing Women.
American Pregnancy Association: An extensive collection of information on all sorts of pregnancy and birth topics.
Henci Goer's website: She is *the* authority on medical research regarding pregnancy and birth. Great articles.
CIMS - Coalition for Improving Maternity Services - updated news all the time, full of evidence based research, and one of the best sources for other helpful links including finding a mother-friendly care provider. Check Choices in Childbirth, The Birth Survey, Birth Network's provider guide, etc.
Citizens for Midwifery: A consumer group supporting midwifery; excellent information on midwives and midwifery care, as well as how to find a midwife.
Waterbirth International: THE source for information on the benefits and safety of delivering babies in water. Easier for moms ~ better for babies!
Spinning Babies: Great for growing an interest in and understanding optimal fetal positioning, how maternal positioning affects baby's position, and how baby's position affects labor and birth. I encourage every mom to check out this site during pregnancy.
Birth Stories - Still growing this collection on my website from clients, friends, and women from all over the world who have submitted the stories of their births.
Reducing the Effects of Fears on Childbirth
Positive Birthing Affirmations
Free online Prenatal Yoga - DoYOGAwithme.com - under style options, click on prenatal/postnatal
Some Favorite Blogs
Science and Sensibility - A Research Blog About Healthy Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond from Lamaze International
Giving Birth with Confidence - A blog geared towards parents and families, powered by Lamaze International
Evidence Based Birth - Whether you are trying to find information on gestational diabetes, labor induction, or newborn procedures, Evidence Based Birth provides you with an in-depth look at the research evidence in language that you can understand. We specialize in breaking down complex topics and making them easy for you to learn.
The Unnecesarean
Peaceful Parenting - Dr.Momma.com
MamaBirth
The HOMEBIRTH Option
Is homebirth safe?
Stories from homebirth dads!
Cesareans and Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)
ICAN-online - International Cesarean Awareness Network - Prevention, Recovery, and Advocacy
more on VBAC ...
VBACFacts.com
A Woman's Guide to VBAC: Navigating the NIH Consensus Recommendations
VIDEO: "An unnecessary cut?" - featuring a local woman's story toward a VBAC, her two doulas, and two supportive doctors giving info on how we got here, their views on the cesarean epidemic, and why more women and their docs should consider the VBAC option.
Breech
My Breech Baby - comprehensive, informative, evidence based website also with practical tips if your baby is breech!
Breastfeeding
Kellymom.com - breastfeeding and parenting website that is worth many stops at for accurate and up to date research and information on everything breastfeeding.
La Leche League International: A mother-to-mother helping group for breastfeeding. There is a vast amount of information on this site - if you've got a breastfeeding question, they have an answer!
Breastfeeding.com - for info, community, and expert answers to your questions!
Good Latch pictures and tips!
Isis Parenting-Breastfeeding Chat and Learn: Every Thursday at NOON. Chat with other breastfeeding moms and get your questions answered by an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). It's FREE. Each week's interactive session will begin with a short presentation on a breastfeeding topic (such as: learning proper latch, pumping and storing milk, dealing with a fussy baby, and more), followed by Q&A with the IBCLC. You may chat with other nursing moms throughout, or just watch and listen.
Teach Me How To Breastfeed video! - catchy song!
The Postpartum Period
How to make a great postpartum plan: There are 3 areas of importance to explore before you bring baby home: Dealing with friends and relatives, how to delegate without guilt, and the importance of self-care.
Post Partum support and resources: "Postpartum Support International is dedicated to helping women suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, the most common complication of childbirth. We also work to educate family, friends and healthcare providers so that moms and moms-to-be can get the support they need and recover. You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well."
Parenting
Ask Dr. Sears: The famous pediatrician who is the go-to doc for many parents across the world. He has written books on every topic for parents and parents to be with a focus on raising secure children.
What is attachment parenting/gentle mothering/peaceful parenting/natural family living stuff??? Short blog post with great links to the resources of each similar philosophy of parenting in a more primal/natural manner.
Dr. Jay Gordon's website: A fabulous resource for a lot of different topics! This well respected pediatrician offers information on a variety of medical and parenting subjects. I definitely recommend spending some time looking around here.
Babywearer.com - Information on everything babywearing - types of carriers, reviews, for sale and trade, why's, how's, etc.
Circumcision
Child Circumcision: An Elephant in the Hospital (scientific, historical, and cultural facts presented by a professor)
The Circumcision Decision
Adam Ruins Everything: The Real Reason You're Circumcised (also factual, but shorter and less serious)
Religious circumcision
Failure is Impossible: The Significance of the Hironimus vs. Nebus Circumcision Case for America
General sites for expectant parents: resources, education, discussion forums, free videos, affordable products that are mom and baby friendly.
Bamboo Family Magazine
Birthsource
Mothering.com - parenting website dedicated to giving information and support for families a little more naturally minded. Don't forget to check out the discussion forums! Need a group to connect with during your pregnancy? Join your Due Date Club.