Pregnancy, Birth & New Parenting Resources

Books on Pregnancy

Pregnancy

Evidence Based Birth®: podcasts, YouTube videos, and free PDFs on topics related to best practices related to pregnancy/labor/birth and newborn procedures. So much excellent information:
- https://evidencebasedbirth.com/resources-for-parents/

Lamaze® International is a wealth of up to date information on many topics from pregnancy to parenthood. Here is a nice overview of labor:
- https://www.lamaze.org/stages-of-labor

Information to help you become an active participant in your maternity care by learning about your options, thinking about your goals and seeking care that is right for you and your family:
- http://www.childbirthconnection.org/giving-birth/
Daily activities for comfort and fetal positioning in pregnancy and labor:
- Spinning Babies
Aviva Romm, midwife, herbalist, and MD has many resources for health, nutrition, fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and family's health:
- https://avivaromm.com/herbal-medicines-in-pregnancy-safety/

Breastfeeding

First Droplet’s mission is to encourage parents to take advantage of this critical window with the most effective breastfeeding techniques in order to prevent common challenges.
- https://firstdroplets.com/abcs/
The "go to" resource for quality, updated information on all things related to breastfeeding, pumping and infant feeding; use by professionls and parents
- https://kellymom.com/
Medication Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- https://infantrisk.com
Interesting blog on the use of a common garden weed to increase milk supply. Check resources tab to sign up for a PDF on lactogenic foods and herbs
- https://mother-food.com/
Breastfeeding information available in multiple languages
- https://www.llli.org/breastfeeding-info/
Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine's position on Bedsharing and Breastfeeding: https://www.bfmed.org/assets/Protocol%20Number%206%202019%20Revision.pdf
Tongue tie resources and local providers:

Labor and Birth

An article by Dr. Sarah: on the hormones of labor, birth, breastfeeding and bonding and the importance of "undisturbed birth":
- Ecstatic Birth
A doula and childbirth educator’s YouTube channel with many short videos on practical birth related topics, techniques for labor comfort, partner support,and more
- https://www.youtube.com/user/YourDoulaBag
Videos and free PDFs with instruction on use of acupressure during late pregnancy (to prepare the body for labor), to help with comfort and progress of labor, and to avoid or improve induction by Debra Betts PhD., LAc
- https://acupuncture.rhizome.net.nz/acupressure/
Are you in labor now or is labor starting and stopping with little progress? Tips for how to help fetal positioning and more effective labor
- https://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy-birth/labor/in-labor-now/
A long time labor and delivery RN does a great job simplifying why and when certain positioning in labor is key for progress
- https://www.instagram.com/gilligansguide/

www.doulamatch.net
www.dona.org
Jill Magoffin is a birth and postpartum doula and newborn specialist and Evidence Based Birth Instructor who serves the Ventura and Los Angeles area. She has quite a vibrant personality and has been known to dance and laugh with her clients during labor! www.jillmagoffin.com and on IG
Mama Cher Doula www.doulacher.com
Jena Scott is a birth and postpartum doula who makes you breathe easier just being in her presence. Having a toddler, she is very much in new parenting mode. She loves the outdoors and creates community by organizing group hikes open to all. https://www.instagram.com/awenesstbirth/
Brana Ninkov RN, MSN, CLEC is a birth and postpartum doula who comes highly recommended by mutual clients as playing an important role in their very positive birth experience.
- www.gentlebirthdoula.org and on IG

Postpartum

Books:

Resources:

Websites:

Aviva Romm, MD has many resources for health, nutrition, fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and family's health:
- https://avivaromm.com/herbal-medicines-in-pregnancy-safety/
Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/united-states
- 1-800-4773 call or text in English and Spanish for information re: mental health support, support groups
Maternal Mental Health Now: https://www.maternalmentalhealthnow.org/ local provider list

Local Midwives

Naomi Drucker CNM, MSN, is a mother of 4 who started as a labor doula and labor and delivery nurse. She is unique in that she not only cares for women who choose to have home and birth center births, but is one of the few CNMs who has hospital privileges allowing her to support birth in the hospital setting as well. Her clients love her calming demeanor and strong advocacy.
- https://www.naomidrucker.com/
Davi Kaur Khalsa CNM, NP, MSN started as an RN in neonatal ICU and labor and delivery, and then becoming labor doula and childbirth educator prior to midwifery training. TLC Midvifery is located in Los Anglels.
- https://www.tlcwomanscenter.com/

Infant Development, tummy time techniques:
- https://pathways.org/new-milestone-videos/
American Academy of Pediatrics: https://www.healthychildren.org/
A family of pediatricians and a pediatric RN provide information from pregnancy through childhood on health, nutrition, parenting, bonding, and more. I used their Baby Book as my go to with my kids (pre- internet!)
- https://www.askdrsears.com/

What A Babe! Kids Studio: Provides in studio and now at home interactive, tactile and fun group activities as classes and private parties. There is singing, music and lots of creative, tactile play! Located in Sherman Oaks.
- www.whatababe.com

A Mother's Haven: A Mother’s Haven provides expectant and new parents a nurturing and welcoming environment where they can receive the education, support, and products they need to begin their new lives as parents. Thier gorgeous boutique has a variety of hand-selected items catering to Mom, Dad, and Baby’s need.