Resource Directory

Pregnancy and Childbirth

Many of the sites in General Sites for Parents also have information about pregnancy and childbirth.

• International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
• American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM)
• Leclaire Hypnobirthing Method – Created in 1987, the Leclaire Hypnobirthing Method has helped many mothers to a painless and safe, natural childbirth. Dr. Leclaire’s site also has links and other resources.
• pregnancy-calendars.net – Your week-by-week Pregnancy Guide. Our comprehensive and detailed pregnancy calendar will help you to discover exactly how you and your baby are developing.

Postpartum Depression Resources

• The Marce Society – International association of researchers interested in postpartum issues.
• Postpartum Support International – International organization dedicated to helping mothers and professionals grapple with postpartum issues, especially depression. Support local groups, annual conferences, and excellent newsletter.
• Postpartum Health Alliance – California organization affiliated with Postpartum Assistance for Mothers; similar aims and offerings.
• Pacific Post Partum Support Society – Information and support; strong resources for fathers.
• Drugwatch.com features up to date information on the drug side effects, of prescription and over-the-counter medications, including safety advice for pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

Many of the sites in General Sites for Parents also have information about nursing.

• Breastfeeding.com is the place for help and information on breastfeeding. Detailed information, book reviews, humor, a directory of lactation consultants and more.
• Kelly Mom was developed to provide evidence-based information on breastfeeding, sleep and parenting.
• Mothering Magazine – The Magazine of Natural Family Living.

Mothers Clubs

• International MOMS Clubs – Extensive links to local clubs.
• Mothers & More – International organization supporting mothers who have altered their career paths in order to care for their children at home. Advocacy, local chapters, information, networking.
• Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) International – Great resources plus links to local chapters for mothers; Christian fellowship.
• National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs – Resources of all kinds plus extensive links to local clubs.
• Mothers of Supertwins (MOST) – Network of families with triplets, quadruplets and more. Provides information, resources, empathy and good humor during pregnancy, infancy, toddlerhood and school age.
• Federation of Texas A&M University Mothers’ Clubs – Links to clubs comprised of alumni of the university.
• The Parents Network – For parents in the Berkeley California area. Besides incredibly thorough listing of local resources, has advice on many specific topics.
• Also try SheKnows.com for a directory of mothers clubs.
• DancingStarBirth.ca – Mothers Unfolding Circles for new mamas and babes at Pomegranate Midwifery Clinic in Vancouver, BC. Circles explore identity, relationships, sexuality, intuitive parenting, and finding balance.

National Parent Organizations

• National Parenting Association – Advocacy and lobbying on behalf of parents.
• Family and Home Network – Nonprofit organization supporting stay-at-home mothers, in part by publishing “Welcome Home.” Their site has many heartfelt and helpful articles – most are first-person from mothers – as well as other resources that can help moms with issues like transitioning to staying home, working at home, or teamwork with their partner. They also have public advocacy materials related to motherhood.

General Sites for Parents

• Mothering Magazine – Fabulous information and nurturing support from the people who bring you the classic, “natural family living magazine.”
• ParentCenter – News, tips, activities, and features.
• Mommies On The Web – Interactive site offering friendship and support to all moms on the web.
• Cheapskate Monthly – Mary Hunt, noted author, helps you save money while living the good life.
• Marriage Prep 101 – If you’re engaged, considering marriage, or already married but want a nice booster shot, this is the site for you. Created by a husband and wife team of psychologists, it has lots of articles and links, plus it showcases their research-based workshop, MarriagePrep 101.
• OblockBooks – Really interesting books to help teach the alphabet and pre-reading skills; they’re fun, convenient and easy. Includes an entire unit for each letter that contains puppets, activities, songs, games, worksheets, picture cards and more.
• http://www.mamababychiro.com — Dr. Amy Watson is a chiropractor and craniosacral therapist who treats infants, children, pregnant women, and mothers in Portland, Oregon.
• Common Sense Media is a consumer information based organization dedicated to helping parents and kids navigate through today’s often overwhelming world of media. Its website and blog provide forums where adults and kids can learn from each other, speak out, and participate in creating a responsible and enjoyable media environment.
• Baby Blues Connection is a non-profit organization based in Portland, Oregon that provides support and resources to mother’s dealing with postpartum and antepartum depression/anxiety. Baby Blues Connection is made up of moms and partners who have gone through postpartum or antepartum and now volunteer to help others through it as well. Most support is provided via the phone so we can support mothers in all areas of the nation. Baby Blues Connection also provides local support groups.
• RaisingThem.com – A parenting social network – meet parents nearby – join groups – share parenting advice.
• Help4Mothers.com – Help4Mothers.com provides help on communication within the family, and answers to everyday questions you might have on parenting or just being a good mother.

Working Moms

• National Association of Entrepreneurial Parents – Advice and resources for parents who work at home.
• Blue Suit Mom – Advice, discussions, and newsletters focused on the concerns of mothers in the workplace.
• Cyberworking.com – Focuses on working via the internet while at home.
• http://www.myownbusiness.org – My Own Business, Inc., is a nonprofit organization which offers a free, online, twelve-session course that provides the basic do’s and don’ts for entrepreneurs.

Preschools

• Association of Waldorf Schools of North America
• California Council of Parent Participation Nursery Schools

For Fathers

• Menstuff, The National Men’s Resource – Exceptional collection of resources for men.

Health Care Information

The internet has hundreds of websites offering research information and suggestions about how to improve your health. Here’s a sampling of our favorites:

• National Institutes of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Yale Library: Selected internet resources
• National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine – A division of the National Institutes of Health. Has fact sheets for consumers, results of clinical trials, and a wealth of other information. Also see www.noah-health.org for information about complementary treatments for numerous health conditions.
• The Richard and Hinda Rosenthal Center at Columbia University
• The Research Council for Complementary Medicine
• American Botanical Council
• www.medscape.com – Extensive information on health care subjects for physicians and other professionals; some handouts on selected topics for consumers; search engine.
• www.webmd.com – Consumer oriented website loaded with health care information.

Health Care Professionals

The Insider’s Guide (Appendix E) discusses the spectrum of licensed health care providers. For referrals to physicians in general, see:

• American Medical Women’s Association – Focus on women’s health.
• American Medical Association – The largest association of physicians in America. For referrals to licensed professionals oriented toward complementary and alternative medicine, see:
• American Association of Naturopathic Physicians – Graduates of accredited naturopathic medical schools and licensed in a limited number of states. Usually very knowledgeable in nutrition and the alternative methods in the spectrum of care.
• American College for the Advancement of Medicine – Association of physicians practicing complementary medicine, particularly using chelation therapy.
• American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine – National association of colleges that train osteopaths, with information about osteopathy.
• American Holistic Medical Association – Physicians and other licensed health care providers.
• Drs. Michelle and Patrick Gannon, and Marriage Prep 101 – Wonderful and powerful workshops in the San Francisco Bay Area helping spouses-to-be develop the best possible foundation for a lasting and loving marriage.
• Rowena Bennett – Discuss any baby or child care problem, one to one with a qualified and experienced child health nurse.
• National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine – Certifies acupuncturists for licensure in most states.
• American Academy of Medical Acupuncture – Association of physicians who perform acupuncture.
• American Chiropractic Association – National association of chiropractors. Or try state associations for referrals.
• National Center for Homeopathy – Directory of licensed practitioners who use homeopathy.
• American Psychological Association – National association of psychologists, plus great information about mental health.
• American Psychiatric Association – National association of psychiatrists, with some information for consumers.