Helpful Resources

Feeding & Postpartum Support

La Leche League International
https://llli.org
Community-based lactation support and information.

Judgment free advice and resources for both bottle and breast/chest feeding
Fedisbest.org

Postpartum Support International
https://postpartum.net
Support and resources for postpartum mental health, including mood and anxiety disorders.

Birth Roots in Portland, Maine
https://birthroots.org/
Meaningful community in pregnancy and early parenthood

Birth Planning & Informed Choice

Evidence Based Birth
https://evidencebasedbirth.com
Reliable, research-based articles on birth interventions, your rights, and what to expect. NOTE! I have a subscription to EBB and can access information from their website on any topic you might be interested in.

Birth Monopoly
https://birthmonopoly.com
Understand your rights and learn how to advocate for respectful, evidence-based care.

Childbirth Connection
https://www.nationalpartnership.org
Helpful tools for making informed choices in maternity care.

Comfort & Body Awareness

Spinning Babies
https://spinningbabies.com
Exercises and positions for comfort in pregnancy and smoother labor progression. NOTE! I am trained in Spinning Babies and will be happy to explain more if we work together.

Expectful
https://expectful.com
Meditations, sleep support, and emotional wellness tools for pregnancy and postpartum.

Mama Natural Birth Course
https://www.mamanatural.com/birth-course/
A holistic online birth prep course with engaging video content.

Inclusive & Supportive Care

Peer support for New Americans
Maine Association for New Americans

Queer & Trans Support Organization in Portland, ME
Equality Maine

Other resources for LGBTQIA+ families
The National LGBTQIA+ Health Education Center 

Trans and pregnant: How to Find Competent, Gender-Affirming Healthcare 

Family Building for the Trans Community  

Preparing for Pregnancy as a Non-Binary Person  

Resources for Black families
List of 10 Resources for Black families

Recommended Book List

Evidence-Based & Informative

1. Expecting Better by Emily Oster
   Cribsheets by Emily Oster
   Data-driven books about pregnancy, birth and newborn topics that debunk common myths and helps you make informed choices.

2. The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
   A must-have for partners and support people — clear, practical, and incredibly empowering.

3. Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
   A classic in the midwifery world — includes powerful birth stories and natural birth wisdom.

4. Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin et al.
   Comprehensive and balanced, covering everything from prenatal care to newborns.

5. Feed the Baby by M. Victoria Facelli, IBCLC
   An Inclusive Guide to Nursing, Bottle-Feeding, and Everything In Between.

Holistic & Mind-Body Centered

1. The Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke
   A guide to mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting — great for anxiety and mental preparation.

2. Birthing from Within by Pam England
   Encourages emotional and psychological preparation for labor through creativity and self-inquiry.

3. The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth by Genevieve Howland
   A natural, holistic approach with week-by-week tips and grounded advice.

Inclusive & Trauma-Informed

1. What to Expect When You’re Queer, Trans, or Nonbinary and Pregnant by Rachel Pepper (upcoming)
   For LGBTQ+ families navigating conception and pregnancy.

2. The Queer and Trans Pregnancy Guide by Tristan Taormino & Cyrus Dunham (2024)
   A newly emerging resource centering trans, nonbinary, and queer birthing people.

3. Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen
   A beautiful, inclusive guide to pregnancy and postpartum from a doula and educator. Gentle, affirming, and easy to read.

For Mental Health & Parenting Prep

1. Like a Mother by Angela Garbes
   A deeply personal, feminist look at the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and motherhood.

2. The First Forty Days by Heng Ou
   Focuses on postpartum nourishment and rest through traditional practices — ideal for planning recovery and support.