Services offered via video from Los Angeles, CA
Pregnancy & Postpartum
FREE Support Groups
Cost can be a barrier to care and support. These are some great options.
Postpartum Support International (online National)
- Apoyo Perinatal
- Queer Parents Support Group
- Birth Moms Support Group
- Desi Chaat: A support group for South-Asian moms
- Black Mamas Matter Support Group
- Monthly Dad Support Group
- Perinatal (Pregnancy & Postpartum) Mood Support Group
- Pregnancy Mood Support Group
- NICU Parents
- Military Moms
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss for Moms
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Support Group for Parents
The Family Room - Postpartum Support Group (online from San Marino, CA)
This group offers moms a safe and comfortable place to talk about mental health issues that arise during and after pregnancy. Moms are free to share their stories, ask questions, or just listen.
Online
Podcasts
- Mom & Mind - There seems to be an episode on every topic I have ever searched. Dr. Kat has done a wonderful job of normalizing topics and incorporating experts, advocates, and leaders.
- Evidence Based Birth - EBB covers the research evidence on hot topics about pregnancy and childbirth. The mission of EBB is to raise the quality of childbirth care globally, by putting accurate, evidence based research into the hands of families and communities, so they can make informed, empowered choices.
- Motherhood Sessions - A podcast by Alexandra Sacks M.D., author of What No One Tells You and one of my favorite TED Talks based on her book, a new way to think about the transition to motherhood. Podcasts from March 2019-March 2020.
Websites
- Postpartum Support International - Receive information, find a provider in your area, join a free support group, and more!
- Queer Birth Project - LGBTQ+ childbirth prep classes, new and prospective parent group, and non-gestational parent group.
- Kelly Mom Parenting & Breastfeeding
Doula
If you are able, I highly recommend having a doula. The education and support were central to my ability to cope during pregnancy and birth. If you'd like to know more, check out my review of BEST Doula Service.
Although their program fills up fast I want to highlight Frontline Doulas for providing free doulas for black moms-to-be. This is so important as black women are 4x more likely to die from childbirth complications than white women. If you have the ability, please donate to this amazing organization. They also offer the non-emergent Frontline Doula Hotline where you can text 'doulahelp' to 31996 to schedule a call with a doula.
How to get your insurance company to pay for your doula. This article is from 2016, but has a lot of great information. Even in a surgical birth, with my doula present, I was encouraged to request reimbursement from my insurance because of the many benefits of having a doula. I heard it takes up to 3 times, on average, of applying/appealing for reimbursement, so don't get discouraged.
Chiropractor
I met Dr. Nadia of Cocoon Chiropractic at the Postpartum Support International Components of Care training. Her calming energy and passion around prenatal chiropractic care prompted me to ask for her details. As someone who spent the majority of her pregnancy in pain, I regret not seeking care for my screaming back and sciatic pain.
* Webster Technique explained
Lactation
Fed is best. For those that want to breastfeed and need some assistance or support, there are amazing consultants to help you reach your goals. One such lactation consultant is Inna Henry, IBCLC, whom I met through the Postpartum Support International Components of Care training. I felt so lucky to be at the same table as her because she was accompanied by her newborn.
* IBCLC explained
Books
I stopped reading when I had a baby, now I "read" via audiobook. A great way to gain access to free digital and audiobooks is through your local library.
Self-Help
- The Pregnancy Workbook: Managing Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques - A beautiful useful book during pregnancy by Dr Kat, host of Mom & Mind podcast. I wish this workbook was published when I was pregnant.
- Dear Mama, You Matter - I read this book when my kid was a toddler. I felt so seen and understood and think it can be a great comfort and guide for others. It's easy to read, the chapters are short, and there's humor...which we all need!
- Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts - Love, love, love this book. With its true and hilarious comic book style, it's easy to take in and feel comforted.
- The Postpartum Husband: Practical Solutions for living with Postpartum Depression - A classic resource for both professionals and parents. It’s easy to take in with short chapters, bullet points, and real stories. However, it’s very heteronormative and traditional (e.g., married couple consisting of husband and wife). If a couple fits the mold of being heterosexual, cisgender, and married, it could be a very useful tool.
Memoir:
- Body Full of Stars: Female Rage and My Passage into Motherhood - The author struggles between loving her child and the grief (and rage) over multiple unexpected health issues postpartum: pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, and hormonal imbalance. It's beautifully written and if you're feeling some rage over your postpartum experience it may provide some comfort.
- Inferno: A Memoir of Motherhood and Madness - This was an incredible read! Although postpartum psychosis usually occurs shortly after giving birth, Catherine Cho experienced psychosis three months postpartum while visiting NJ from London. For professionals and avid readers this is an absolute must read, but it could be upsetting to new parents.
Disclaimer
I am not financially compensated for sharing these resources, nor under any obligation, financial or otherwise, to share them. Permission from individuals/businesses to share has been granted.