Resources for New LA Parents
The best parents are those who access to the information and services they need to help their children thrive. Whether you are a brand new parent or welcoming siblings to your family, the following resources may be helpful.
The Penny Simkin Channel
Childbirth education and doula pioneer Penny Simkin offers short segments on birth-related topics ranging from global maternity care trends to helping a grandmother prepare to attend the birth of her grandchild, to the value of rhythm as an indicator of coping with labor pain, to tips for expectant parents for communicating with staff about a care plan, to basic care decisions that lead to the most appropriate care options for each person. For more videos click here: The Penny Simkin Channel
Books on Childbirth We Highly Recommend
- The Birth Partner, Third Edition (2007) and When Survivors Give Birth (2006) by Penny Simkin
- Birth: The Surprising History of How We Are Born by Tina Cassidy (2007)
- The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer and Rhonda Wheeler (1999)
- Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin ( 2003)
The Essential Homebirth Guide: For Families Planning or Considering Birthing at Home (2013) by Jane E. Drichta and Jodilyn Owen
, The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, (2016) by Heng Ou, Amelt Greeven & Marisa Belger
- Birthing from Within by Pam England and Rob Horowitz (1998)
- Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year by Susun S. Weed (1985)
- Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg, Erick Ingraham, and Robert A. Bradley (1996)
- The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Weissinger (2010)
- The Nursing Mother's Companion by Kathleen Huggins (2010 25th Anniversary Issue)
- The Breastfeeding Book by Martha and William Sears (2000)
- Breastfeeding with Confidence by Sue Cox (2006)
- The Other Baby Book: A Natural Approach to Your Baby's First Year by Megan McGory Massaro (2012
DVDs on Childbirth We Highly Recommend
- "The Business of Being Born" (2008)
- "Birth As We Know It" (2006)
- "It’s My Body, My Baby, My Birth" (2007)
- "Born in the USA" (2000)
- "Infant Massage: The power of touch" (2003)
- "Relaxation, Rhythm, & Ritual: The 3 Rs of Childbirth"
- "Pregnant in America" (2008)
- "National Geographic In the Womb" (2005)
- "All My Babies" (1952)
- "Practicing for an Active Birth; the Most Comprehensive Hands-on Guide for a Healthy and Active Birth" (2012)
- "Bringing Baby Home" (2005)
- "There's a Baby" video about birth for young siblings, by Penny Simkin (2014)
Interactive Birth Plan Tools
- http://www.birthplan.com/birthplanner.php
- http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/ibirthplan.html
- http://www.babycenter.com/calculators-birthplan
- http://www.earthmamaangelbaby.com/free-birth-plan
- http://pregnant.thebump.com/pregnancy/pregnancy-tools/articles/tool-birth-plan.aspx
- http://www.pregnancyandbaby.com/calendars/articles/937331/birth-plan-creator
- http://assets.babycenter.com/ims/Content/birthplan_pdf.pdf
Count Your Baby's Kicks Starting in 3rd Trimester
Counting kicks is easy to do. It's important too! It’s a great way to bond with your baby. Most importantly, it could save your baby’s life. When you start your 3rd trimester, it’s time to start counting. To learn more and access a kick counter, go to Count the Kicks.org
Breast Pump Rental/Sales/Consultation
- Kimberly Durdin, IBCLC: http://www.kimberlydurdin.com/
- Elena Vogel, Lactation Consultant:
- My Nursing Coach / Linda Hannah: https://www.mynursingcoach.com/
- The Pump Station and Nurtury (Santa Monica): http://www.pumpstation.com/pumpstation/
- Baby's First Nurse (El Segundo): http://www.babysfirstnurse.com/
- Los Angeles Lactation, Lora Luczywo, CLE: http://www.losangeleslactation.com/
- Pediatrician Dr. Rachel Kramer (Beverly Hills): (310) 273-9533
- Cordelia Hanna-Cheruiyot, CLE: http://www.socalbirth.com
- Milkshare Breastmilk sharing: http://milkshare.birthingforlife.com/
Childbirth Classes & Workshops
- Nesting Instincts LA Singles, Couples, Siblings, Teen as Doula classes: http://www.nestinginstinctsla.com/classes/
- Kimberly Durdin: http://www.kimberlydurdin.com/class-products/
- Hypnobabies LA: https://www.hypnobabies.com/
- Bradley Method: http://www.bradleybirth.com/TeacherSite.aspx?ID=R354
- Bini Birth: http://www.binibirth.com/
- Bringing Baby Home Workshop (Highly recommended): (323) 549-0070
http://doctorberlin.com/custom_content/c_158657_bringing_baby_home.html
Prenatal, Birth and Newborn Photography
- Artshapedphotography: https://www.artshapedphotography.com/
- Little Plum Photography: http://www.littleplumphoto.com/
Postpartum Depression & New Parent Support
- Postpartum Support International: http://www.postpartum.net/
- Postpartum Support CA Los Angeles Contacts: Gabrielle Kaufman, MA, BC-DMT (310) 289-2202; Stephanie Morales, LMFT (310) 567-0160
Eco-Friendly/Green Baby Nursery Consultation
- E. Leigh Designs: www.eleighdesigns.com
Local Parenting Publications
- LA Parent: http://www.laparent.com/
- Los Angeles Black Parent: http://www.lablackparentmagazineonline.info/
- Los Angeles Family Magazine: http://www.themotherco.com/2010/11/los-angeles-family-magazine/
Articles and books
- Seattle's Child (Nation's oldest parenting publication): http://www.seattleschild.com/
- Parenting Press parenting books: http://www.parentingpress.com
- Articles by Doula Mentor Penny Simkin, PT: http://pennysimkin.com/articles.htm