Healthy Pregnancy Tips

Healthy Pregnancy Tips




• Get plenty of rest, take it easy on yourself~ you are growing a human being!

• Eat to nourish your baby~ I recommend Dr. Brewer’s Pregnancy Diet

• Drink enough water~ your body weight divided by 2 in ounces everyday

• Loving exercise everyday~ walking, swimming or gentle yoga are best

• Squats help open your hips for an easier birth, sit/roll on a birth ball to loosen hips

• Relax~ your body needs to OPEN and RELAX for an easier birth

• Get sunshine everyday! Sunshine is also a great way to prevent post partum blues

• Breathe~ deep cleansing breaths

• Remember~ all a newborn really needs are parents that love him, warm snuggles, clean pants and mama’s milk

• Enjoy every moment! Enjoy this special time with your partner before your life changes forever. You will never be in this special place again.

• Don’t rush~ be patient with yourself and your baby. Your body and baby know when it is time to labor~ don’t rush~ Your body is wise. Even though every part of your being wants to see that sweet little face as soon as possible!

Powerful Mantras for Labor and Birth

We have a secret in our culture, it’s not that birth is painful, it’s that women are strong.


Laura Stavoe Harm

The baby inside of me is born vaginally with no complications whatsoever. He arrives on his schedule, near his due date, with no pressure or worry. My labor is short and drug-free, and is much less painful than I think. The baby is perfectly healthy, happy, and filled with love. I am perfectly healthy, happy and filled with love. I am a strong, capable birthing body. The baby is born safely and easily, when he is ready, and he is positioned in the easiest possible way for birth. He will have no fetal distress at any time. Nursing will happen easily and with no complications. He thrives spiritually, emotionally, physically, and intellectually, now, at birth, and forever.



Rosebud



My cervix is like a rosebud.

Ready to open.

I am nurtured by those around me as the rose is nurtured by the soil.

The rosebud gradually, ever so softly, opens and blossoms.

I open and blossom.

My cervix is soft and ripe like the rosebud.

I see the outer petals of the rose falling away.

I see my cervix yielding like the outer petals of the rose.

Every contraction opens another petal of my rosebud cervix.

I welcome each contraction, which helps me open my rosebud cervix.

I welcome and receive all the nurturing around me, which helps me open.

Just like the warm sun opens the rose, the warmth I receive opens my cervix.

I yield and open.

The rose does not resist.

I open and blossom.







Affirmations



I am a wonderful mother.

My body is safe, even though I feel afraid.

I am loved and appreciated.

My strength is abundant.

God takes care of me.

The more I breathe and feel, the more I relax.

With every contraction, I let go to receive my baby.

I open to receive life.

I receive all the love and support I need, I deserve it.

My baby is perfect.

There is no limit to how good I can feel.

I love and trust my body.

Gods love and power flows through me.

I know that my body has the power and capability to give birth naturally to a healthy baby.



I know that my body and baby will decide when the time for arrival is right.



I have faith that my body will journey through labor and arrive at delivery in a positive and healthy manner.



I know I can, I know I can, I know I can....



I visualize myself riding on the wave of contractions and giving my self wholy to their power. I see the baby crowing as my perinium stretches slowly and easily to accomodate my child's head. I feel my body pushing out my baby powerfully and with purpose.



• I am

• My mind is open to

• My body is open to

• My baby is

• My labor is

• Breastfeeding is

• I know

• My body knows ______________.

• I know how to take care of myself in pregnancy.

• My body knows how to give birth.

• My baby knows the true birthday.

• Birth is safe for me and my baby.

• My baby will be born at the perfect time.

• My body knows when to give birth.

• I am a good mother.

• My baby will find the perfect position for birth.

• I love my baby.

• My baby loves me.

• I am a strong woman.

• Contractions help to bring my baby.

• I will make the right decisions for my baby.

• My pregnant body is beautiful.

• My baby senses the peace I feel.

• I accept the help of others.

• My baby's head fit snuggly into my pelvis.

• I accept my labor and birth.

• I am surrounded by those who love and respect me.

• I trust my body.

• I know how to take care of my baby.

• My baby feels my love.

• I will make plenty of breast milk for my baby.

Childbirth is a normal, healthy event

I embrace the concept of healthy pain

I am taking care of myself

I have an attitude of acceptance about my labor

I trust myself in this process, I trust the process of birth

I can have a healthy, positive birth

The power of birth strengthens me, (my partner), my baby

I am able to make the best possible choices in this experience

I can handle the challenges of labor and birth

I am calm and relaxed, every part of me is limp and loose

My baby shares my calmness and confidence

I am able to rest deeply between contractions

I greet each contraction with openness and expansion

My breathing is slow and even

With each breath I breathe in calm and I breathe out tension

With each breath I breathe in confidence and I breathe out fear

I welcome each contraction with my breath.

Every contraction brings me closer to the birth of my baby

My cervix is opening, like a flower

My pelvis is flexible and open

My muscles are warm, heavy, and totally relaxed

Breastfeeding Affirmations

Breastfeeding Affirmations

It's OK to need and ask for help learning to breastfeed.

It gets better and easier each time I nurse.

I am making plenty of milk for my baby.

My new baby is learning to breastfeed with me.

In the next few days or so it will get much easier.

I am doing my best.

I am creating a special bond with my nursling.

I am providing my baby with the best nutrition possible.

I will try this one more day, week, month.

This too shall pass. My breasts were made for feeding.

My breasts are perfect.

Breasts are life-sustaining.

Without breastfeeding there would be no human race.

I will breastfeed, I can breastfeed.

Breast milk is life milk.

Woman has maintained and saved lives with her breasts since the beginning of motherhood. I am woman.

My breasts belong to me and my baby.

When my baby fusses, it is not a reflection of me, my parenting or my ability to nurse.

It’s okay if my baby nurses frequently. Babyhood passes quickly and this time is worth it.



Birth Books I Like

Recommended Reading List
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from
Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition) By William Sears,
Martha Sears, Robert Sears, James Sears
The Happiest Baby on the Block: The New Way to Calm Crying and
Help Your Baby Sleep Longer By Harvey Karp
Your Amazing Newborn By Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus
The Fussy Baby Book: Parenting Your High-Need Child From Birth to
Age Five By William Sears, Martha Sears
The Attachment Parenting Book : A Commonsense Guide to
Understanding and Nurturing Your Baby By William Sears, Martha
Sears
The Breastfeeding Book: Everything You Need to Know About Nursing
Your Child from Birth Through Weaning By Martha Sears, William
Sears
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche
League International Book) By La Leche League International
Complete Book of Breastfeeding From Workman Publishing
Bestfeeding: How to Breastfeed Your Baby By Mary Renfrew, Chloe
Fisher, Suzanne Arms
Milk, Money, and Madness: The Culture and Politics of Breastfeeding
By M.D., Naomi Baumslag, Dia L. Michels
The Nursing Mother's Companion: Revised Edition By Kathleen
Huggins
Breastfeeding Your Baby: Revised Edition By Sheila Kitzinger
The Complete Book of Pregnancy and Childbirth (Revised) By Sheila
Kitzinger
The Pregnancy Book: Month-by-Month, Everything You Need to Know
From America's Baby Experts By Martha Sears, William, Linda Hughey
Holt
The Miraculous World of Your Unborn Baby : A Week-by-Week Guide
to Your Pregnancy By Nikki Bradford
What to Expect When You're Expecting From Workman Publishing
Wise Woman Herbal for the Childbearing Year (Wise Woman Herbal
Series, Book 1) (Wise Woman Herbal Series : No. 1) By Susun S.
Weed- not at library
The Home Birth Advantage By Mayer Eisenstein
Homebirth By Sheila Kitzinger
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth By Ina May Gaskin
Spiritual Midwifery By Ina May Gaskin
The Birth Partner, by Penny Simpkin- not at library
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer OR
Obstetric Myths Versus Research Realities: A Guide to the Medical
Literature By Henci Goer
Womanly Art of Breastfeeding OR Nursing Mother’s Companion
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
by CNM, MA, Pam England and PhD, Rob Horowitz
HypnoBirthing: The Mongan Method: A natural approach to a safe,
easier, more comfortable birthing (3rd Edition)
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way, by Susan Rosegg-McCutcheon
Easing Labor Pain : The Complete Guide to a More Comfortable and
Rewarding Birth, Revised Edition by Adrienne B. Lieberman
Special Delivery by Rahima Baldwin
Immaculate Deception II: Myth, Magic & Birth
So That's What They're For!: The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide byJanet Tamaro
A Good Birth, A Safe Birth : Choosing and Having the Childbirth
Experience You Want, Third Revised Edition by Diana Korte
Mothering the New Mother: Women's Feelings and Needs After
Childbirth a Support and Resource Guide by Sally Placksin
Mothering The Mother: HOW A DOULA CAN HELP YOU HAVE A
SHORTER, EASIER, AND HEALTHIER BIRTH by M.H. KLAUS
Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to
Put Women and Children First By Marsden Wagner
Birth as an American Rite of Passage By Robbie E. Davis-Floyd
Gentle Birth Choices by Barbara Harper
Active Birth : The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally, Revised Edition By Janet Balaskas
The Birth Book: Everything You Need to Know to Have a Safe and
Satisfying Birth (Sears Parenting Library) By William Sears, Martha Sears
Pushed: The Painful Truth About Childbirth and Modern Maternity Care by Jennifer Block
Birthing the Easy Way by Sheila Stubbs

My Doula Philosophy

Lindsay’s Doula Philosophy
(which will probably be ever changing as I learn and grow)
I believe in birth. I believe moms and babies can birth together. Since having my own two completely different births, I believe that birth in America can be better. My first birth was an unnessecary cesarean because of lack of research about cesareans on my part. I never believed that would happen to me. My second birth was a vaginal birth after cesarean because I researched everything I could about birth, cesareans and how to birth better. Birth does not have to be a medical event. Birth is a miraculous event that should be viewed as beautiful and strong. Babies should come into this world as peacefully as possible and surrounded by much love.
My quest for a labor support came before I was pregnant with my second child. My doula educated me about options: possibilities of doctors, hospitals, pain relief. She completely respected my wishes were for my birth. When I was unsure, she guided me to make my own decisions. As a doula, I want to be a birth guide before, during and after pregnancy. My goal is to support in love the mother’s wishes. I want to be there as a relief for dad when he needs a break. I want to be prepared as a helpful resource throughout the journey a couple makes towards this new life. I was to be a helpful reminder to the mom to ease her fears. Especially and most importantly, my job is to always have the mother’s wishes respected and obeyed in her birth place.
The journey doesn’t end after the baby is born. I believe that a family’s first month with a newborn is really life changing, no matter how many children a couple has. I believe that a mother should be mothered beyond the birth day. Women need to feel nurtured by having their house taken care of, their meals prepared, their other children looked after and themselves given room to adjust. This may mean simply being an ear as the new mother processes her own birth. It may mean that help is given to this mother so that she feels her world at home is not falling apart as she gives everything she has to this new life she is learning to care for. I believe this first month is imperative in keeping a woman sane, and giving her permission to focus fully on nourishing her baby by breastfeeding.
I believe that birth is a journey. From conception to birth to breastfeeding and beyond, a mother has a new life that will forever change her. Not only is a mother responsible for her baby during pregnancy, she will always be connected to that child as long as she lives. The best start for baby and mother is a well educated mother about her options for care throughout this journey. Ultimately, it is she who will make the best decisions for herself. I am only a helpful guide.

Birth Resources

Need a position change for baby to be presenting her best part for delivery? Check out www.spinningbabies.com Shows you how to belly map and figure out how your baby is positioned today! Fun to draw on your belly and see for yourself.
Compleat Mother~ total pregnancy, breastfeeding and nursing info in a magazine. A little on the crunchy side, but lots of good information! Great birth stories and videos to watch in preparation for your own birth! compleatmother.com
Pregnancy nutrition~ THE biggest factor on delivery outcomes and baby's health. Great diet and nutrition information at www.blueribbonbaby.org.
Birth Supply resources for home birthin' mamas at www.inhishands.com
Thinking about Unassisted Childbirth, the ultimate homebirth experience? Check out www.christianuc.com
Preparing to breastfeed or need breastfeeding advice? http://www.drjacknewman.com/
Wanna play detective and check out your doctor? http://www.azmd.gov/
Need to find a midwife in Arizona? http://hsapps.azdhs.gov/ls/sod/SearchProv.aspx?type=MW
Love to all for seeking out your BEST birth!

Birth Doula Contract

Birth Doula Contract
What do I do as a Doula?As a doula, I accompany women in labor to help ensure a safe and satisfying birth experience. I draw on my knowledge and experience as a doula and mother to provide emotional support, physical comfort and, as needed, communication with other caregivers to make sure that you have the information you need to make informed decisions as they arise in labor. I can provide reassurance and perspective to you and your partner (if present), make suggestions for labor progress, and help with relaxation, massage, positioning and other techniques for comfort. I am independent and self-employed. As your doula, I am working for you, not your caregiver or hospital.
First Meeting
An initial meeting will take place between the Doula and potential Client in order to discuss the Client’s ideal birth as well as the Doula’s role. This is an opportunity for the Client and the Doula to share in the excitement of the upcoming birth and discuss how the Doula can best serve her Client. It is also an opportunity to discuss the various services and fees, as well as the comfort measures offered. Discussion of due date and development of a birth plan are covered during this meeting. This visit lasts approximately one hour.
Second Meeting
The focus is on relaxation. Relaxation is the KEY component to a speedy and pleasant birth experience. This is a time for the Client to express any lingering doubts or fears concerning the birth, in order to facilitate a feeling of confidence. The session ends with the Client’s choice of a guided imagery exercise lead by the Doula or a hand and foot massage, using aromatherapy. This is usually the final meeting before the birth, though an additional relaxation meeting after the due date passes (if applicable) may be scheduled at both parties’ convenience.
Payment
° $50 non refundable deposit due as a retaining fee, when you select me as your doula
° $150 postdated to after baby is born
° Make checks payable to Lindsay Brereton
Availability
Prior to the Client’s 37th week of pregnancy, and between meetings, the doula is available by phone or e-mail and will return messages within 48 hours. Subsequent to the Client’s 37th week of pregnancy, and prior to the Client’s birth, the doula is on call 24 hours a day. The doula is also available by phone for questions before and after the birth. This includes phone calls at 2 a.m. just to talk, or just to make sure that something happening physically or emotionally is “normal”. The doula is not only a pregnancy professional, but also a friend.
When you are in laborWhen the Client believes labor has begun, the doula respectfully requests that she be contacted as soon as possible, even if the Client is not ready for the doula to arrive just yet. This is so the doula may begin making arrangements for attending the birth. Once the Client has requested the presence of the doula, she will make every effort to arrive at the Client’s house or the hospital/birth center within one hour. We will also decide where to meet - at your home or the hospital. Except for extraordinary circumstances, I will remain with you throughout labor and birth.
After birth
I usually remain with you for one or two hours, until you are comfortable, your questions are answered and your family is ready for quiet time together. I would also be happy to help with initial breastfeeding if necessary.
Postpartum Visit
The doula will travel to the Client’s home within 2 weeks of her discharge from the hospital or birth center, or within 2 weeks of the birth, if the baby is born at home. At this visit, breastfeeding support will be provided. This is also a wonderful opportunity to discuss the birth experience. A personalized gift is presented to the Client. Depending upon the need, the Doula may also perform light housekeeping to assist the new family. The visit will last one to two hours.
Postpartum doula services can also be hired from this doula. These duties include light housekeeping, caring for baby while mom gets needed rest, and making light meals.
Procedures that are NOT performed by the Doula:
•Clinical tasks within the hospital environment
These include taking blood pressure, checking fetal heart tones, vaginal exams, etc.
•Making decisions for the mom or partner
The doula will assist with obtaining the information her client requests to make her own informed decisions. The doula will also remind her client if there is a departure from the Birth Plan, and will verify if this is, in fact, the informed decision.
•Speaking to the medical staff on a client’s behalf
The doula will discuss concerns with her client and suggest options. In the event of a deviation from the birth plan, it is the responsibility of the client to voice the final decision regarding medical procedures to the appropriate medical staff. Failure of a Doula to provide serviceI will make every effort to provide the service described here. Sometimes this is impossible (for example, with rapid labor). If I fail to make it to your birth due to either our error, or your inability to call me in an emergency, you will not be liable for the balance of this fee. If it is due to your failure to call me, payment will be owed in full.
Scheduled Caesarean ClauseOccasionally a woman will have something arise during her pregnancy that necessitates a scheduled Caesarean birth. If this decision is made two weeks or more before your due date, you may choose to cancel my services with no further payment owed beyond the deposit. Alternatively, you may choose to have me come with you to the hospital, accompany you during surgery or wait in the recovery room, and assist you with breastfeeding and adjustment in the first hours after your birth. An extra postpartum visit can also be scheduled at no further charge. In this instance my full fee will be payable.
I / We have read and understand this letter of agreement describing doula services and agree to all clauses contained herein. I/We do not hold the doula responsible for any undesired clinical outcomes.
Client Name: ____________________________________________
Client's Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
Client Name: ____________________________________________
Client's Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________
Doula Name: ____________________________________________
Doula’s Signature: ________________________________________
Date:__________________________________________________

What the Father Can Do

What the Father can Do:
° Use gentle, light strokes on arms, back, belly, legs
° Rub feet, hands, neck.
° Offer cool cloths for her forehead.
° Suggest bath, shower, change in position, walking, dancing, voiding.
° Be a guardian of privacy: know when to tell others to leave, this is not a party, your wife is not the host, she and baby are doing hard work! Know when to close door, turn off phones, restrict visitors.
° Observe and anticipate her needs. Don’t ask too many questions. Talk slowly, warmly during contractions.
° Agree on non verbal signals for privacy, yes or no, and any other signs BEFORE labor land begins.
° Don’t take rejection or any reaction personally.
° Tell your wife how strong she is and how you are so amazed at her for bringing your baby into the world!

Questions to Ask

Often in labor and birth or even after birth, there are procedures and tests performed on mother and/or baby. The father or attending support person can ask the following questions to get more information. This information can be imperative for the mother and father to make the best decisions for their birth and baby.

Questions You Can Ask to Get Information:
Tests and Procedures:
What will we find out from this procedure?
How accurate is it?
What are the risks?
Do they outweigh the benefits?
What will you or we do differently based on the results?
If nothing, is there another reason to do it?
Treatments, Drugs and Interventions:
How will this be helpful?
Why must this be done now? What might happen if we wait an hour? A week? Or
do nothing?
What are the advantages/disadvantages?
This may be the treatment you usually recommend, but what other approaches can
you tell us about?
If several treatment choices are possible: Is there a logical sequence in which to
try the different options?

Baby Proofing Your Marriage/Relationship

Baby Proofing Your Marriage
The best gift you can give your baby is a strong marriage!
° Discuss with your spouse how baby will change the dynamics of your family.
° Take a few dates with your spouse. Discuss your fears and dreams for this birth and for this new baby. Talk about your dreams for yourself individually. Talk about how you envision your life with your spouse in the far future.
° Both of you, separately, write a list of 5 things that might be a problem after the baby arrives. Share your lists with one another and discuss small solutions to ease these problems. Take small steps toward finding solutions to these problems. Some of these steps can easily be accomplished before baby is born during the preparation time.
° Plan for the postpartum time. Will you need help with housework? Find a few friends who will help. Set up meals-on-wheels for the first few weeks postpartum. Lower your household cleaning standards. Get help with laundry. Have someone run errands for you. Hire help if needed! Postpartum doulas are great for this type of work.
° Give yourself time to rest and recoup. You have both just become parents again! Give yourself freedom to adjust to a new routine with another person living in the home. Give your other children a chance to adjust to a new little one.
° ~Queen for a Month~ The new mama doesn’t lift a finger for a complete month, focusing only on nourishing her newborn and taking care of herself. No need to get out of pajamas to accomplish this task. This gentle transition allows the mother to completely focus on healing and her new baby instead of housework, chores, laundry, errands, meals, etc. It is a special time for the mother to be completely pampered, loved and adored for becoming a mother all over again.

Fresh Pressed Juice for Pregnancy Nausea

My favorite juice during early pregnancy is so good for morning sickness! I've had more than usual belly ache and tiredness this time. Here's what I put in my juicer and drink up as often as I can.
1 whole head of organic kale
1 organic lemon
1 stalk of organic celery
3 organic apples
1/4 inch of fresh ginger (doesn't need to be peeled)
Process in your juicer and drink up! Makes one tall glass of great tasting juice!

GO VBAC MAMAS! (AKA MY UNOFFICIAL RESEARCH PROJECT)

I've been a part of a conservative VBAC online group since February of 2008, when we found out we were pregnant with our daughter. My VBAC journey started the moment they were wheeling me back to the operating room for my cesarean birth with my son. Even then, I already had it in my mind that I would have a vaginal birth after a cesarean. Thankfully, and with all praise to God, I delivered a healthy 6 lb 1 ounce baby girl at 41 weeks and 2 days gestated. I did it VAGINALLY. It was a hospital VBAC, with many interventions but I went into labor on my own and pushed her out in 2 1/2 hours. I had a caring and 100% supportive team of doctors, as well as a L&D nurse who had had a VBAC herself!
I will ALWAYS encourage anyone who has had a previous cesarean to try for a vaginal birth. The odds are in your favor that you WILL deliver vaginally, given there are no new medical indications that prevent you and that you have a 100% supportive care provider and environment. Interview many doctors. If they say "how big are your babies?" when you ask them what your chance is for a vaginal delivery, RUN RUN RUN! If they won't tell you their c section rate because it is unfair to their practice RUN AS FAST AS YOU CAN OUT THE DOOR! If they say you are high risk because you've had a c section RUUUUUUUN!! If after 3 visits or 20 visits, their support is waning at prenatal office appointments, RUN! If the doctor is going to monitor your baby continually and with the monitor screwed into the babies head, RUN!! It is NEVER too late to change care providers, or your place of delivery. (Those were actual things that I ran from when I was looking into my VBAC doctor. The one I chose came into the room, told me she was sorry for my long wait but that she knew there was a lot I needed to talk to her about and she wanted to make time for me. I told her I was VBAC and what did she think my odds were for a vaginal delivery? She said 90%. I breathed a HUGE mongous sigh of relief! I had found my doctor! She high-fived me the morning after I delivered vaginally! That's the kind of doc YOU want.
I understand there is a time and a place for cesarean birth. What I CANNOT understand and which baffles and annoys me is that the c section rate in the US is now a whopping 33%. It's 60% if the woman is carrying multiples. That is foolish and sickening to me.
Women who have never had a cesarean birth cannot BEGIN to imagine what it like to have a cesarean. Those who try are making a mockery of themselves. Even if the cesarean was done for no good reason other than the hospitals time limit was up, it is important for these women to have another chance for a vaginal birth. Birth is a ritual and a rite of passage, and it needs to be honored. Women should be able to use their bodies to birth regardless of scars on their uterus. Vaginal birth is beyond healing to a woman who has been told her body can't be used to birth her babies.
I've been keeping an unofficial tally of those women on my VBAC online group that have had previous cesareans and how they deliver their next baby. It's my own personal research project. Between 2008 and 2010 I kept an informal list of those moms who told us how they delivered. Out of 26 mamas, 18 delivered vaginally and only 8 went through a repeat c. That's a 70% success rate. Out of those 18 mamas who've delivered vaginally, 6 of those were home births.
Here's a list of what I've found:
Successful VBAC
VBA4C, LOPU uknown
VBAC, after 40 weeks gestated
UBAC at home non intentional
HWBA4C
VBAC
HBAC
VBAC
HBAMC
VBAC, drug free
VBAC
HWBAC
VBAC
VBAC
VBAC
VBAC, 25 MINUTES OF PUSHING
HWBAC 3 hour labor
HWBA2C 15 minutes pushing
VBAC 11 hours of labor
CBAC (cesarean birth after cesarean)
CBAC, length of pregnancy unknown
CBA3C, 42 weeks tilted uterus
ERCAC, 40 weeks, low fluid
CBA6C, 48 hours of labor
CBAC, went into labor on own, got to 10, baby was footling breech
CBA2C
CBA2C but other vaginal births
CBAC after trial of labor induction

Verde Valley Birth and Parenting Resources List

Professional Referral List- Pregnancy, Birth, Parenting Resources

Crisis Pregnancy Centers
House of Ruth CPC (Cottonwood) 928-634-0212
Community Pregnancy Center (Prescott) 928-778-7654

Chiropractor
(PHX)Jenny Dubisar-Brost 480-200-6679
(Cottonwood) Verde Chiropractic- Dr. Blaine Upham 928-639-1700


Chinese Medicine- Acupuncture
(Sedona) Katherine Stewart 254-1872
(Cottonwood) Kathy Fisher 928-634-1407

Midwives
(Flagstaff and No Az)Womancare Midwifery 928-779-6064
(Prescott and Verde Valley)Paula Matthew 928-776-8033 midwife4az@yahoo.com
(All of No AZ)Red Rock Midwifery- Maryn Leister- 221-6761or 649-1340 redrockmidwifery.com
Stephanie Purinton, CNM 928-649-7899 myazmidwife.com
Melody Fisher 928-636-5865
Meg Bohrman 928-533-0592
Karen Alexander 928-848-4908
Dani Atlas 928-308-9656
Christa Okerlund (Prescott Area)
(Phx) Shell Walker 602-242-4446
(East Valley) Stephanie Soderblom 480-659-4162
(East Valley) Alison Haasch (602) 663-0631
(East Valley) Farrah Swan, ND (480) 820-0911

Doulas

WOMBS.org
Lindsay Brereton, Birth and Postpartum Doula 928-451-9224
Gigi Suarez, 801-528-1295
Laura Nyman, 949-395-2332
Golden Pregnancy-Childbirth Resource, Doula, Birth Art www.goldenpregnancy.com Circle of Women-Birth and PostPartum Doula Services-Katie Silva
(928)451-0431 (928)451-0431 wildflowerherbals@yahoo.com




OB/GYNs
Dr. Charles Rolle 928-639-5577
Dr. John French, Stephanie Purinton CNM 928- 649-7899
A Center for Women, Dr. Reed and Mychelle Owen 928-634-2015
Dr. Robert Jochim 928-634-5513

Breastfeeding
La Leche League Cottonwood 928-451-2666
La Leche League Flagstaff 928-714-1616
VVMC Lactation Consultant 928-639-6520
East Yavapai Breastfeeding Coalition 928-639-6662

Pregnancy/Infant Massage
(Cottonwood) Rhonda Koeppe 646-0224 she will come to your home
(Cottonwood) Liz Koehl 928-274-1940
(Sedona and Flagstaff) Maxine Jacobs- 520-331-6653
(Prescott) Serenity Lord 928-848-1046
(Cottonwood)Infant Massage Classes-Olga Morris (928)634-7470 (928)634-7470 x207


Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Support International 888-434-MOMS (6667)
Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Group 928-639-6157
Pregnancy RISKLINE 888-285-3410
Someone to talk to- Social Worker 928-639-5262
Verde Valley Guidance Clinic 24 hours a day 928-634-2236
Birth to Five Helpline 1-877-705-5437
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

Grief/Loss of a Child
Compassionate Friends Support Group- Kristina 928-639-4720
MISS Foundation missfoundation.org
SHARE pregnancy and infant loss support 800-821-6819
NILMDTS- heirloom photography nowilaymedowntosleep.org

Education
VVMC Marilyn Mathe Healthy Babies 928-639-6597
VVMC Childbirth Education 928-639-6437
HypnoBirthing.com Zoe Ruff Sedona 928-282-2160

Art:
Imagine Art-Paint your own ceramics-Linda Damita (928)282-4236 (928)282-4236
Nancy Latanzzi-Home Studio Classes for ages 4-12 (928)282-4472 (928)282-4472
Tina Schneider-Art classes for ages 3 & up at Imagine Art (928)567-6653 (928)567-6653
tina@bytina.com

Childcare:
Carla E. Tarufelli offering Nanny services for over 25 years (928)634-0146 (928)634-0146 damnsam@q.com Classes/Lessons/Programs Misc.:
Camp Soaring Eagle-"Where children with serious illnesses discover the healing power of laughter." (928)284-9393 (928)284-9393 www.CampSoaringEagle.org
Mommy and Me Postnatal YOGA classes 928-646-0148

KinderMusik with Miss Kelly Prescott area 928-830-7942 www.kindermusikwithmisskelly.com

Cottonwood Public Library Family Story Time 10am Thursdays 928-634-7559
Goof & Giggle-Where laughter and learning collide
(928)301-7339 (928)301-7339 sharen@goofandgiggle.com

Horseback Riding Lessons for Kids Future Hope Equestrian www.futurehopeequestrian.com
Shaolin Kung Fu for Kids-Marco (928)399-0429 (928)399-0429

Yo-Yo Classes-Magical Michael Steele (928)634-7985 (928)634-7985 Young Voices Be Heard-The Power of Spoken Word
www.yvbh.org

Day Care/Preschool:
Bright Futures Childcare (Buena Vista Children's Services) (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200
Buena Vista Preschool (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200
Discovery Connection (Buena Vista Children's Services) (928)646-5200 (928)646-5200 Free to Be Me-Family Day Caring Center-Pam Shea (928)203-4063 (928)203-4063
Red Earth Waldorf-Charity Cygal (928)204-1221 (928)204-1221

Education:
Verde Valley Christian School 928-634-8113

Camp Verde United Christian School 928-567-0415

Center for Creative Education Montessori (928)634-3288 (928)634-3288

Desert Star Community School (928)282-0171 (928)282-0171
www.DesertStarSchool.org

Face Painting:
Painting You-by Christie (928)254-0617 (928)254-0617 paintingyou@gmail.com

Tina Schneider (928)567-6653 (928)567-6653 tina@bytina.com

Family Counseling:
Carolyn R. Moore, LCSW (928)300-4539 (928)300-4539

Pediatric Medical Care:
Hope Geller-Pediatric Nurse Practitioner (928)203-9197 (928)203-9197
Julie Leader- PNP 928-634-1614

Mentoring:
SEEDS-Mentoring program for teen girls-Holly (928)300-4452 (928)300-4452 www.sedonaseeds.com

Music:
Allegro Music Studio-Piano Lessons (928)284-4774 (928)284-4774 www.AllegroMusicStudio.comDavid Mills-Piano Lessons: all ages, all levels, all styles. (928)284-1732 (928)284-1732 Esther Vandecar-Taiko Drumming (602)528-3490 (602)528-3490 esther@taikoaz.com

Music for Tots-Early Childhood Music Program-Kelly Cole
(928)202-2787 (928)202-2787 kelly_musicfortots@yahoo.com

Sedona Music Lessons-Guitar Lessons, Voice Lessons, General Music, Performance, Studio Performance and Recording, Coaching and Artist Development. Gary Bettum, Gina Donello 928-204-2359 928-204-2359 sedonamusiclessons.com Tina Reichow-Drums, Percussion Lessons, Workshop, Performance
(928)202-9863 (928)202-9863 tinareichow@gmail.com

Photography:
Jenni Goldman Photographs-Photographing the best things in life: babies, families, weddings and more... (928)301-8385 (928)301-8385 Jenni@JenniGoldman.com

Tammi Lynn Hermann Simply Taken Photography 928-848-4866

Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting:
Arizona's Children Association www.arizonaschildren.org
Over the Shoulder Baby Holder Baby Carriers-Cindy Wilmer
(928)852-0105 (928)852-0105

Parents as Teachers Program-Arizona Children's Association (928)443-1991 (928)443-1991 ext. 18Parenting Information-Rosalie Malter, MA
(817)726-1085 (817)726-1085 RMParentingInfo14@gmail.com

Sedona Hip Mamas & Cool Papas Group
http://www.meetup.com/Hip-Mamas-Cool-Papas/

Sing, Say and Sign-ASL for Parents, Caregivers, Babies and Kids
Cindy Wilmer (928)852-0105 (928)852-0105


Visit www.verdefamilies.blogspot.com for family friendly activities in the Verde Valley!

Children’s Clothing and Accessories

Peanut Gallery Cottonwood 928-634-6650
Green Monkey Prescott 928-710-4044

Other Resources for Healthy Families

Arizona Department of Economic Security 928-634-7561

Central Arizona Food Bank 928-634-7447 Cottonwood
928-567-4281 Camp Verde
928-282-5121 Sedona

Catholic Charities 928-634-4254
Assists in rent, utilities and food

The Jewell House 928-567-4180
Assists with food and clothing

Bread of Life Missions 928-567-6931

Old Town Mission 928-634-7869

Salvation Army SHARE program 928-634-7447
Utility assistance and gas vouchers