A Precious Welcome   
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I like to pass along things I find interesting and useful, and I'm a believer in educating yourself in whatever you do. Pregnancy, childbirth and raising children should be no exception. I am also a believer in living naturally and teaching my own daughter to have fun and live with joy! 
The links and resources on this page are places I support, things I am interested in, and other interesting stuff you just might like...
Enjoy, and read on...

p.s. Please do not take take any of this information as a substitute for appropriate medical care or professional advice!  I am not a medical professional... just a mama that likes to learn!  I encourage you to do your own research, educate yourself, and trust your instincts.

 

Resources for Pregnancy and Birth

Myths about Doulas
 *I am currently studying to be a doula, and if you don't know what a doula is, PLEASE read these articles!  A doula can be an amazing support, no matter what kind of birth you want to have.

Birthing Naturally
*I am an advocate of natural birth (although I would never judge a woman for any choice she makes... It is HER BIRTH!), and if you are at all interested in the idea, here is a great place to start for information.

Bring Birth Home
*There is a growing movement of women who are drawn to the idea of birthing at home. This is a vibrant community of women who can provide education and support about home birth.

CAPPA/ DONA
 *I am doing my doula certification through CAPPA, but both resources can help you learn more about a doula if you think you would like to hire one (or maybe become one!).

DoulaMatch.net
 *Find an available doula in your area.
**View my doula profile here.
My Birth and Wellness Center
 *There are currently no birthing centers in MO (where I live).  This organization may be opening one soon.  In the meantime, they provide homebirth services in the St. Louis area.

Mother's Advocate (6 videos)
 *These videos are great reminders of what to do in order to have the safest and most satisfying birth possible.

Childbirth Education
 *If you are one of the women who wants to "take back" your birth, and have a satisfying and empowering experience, don't underestimate the importance of a good childbirth class (not the kind that the hospital gives, which really just teach you to be a good patient).
Bradley Classes
Brio Birth
Lamaze Birth Classes
HypnoBirthing

Placenta Encapsulation
 *I will soon be offering placenta encapsulation, which is a traditional chinese medicine treatment for fatigue and post-partum depression.  Check out the articles in this link if you are concerned about PPD or if you have a history of depression.

Resources for Parenting
(or "beastie-wrangling" if you have toddlers)
Parents as Teachers
 *This is such a wonderful service for new parents who wonder if their child is developing on track.  They provide in-home assessments and "parenting coaching" of sorts.

Red Cross
 *Along with the childbirth class, make sure to take an infant CPR class.  You know, just in case.

Safe sleep/Co-sleeping
 *If you like the idea of co-sleeping or bedsharing, here is information on how to do it safely.

Baby-wearing
*Infants have a tremendous need for close contact, and baby-wearing may help you soothe your little one (and get a few things done as well).

Breastfeeding- LaLeche League
 *Nursing your baby is one of the most important things you can do for your child.  The 3 posts below (under "great breastfeeding posts") tell it so much better that I can.  It is not always easy... support and encouragement can go a long way.   Find yorself some help and you may have a better chance at meeting your breastfeeding goals.

Attachment Parenting
 *This style of parenting makes so much sense to me.  It is based on the idea that we can be gentle and respectful with our children, and meet their needs consistently in a loving, appropriate way.  Doesn't that sound wonderful?!? 

Recommended Reading/ Watching

The Business of Being Born
This movie is amazing and eye-opening!  You can watch it instantly on Netflix or buy it here.  There is also a 4-part follow up called, "More Business of Being Born."
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
This book is such a confidence builder!  Trusting your instincts is getting lost in the medicalized process of birth, and this book reminds you of the incredible capabilities of a woman's body.
 Birthing From Within
 There is a whole childbirth series based on this book, and it talks about the process of birth as a natural rite of passage.
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
This book is great for clearly explaining interventions and laying out risks and benefits.  It is one of the best books to feel like you are truly informed about what hospital procedures and potential interventions.
 The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding should be a beautiful bonding experience for you and your baby, and this book offers help in a gentle, encouraging way.  It was written by experts from LaLeche League.
GREAT Breastfeeding Posts from around the interwebs:
The Feminist Breeder
Peaceful Parenting- 
  101 Reasons to Breasfeed
  Breastfeeding in Mongolia
  Why is Breastfeeding so Important?
What's in breastmilk vs. formula

Un-Recommended Reading/Watching.  No, I'm not linking to these...
"What to Expect" Books
*I certainly don't dislike everything in them, but over the years I have found some truly poor advice in them, in addition to some advice that makes me think they are pushing an agenda.  Also, they are missing some crucial information, and include a page about every scary genetic disease you never wanted to know about.  I don't think this is a good use of reading time... there is just better out there.

One Born Every Minute (on Lifetime)
 *Really, just don't do it to yourself, especially if you are actually pregnant or ever want to be.  It's not cool to needlessly scare pregnant women!

A Baby Story
 *Or any other show that depicts women giving birth while screaming, laying on their backs.  It doesn't have to be that way.

Fun Stuff and Products

Harper Kids Clothing
*My incredible sister is a fashion designer, with a brand new line of kids clothing.  She uses high quality linen and silk, for garments that look and feel incredible!  She also makes darling little tutus and toddler cloaks.  Watch for her first line of clothing... coming soon!  We are also working together to create some exclusive designs only available at A Precious Welcome!

Babymoon Boutique
*An adorable shop with great baby items, classes, support groups, and they will be the FIRST store to carry my "Precious Body Skincare" line...  If you live near St. Charles, MO, check them out!

The Feminist Breeder
 *There is a wonderful resource guide here that has a tremendous amount of information.  Her blog is hilarious and addresses issues that so many mothers are facing in their journeys.

Wild Mother Arts
 *PRETTY STUFF!  Love her nursing necklaces!

MamAmour Dolls
 *These beautiful dolls give birth and breastfeed their babies.  They would be such a cute way to educate older siblings about new babies, or for a midwife or doula.  I know I would absolutely love one! 

Mama Goddess Birth Shop
 *Excellent resource for pregnancy and birth supplies.

Earth Mama Angel Baby
 *I know they make some things similar to the herbal skincare products I make, but I love their Angel Wash (and since I don't make soaps yet- here you go).

Monogrammed Everything
 *Adorable stuff, and I would absolutely love to make you a linen cake with your own unique monogrammed linens!

Breastfeeding Cookies
 *Sounds neat, and I remember needing all the help I could get with my milk supply.
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