Rhode Island Resources

Doulas Of Rhode Island (DORI):  Check out a community of active doulas across Rhode Island

RI Birth Network (RIBN): Check out a community of local birth workers and support clinicians to find a provider, look up birth plan templates, identify other resources, and get involved.

Farmacy Herbs: Affordable and accessible herbal support for the entire family

Doula Training Organizations

International Center for Traditional Childbearing (ICTC): Founded in 1991 by Shafia Monroe, CM, MPH,  the ICTC is dedicated to reducing infant mortality and increasing the amount of trained doulas and midwives of color in the US and abroad. ICTC training is based on birth traditions of the African Diaspora.

The Organization of Labor Assistants and Resources (toLabor): Formerly known as ALACE, training birth doulas since 1983.

Resources specific to Women of Color 

Black Women Birthing Justice Network: A California-based national network of mothers and birth workers of color- check out their quarterly newsletter and ways to become a member.

Midwives of Color: A blog dedicated to women of color midwives and birth workers

Please see my blog (link to page) for more from other doulas and birth workers of color.

Breast feeding support 

La Leche League: a national organization with local chapters and leaders who will offer free advice and support

Recommended Research 

Links:

Evidence Based Birth:  Find a wide variety of  evidence-based reports and information on pregnancy, birth, and newborn care

The Farm: Check out this communal living site in Tennessee, and especially the Farm Midwives, led by Ina May Gaskin.

Books:

Pushed by Jennifer Block. Learn about the history and present state of obstetrics in the United States, it’s influence on the midwifery model of care and women and children.

The Nursing Mother’s Companion by Kathleen Huggins, RN, MS: Easy to read guide to breast feeding during the first year

Wise Woman: Healing Wise by Susan S Weed. Herbal care and support for all women, all the time.

Welcoming Spirt Home: Ancient African Teachings to Celebrate Children and Community by Sobunfu Somé: An incredible, spiritual guide on pregnancy, birth, miscarriage, community, and parenthood.

Mama’s Little Baby: The Black Woman’s Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Baby’s First Year by Dennis Brown, MD and Pamela Toussaint: A culturally relevant guide for Black Mothers

The VBAC Companion: The Expectant Mother’s Guide to Vaginal Birth After Cesarean by Diana Korte

Films:

The Business of Being Born from producer Ricki Lake

Orgasmic Birth: Yes, birth CAN be orgasmic!

Bringin’ in Da Spirit: A documentary on the Granny Midwife, Black Southern Midwives who delivered thousands of babies for decades before the hospitalization of birth became norm.  (available through public libraries)