Other Support and Information
The perinatal support space is always growing. Here are some (mostly local) resources to help you along the way.
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If you are currently in crisis, please call 911, or 988 for mental health specific support.
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There are several organizations providing group support to those in the prenatal and postpartum phases. Please check their websites for specific schedules.
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Postpartum Support International is the go-to for a wide range of support groups, including (but not limited to):
Postpartum support for first-time moms
Perinatal mood support
Infant loss support
Postpartum rage support
Support for parents of high-needs babies
Support for BIPOC parents
Support for parents of kids ages 1-4
And SO much more.
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If you need someone to talk to, these are great avenues for support:
Postpartum Support International Help Line: 1-800-944-4773
California Peer-run Warm Line (not perinatal-specific): 1-855-600-WARM(9276)
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Santa Cruz County has a few great resources for folks in abusive relationships. Both of these organizations offer a confidential crisis line, emergency shelter, and dedicated advocates who can work with you whether you are in an abusive relationship or have already left.
Domestic abuse doesn’t always look like physical violence. If you are questioning whether you are in an abusive relationship, the crisis lines offered by Walnut Avenue and Monarch can help you sort out what’s what, and decide on best next steps for support.
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Looking for chiropractic, acupuncture, lactation support, or other specialized perinatal providers?
The Birth Network of Santa Cruz County has a comprehensive directory.
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HAND of the Bay Area offers support for parents and their loved ones grieving the loss of a baby before, during or after birth.
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Learning how to parent can be so challenging. Here are some resources that provide solid support and education.
First Five Santa Cruz County offers a wide range of services; their most popular is the free Triple P classes.
Good Inside is Dr. Becky Kennedy’s resource on all things parenting. She also has a book of the same name.
Janet Lansbury is a leader in “respectful parenting", and her blog has loads of advice for specific, common situations.
Reading List
There are so many great books out there on all things motherhood. This is a small sampling of some of my favorites.
All-time favorite (I believe this should be required reading for all humans): Matrescence by Lucy Jones
On the history of attachment theory and intensive mothering: The Good Mother Myth by Nancy Reddy
On intrusive thoughts in motherhood: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts by Karen Kleinman
On sex, marriage, and relationships: Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
On motherhood in the context of marriage: To Have and to Hold by Molly Millwood
Navigating and making sense of maternal distress: When Good Moms Feel Bad by Jessica Tomich Sorci
A lighthearted memoir about the shock of motherhood: I’ll Show Myself Out by Jessi Klein
On Intensive Mothering and how it affects mothers today: The Cultural Contradictions of Motherhood by Sharon Hays (this book is 30+ years old, but still very relevant)
For positive birth stories: Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin (you can take or leave her advice on childbirth itself; it’s not for everyone)
Data-driven guides to pregnancy, parenting, and more: Cribsheet, Expecting Better, and Family Firm by Emily Oster
Preparing for birth: Birth Vibes by Jen Hamilton
On the science and culture of pregnancy: Like a Mother by Angela Garbes
Navigating equitable division of household and caregiving labor: Fair Play by Eve Rodsky
An unhinged novel about maternal rage: Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder