Resources
Birth-related Websites and Organizations
Information on natural family parenting and community forums.
La Leche League is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, education, information, and encouragement, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother. The local Berkshire South county contact is Janet Ellsback (413) 229-9056
Our local doula organization based ofr Berkshire/Columbia County
A doula organization which is based in the Pioneer Valley
A doula organization based in Connecticut
Brattleboro Birth and Doula Services
Massachusetts Midwives Alliance
The Massachusetts Midwives Alliance helps you to find local Homebirth midwives and birth related practitioners.
information about midwifery and help finding a midwife
A midwifery study program based in Amherst, MA.
Cascade health has a variety of products that are birth related and health related.
Babywearing
When it comes to wearing your baby there are so many choices. I really believe in the value of them finding comfort in closeness. There are many different kinds of carriers, it can be very overwhelming. Everyone’s body is different, what works great for one person may not work for someone else. It can also take a little time for you and your baby to get used to using a carrier, so don’t give up if the first time using it didn’t go so well. Here are a few recommendations based on my own experience… I liked the hotsling for a sling, but come swear by ring slings. As far as carriers, I like the mei tei style carriers, like the kozy because it could comfortable carry my newborn and my 3 year old. The ergo baby carrier was great too for comfort and verastility. The wrap style is also really great especially for little ones, the moby carrier is a nice choice that is very popular. They can seem a little confusing at first, but it’s worth the learning curve for the comfort they provide. There are also many new ones around that I haven’t even tried so it’s worth going to the babywearer forum and researching, maybe even buying a used one there. Sometimes it is a learning process.
A great forum to troubleshoot and find out different information on every kind of sling or carrier. This is also a great place to find used slings and carriers.
A great cloth carrier that is easy to use and versatile. Can be worn on front and back, although the baby can not be worn on the back until 5 months. Good for 3 months to 4 years. They also have a newborn insert. I have loved this carrier and used it with both my boys.
This is wonderful Mei Tai style carrier that is newborn to 4 years. I got one of these for my second son and have loved the adjustability of it, although the straps are very long. You can put a newborn on your back with it!
This is another Mei Tai carrier that comes highly recommended. Hawk has a nice head support.
This is a great sling. Very comfortable.
I really like this website. They sell a lot of different slings and have good instructions.
This is a wrap style carrier made out of a woven tee shirt style fabric, which is very popular.
A Child’s Garden in Northampton, MA has a variety of babywearing supplies. It’s a great place to try on slings or see them in person. There’s more info under toys.
Diapering
There are so many diapering choices. What I have listed here is a fraction of what is out there. I found that nothing was perfect for me. I like having a mix of wool and regular covers. I use wool at night and have a mix of wool and others (mainly gdaiper covers and bummis/bumpys) for day. I have to say the unbleached Chinese prefolds that I got from Green Mountain diapers have held up very well as compared with some of the other ones I tried. I like having prefold diapers and covers. The all-in-ones, a diaper and cover together, I found take a long time to dry and don’t last forever. The PUL (polyurthane laminate fabric) does break down over time and leak and does not do well in the dryer. This is the fabric that a lot of covers are made with, for example, bummis, fuzzi bunz etc. Again, it is all a personal preference.
This woman makes beautiful diapers in Greenfield, MA. The wool covers have a great fit.
These are a great hybrid cloth cover with a flushable insert, which will even compost in your own compost pile! I actually have used these covers with cloth diapers, an infant Chinese prefold, and they worked well for my son until he was 2 and potty trained
These are great menstrual pads made in Canada. I’ve been using cloth pads since 1995 and these are my favorite. They also sell the diva cup which is a great product.
These are some more great menstrual pads.
Toys and stuff
A Child’s Garden 204 Main St. Northampton
This is a sweet little store with beautiful toys, diaper supplies, and slings/babycarriers.
Matrushka 252 Main St. Great Barrington
(413)528-6911
A lovely little store associated with the Great Barrington Rudolph Steiner School. She carries toys, books, wool long underwear and hats for children.
I have not been there, but my friends who have, have nothing but praise for this store. They have toys, babywearing stuff and more.
Little legwarmers for babies, toddlers, and up. I love these. They make great layers and have fun designs.
great toys, books, games. These three websites offer beautiful toys made of natural materials
This is a great resource based in the Montessori principles.
Recommended Books
Books by Aviva Romm
The Natural Pregnancy Book
Natural Health After Pregnancy
Naturally Healthy Babies and Children
Vaccinations: A Thoughtful Parent’s Guide
A Thinking Woman’s Guide to Birth by Henci Groer
After You Baby’s Birth by Robin Limm
The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin
Good Night Sleep Tight by Kim West with Joanne Kenen
The No-cry Sleep Solution by Elizabeth Pantley