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Learn how you can help make oxytocin - the "love hormone" - can make labor, birth, and breastfeeding work more smoothly.  Thanks to the Expectant Mothers Guide for posting this article by Birthways founder Karen Laing.

Watch here for more items on birth!

No matter what you call them, some babies need some extra help to find sleep, effectively feed, and settle into life with their (tired and overwhelmed) families.

Here are some resources for babies - and their families - in the early weeks.

The Fussy Baby Network.  Chicago is lucky to be home to the Erikson Institute's Fussy Baby Network.  They provide a national warmline and Chicago area resources.  Learn more about their services for fussy babies here.

To swaddle or not to swaddle?  Evidence-based information on finding the best approach for your family.  Download our fact sheet:

Want to learn about joining the Birthways doula community?

 Help families welcome their babies with health, joy and confidence.  Birthways provides a supportive community and sustainable work for experienced practitioners and learning opportunities for those newer to the field.  Birthways anticipates bringing new doulas into the community in the coming months.  Please join us for an informational session on becoming a Birthways doula!

 For experienced providers:

We're just getting started with our links - watch here as we add more!

Birthways friends and great resources:

Prenatal and infant photograhy.

Looking for a photographer that gets those great shots of your growing family - and really understands babies and new mothers? Check out Kristy Ralston! She's a former Birthways doula, a photojournalist, and has a special connection to the transitions of life. She's offering a special deal to Birthways families - 15% off a photo session, plus a complete set of the images on a CD.

Kathleen Kendall-Tackett is a great resource on evidence-based information on breastfeeding and perinatal mood disorders.  Here's a few fact sheets (download below) - or visit her website at http://uppitysciencechick.com/. 

Chicago area resources from the Jennifer Mudd Houghtaling Postpartum Depression Foundation are listed here.

What is "normal" newborn and infant sleep?  Check out this roundup of sleep research here.

Does nighttime breastfeeding impact perinatal mood disorders?  Check out this perspective by postpartum mood disorder researcher Kathleen Kendall Tackett.

Watch here for our factsheets on parenting multiples, coming soon!

Breastmilk storage:

New guidelines on storage of breastmilk from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (download below).

Check out our new breastmilk storage guideline magnets!  Want one?  Just ask your doula!  (download below).

Breastfeeding help:

Looking for evidence-based information on-line?  Check out the KellyMom site.