DONA International - http://www.dona.org/ "With over 7000 birth and postpartum doula members and growing, we are the largest doula association in the world. We support doulas by providing quality training and meaningful certification. We serve mothers and families by providing access to information and research about doulas, childbirth and the postpartum experience. DONA International certification sets the bar for doula education and professional development. It indicates to families that a doula has achieved a high level of training and professionalism."
CAPPA - http://www.cappa.net/ "For over a decade, CAPPA's mission has been to offer comprehensive, evidence-based education, certification, professional membership and training to childbirth educators, lactation educators, labor doulas, postpartum doulas and postpartum doulas worldwide. CAPPA is proud to provide new and expectant families access to these professionals here. Cappa is a non-profit organization headquartered in the USA, with branches worldwide."
Doula Trainings International - http://www.doulatrainingsinternational.com/ ProDoula - www.prodoula.com "The goal of ProDoula is to elevate the role of doulas to a professional level in the eyes of expectant parents, medical professionals, and doulas themselves while providing people of all demographics a rewarding career opportunity. ProDoula provides the necessary training, guidance and mentorship to its members to successfully complete the coursework involved in becoming a certified doula. Get started on your goal to becoming a doula today!"
Local Hospitals and Birth Centers
American Association of Birth Centers - http://www.birthcenters.org/ We are a multidisciplinary membership organization comprised of individuals and organizations who support the birth center concept. Birth Centers uphold the rights of healthy women and their families, in all communities, to birth their children in an environment which is safe, sensitive and cost effective with minimal intervention.
Friends of Missouri Birth Centers - http://www.mobirthcenters.org/ Supporting healthy birth choices across Missouri through education, advocacy, and financial assistance.
Hannibal Regional Hospital - http://hrhonline.org/ The Chris Coons Women’s Care Center at Hannibal Regional Hospital, Missouri’s first Baby-FriendlyTM birth facility, provides a comfortable homelike setting for the birth of your child. The Chris Coons Women’s Care Center fosters a culture of family-centered maternity care which combines a safe medical environment and education to prepare new parents to care for their baby with confidence.
Audrain Medical Center in Mexico, MO - http://www.audrainmedicalcenter.com/ Audrain Medical Centers Women’s Health Services is a comprehensive service where the patient always comes first. From conception to menopause, our physicians, nurses, educators and support staff work together to provide quality care close to where you live and work. Audrain Medical Center has a board certified obstetrician/gynecologist and nurses with over 200 years of experience who provide quality care for women of all ages. At AMC, our multi-disciplinary approach to patient care allows our patients access to staff that specialize in all aspects of women’s health.
V.B.A.C. and Cesarian Support
I.C.A.N. (International Cesarian Awareness Network) - http://www.ican-online.org/ The International Cesarean Awareness Network, Inc. (ICAN) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans through education, providing support for cesarean recovery, and promoting Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
Birth Without Fear - http://birthwithoutfearblog.com/ "I am a mother to 5 children. I am passionate about many things including gentle parenting, family, chiropractic and birth. Each of my birth experiences have been different. I have had 2 cesarean sections, followed by a hospital VBA2C (vaginal birth after 2 cesareans), then two unassisted homebirths (UBA2C’s). Through my experiences I have grown and learned what it takes (for me) to have an empowering birth. I started the Birth Without Fear Facebook page as an outlet for my passion. I want to help other women work through their fears and heal from traumatic experiences. I want to support women in having births without fear." - January Harshe
Midwifery Training and Local Groups
The Midwifery Institute of America - http://midwiferyinstituteofamerica.com/ Midwifery Institute of America is devoted to offering affordable academic training for direct entry midwives.
Midwifery Today Magazine - http://www.midwiferytoday.com Learn all about midwifery, pregnancy, birth, homebirth, natural birth, breastfeeding, and herbs from MIDWIFERY TODAY magazine.
Missouri Midwives Association - http://www.missourimidwivesassociation.org/ Missouri Midwives Association (MMA) is a professional organization dedicated to promotion, protection, support and education for midwives in Missouri. Membership is open to all midwives, aspiring midwives, friends and supporters.
Friends of Missouri Midwives - http://www.friendsofmomidwives.org/ To provide a support and discussion group for women who have had, or plan to have, a midwife-attended birth and/or homebirth.
La Leche League - http://www.llli.org/ Our Mission is to help mothers worldwide to breastfeed through mother-to-mother support, encouragement, information, and education, and to promote a better understanding of breastfeeding as an important element in the healthy development of the baby and mother.
*Milk and Carry - https://squareup.com/store/milk-and-carry Jen York, IBCLC owns and operates this charming little store in Historic St. Charles. She also does home visits!
StillBirthDay - http://www.stillbirthday.com/ The mission of the stillbirthday global network is to validate a pregnancy loss as the birth, and death, that it is, and to fill the chasm between the moment darkness falls and when resources are discovered. We do this in part through free online materials including printable birth plans, and through our comprehensive doula training, preparing doulas to support families in person prior to, during, and after birth in any outcome and in any trimester. We aim to come alongside families from the very beginning of their parenting journey, whether through rearing or grieving, and provide support for their journey. The stillbirthday global network is a part of Christian Childbirth Services LLC.
Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep - https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org Providing the gift of remembrance photography for parents suffering the loss of a baby. There are several photographers in this area, including Hannibal and Mexico, Missouri.
"Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world." ~ Matthew 25:34, NIV