Full Circle
Resource Library

Whether you’re figuring out how to care for yourself during pregnancy, preparing for birth, thinking ahead to postpartum, or exploring what kind of parent you want to be, there’s a lot to consider!

These are some of the resources I come back to often when supporting pregnant folks and growing families. I hope they help you feel more informed, more grounded, and more connected as you move through this time.

- Camilla

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Prenatal

Pregnancy can be a beautiful and challenging time in one’s life, full of change and growth and decision making. We make decisions about whether and how to proceed with pregnancy, how to care for pregnancy, and how to plan for birth, postpartum, feeding, parenting, and beyond.

All Options logo

Pregnancy Options Counseling

All-Options

Non-judgmental, well-resourced support for pregnancy decision making. Hotline: 1-888-493-0092

The three multi-colored fronds of leaves featured on the cover of the Pregnancy Options Workbook.

Pregnancy Options Workbook

A downloadable, self-guided workbook with exercises to help make decisions about abortion, parenting, and adoption.

Prenatal Advocacy & Information

  • Childbirth Connection

    Childbirth Connection

    A USA-based organization dedicated to providing high-quality, evidence-based information, research, and advocacy around pregnancy and birth.

    Website
  • Birth Center Equity

    Birth Center Equity

    Advocacy on increasing BIPOC-led birthing centers in the USA with a directory to finding Black birth workers, including midwives, womb wellness, lactation and fertility support.

    Website
  • Pregnancy Justice

    Pregnancy Justice

    Lawyers doing critical advocacy work for key prenatal & birth topics affecting USA-based families to advance and defend the rights of pregnant people and their choices.

    Website
  • Elephant Circle

    Elephant Circle

    USA-based advocacy and training organization committed to key issues in childbearing, from an intersectional foundation to support reproductive justice.

    Website
  • MotherToBaby

    MotherToBaby

    A nonprofit helping parents gauge whether certain substances, food, supplements, and medications are safe to take while pregnant to limit exposure to risk.

    Website
  • International Cesarean Awareness Network

    International Cesarean Awareness Network

    Resources, support groups, and research around cesarean section experience, prevalence, and support to reduce preventable cecarieans.

    Website
  • VBACFacts

    VBACFacts

    Resources for those planning a vaginal birth after a previous cesarean section, providing birthing people the right to choose the option that’s right for them.

    Website
  • Evidence Based Birth

    Evidence Based Birth

    Catalogues articles, podcasts, and handouts on common questions, interventions, and research around pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and care provision.

    Website
  • Pregnancy: The Inner Journey

    Pregnancy: The Inner Journey

    ECourses from a traditional Australian midwife centered on supporting a fully conscious birth and healing from a previous traumatic birth.

    Website

RECOMMENDED READING:

Prenatal Care & Support

  • Embrace: A Pregnancy Journal by Nikki McClure

    Embrace: A Pregnancy Journal by Nikki McClure

    A lovely pregnancy journal to commemorate milestones, answer prompts, etc.

    Buy It
  • Midwifery for Expectant Parents by Aubre Tompkins

    Midwifery for Expectant Parents by Aubre Tompkins

    A newer book detailing what it’s like to work with a midwife for childbearing in the modern age.

    Buy It
  • Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Newborn by Penny Simkin

    Pregnancy, Childbirth, & the Newborn by Penny Simkin

    A classic book looking at the transitions in pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

    Buy It
  • From the Hips by Rebecca Odes & Ceridwen Moris

    From the Hips by Rebecca Odes & Ceridwen Moris

    A youthful book looking at birth and pregnancy with judgement-free guidance for every choice.

    Buy It
  • The Inner Journey of Pregnancy by Jane Hardwicke Collings

    The Inner Journey of Pregnancy by Jane Hardwicke Collings

    a spiritual (non-denominational) look at the inner transformations of pregnancy.

    Buy It
  • Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag by A.K.Summers

    Pregnant Butch: Nine Long Months Spent in Drag by A.K.Summers

    a look at pregnancy from the perspective of a self-described butch lesbian.

    Buy It
  • Where’s The Mother? Stories From a Transgender Dad by Trevor McDonald

    Where’s The Mother? Stories From a Transgender Dad by Trevor McDonald

    This memoir is a book about being a breastfeeding parent and a trans man, and the beautiful and difficult ways these two identities collide.

    Buy It
  • Confessions of the Other Mother: Non-Biological Lesbian Moms Tell All By Harlyn Aizley

    Confessions of the Other Mother by Harlyn Aizley

    This candid peek into a previously unexamined side of lesbian parenting is full of stories that are humorous, moving, & celebratory.

    Buy It

Prenatal Nutrition & Holistic Resources

  • Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

    Real Food for Pregnancy by Lily Nichols

    Discussing nutrition, how food is processed when pregnant, and how to optimally meet our needs.

    Buy It
  • Nine Golden Months: The Essential Art of Nurturing the Mother-To-Be by Heng Ou

    Nine Golden Months: The Essential Art of Nurturing the Mother-To-Be by Heng Ou

    During pregnancy it’s important to be fortified by time-honored practices that nourish the mind, body, & soul.

    Buy It
  • Eating for Two: Complete Guide to Nutrition During Pregnancy & Beyond by Annabel Karmel

    Eating for Two: Complete Guide to Nutrition During Pregnancy & Beyond by Annabel Karmel

    Over 150 recipes for simple, nutritious food to help support healthy pregnancy.

    Buy It
  • Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols

    Real Food for Gestational Diabetes by Lily Nichols

    An exploration of healthy nutrition when diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

    Buy It
  • The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm

    The Natural Pregnancy Book by Aviva Jill Romm

    Staying healthy and sane through pregnancy using herbs, nutrition, and common-sense.

    Buy It
  • Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy & Childbirth by Richard Moskowitz

    Homeopathic Medicines for Pregnancy & Childbirth by Richard Moskowitz

    Easy-to-read chapters on homeopathic remedies with anecdotal resources.

    Buy It
  • Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies by Demetria Clark

    Aromatherapy and Herbal Remedies by Demetria Clark

    An excellent resource on how to safely use essential oils by leading aromatherapy educator.

    Buy It

Preparing for Birth 

When you’re in the early stages of pregnancy, birth feels like a world away. And then suddenly (or, sometimes, after what feels like an eternity) the moment arrives and labor begins. This process is often shrouded in fear, mystery, and medical jargon — but it doesn’t have to be! And with the right team, it can feel empowering: a sacred, life-giving rite of passage that connects us all.

Homebirth Midwives in Portland

Podcasts

Childbirth Books & Resources

  • The Essential Homebirth Guide by Jane Drichta & Jodilyn Owen

    The Essential Homebirth Guide by Jane Drichta & Jodilyn Owen

    A specific and comprehensive look at planning a homebirth with birthstories from new mothers.

    Buy It
  • The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer

    The Thinking Woman’s Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer

    Clear, research-based take on common questions and interventions in childbirth.

    Buy It
  • Optimal Care In Childbirth by Henci Goer & Amy Ramano

    Optimal Care In Childbirth by Henci Goer & Amy Ramano

    Clear, research-based take on different care models and options for childbearing families.

    Buy It
  • Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke

    Mindful Birthing by Nancy Bardacke

    A guide to mindfulness and meditations, with answers to most common birth questions.

    Buy It

  • Birthing from Within by Pam Englund

    A particular philosophy for childbirth education and preparation many find helpful.

    Buy It
  • Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell

    Transformed by Birth by Britta Bushnell

    A philosophy and practice about inner work and meditation to cope with labour pains.

    Buy It

  • Spinning Babies Website & Online Courses

    A look at optimal fetal positioning in preparation for labour with classes and online prep.

    Website
  • Preparing for a Gentle Birth: The Pelvis in Pregnancy by Blandine Calais-Germain & Núria Vives Parés

    Preparing for a Gentle Birth: The Pelvis in Pregnancy by Blandine Calais-Germain & Núria Vives Parés

    An illustrated hands-on guide to the dynamics of the female pelvis for expectant parents.

    Buy It
  • Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered By Rebecca Dekker

    Babies Are Not Pizzas: They're Born, Not Delivered By Rebecca Dekker

    Embark on a journey with Rebecca as she exposes the realities of institutional care during childbirth & reveals inspirational solutions.

    Buy It

Photography & Videography in Portland

Planning for Postpartum

During the next few years, you’ll experience a beautiful cycle, learning as you grow. Community saves us, and connection strengthens us. The magic of birth isn’t just about babies! It’s about the whole family, fostering balance, and rediscovering yourself in this new season of life.

The logo for Partum Gardens as appears on their website.

Portland Communities for New Parents

Partum Gardens

A community care collective that supports people before and after the portal of birth in weekly garden gatherings.

The logo for New Mom School.

New Mom School

8-week, research-backed courses to build confidence, knowledge and community with 100% in-person classes.

Lactation Consultants

Postpartum Reading

  • After the Baby’s Birth by Robin Lim

    After the Baby’s Birth by Robin Lim

     A deep, holistic look at caring for bodies and babies after birth.

    Buy It
  • Natural Health After Birth by Aviva Romm

    Natural Health After Birth by Aviva Romm

    A look at caring for the birthing parent’s body holistically after birth.

    Buy It
  • The First Forty Days by Heng Ou

    The First Forty Days by Heng Ou

    Postpartum traditions and recipes from a Chinese perspective.

    Buy It
  • The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

    The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson

    Recovery and development in the 12 weeks following birth.

    Buy It

Pregnancy After Loss

Being pregnant again after loss is a layered and tender experience. It can bring joy, anxiety, hope, grief — and sometimes all of that in a single day. It’s not always easy to talk about, and it can feel isolating at times. If you’re walking this path, please know you’re not alone.

Blogs & Personal Stories:

Books & Videos:

Trying Again: A Guide To Pregnancy After Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss by Ann Douglas & John R. Sussman (Book)

“Trying to Conceive After Ectopic Pregnancy” from the Ectopic Pregnancy Foundation (Video)

Guides & Resources:

“Fertility after GTD (Molar Pregnancy)” from the Cancer Research UK Storytelling

“Thinking about Another Pregnancy” from the Miscarriage Association

“Tips for Professionals When Treating the Mom Experiencing Pregnancy After Loss (PAL)” compiled by Lindsey Henke

“What To Expect During a Pregnancy After Pregnancy Loss: An Illustrated Guide” by Jessica Zucker & Ryan Alexander-Tanner

“10 Facts about Pregnancy After Loss” by Lindsey Henke"

The Placenta

The placenta is a truly remarkable organ. It grows alongside your baby, supporting and nourishing them through pregnancy, acting as a powerful filter between you and your little one. It’s our only temporary organ—formed for a specific purpose, doing its essential work, then exiting quietly when its job is done.

However long it’s been with you, honoring the placenta can be a meaningful part of the postpartum journey. For some, that looks like ritual or ceremony. For others, it’s rooted in tradition or simply a quiet moment of gratitude for all it has offered.

Books about the Placenta

  • Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra by Robin Lim

    Placenta: The Forgotten Chakra by Robin Lim

    Well-researched benefits of leaving cord and placenta uncut, plus worldwide traditions.

    Buy It
  • Placenta: The Gift of Life by Cornella Enning

    Placenta: The Gift of Life by Cornella Enning

    A comprehensive look at placenta use and lore, preparations, recipes, etc. 

    Buy It

Other Resources

Articles:

What You Need To Know About The Placenta: a very basic medical look at placentas.

Examining The Placenta (Video): a video showing a medical examination of a placenta after birth. (Content Note: video includes birth of baby, placenta, and bleeding)

Honoring Placenta Wisdom: a personal narrative about relationship and exploration with placentas.

How the Placenta Evolved From An Ancient Virus: a look at evolutionary placenta biology.

Comparative Placentation: a look at placenta development in a myriad of animals.

Development & Physiology:

Placenta Development: a scientific look at the stages of placental development.

Development and Physiology of the Placenta and Membranes: a scientific look at placenta physiology.

Placenta Previa and the Magic of Placental Migration: a look at how placentas grow and move within a uterus, as well as low-lying placental complications in pregnancy

Placenta Rituals:

The Rebirth of Placenta Rituals: a brief look at placenta rituals globally.

Information on Placenta Encapsulation : from a certification company. (Note: I do not endorse a certain certification company, but PBi has excellent compiled studies on this page.) 

Find Placenta Encapsulation: a search engine to find placenta encapsulation specialists in your area.

Human Maternal Placentophagy: Possible Benefit and Potential Risks : a scientific look at consuming (eating) placentas.

Lotus Birth: a look at the tradition of keeping umbilical cords intact after birth until they dry up and fall off on their own, thereby keeping baby and placenta attached.

What to Do with Your Placenta if you Don’t Want To (Or Can’t) Consume It: options for keepsakes and ceremony around placentas.

Placenta Encapsulation:

If you’re planning to give birth in Portland, Oregon, you can work with Full Circle Baby to encapsulate your placenta! Fill out our form here to get started.

Individualized Care & Expertise

Our customized postpartum packages are designed to meet your unique needs, providing lasting support and empowering you as you navigate this transformative journey.