Resources for your Reproductive Journey
Because knowledge is power and community is necessary.
Jump to: Community resources / Support groups / Recommended books
Community Resources
in New Orleans and online
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New Orleans area birthing hospitals:
Touro- New Orleans
Ochsner Baptist- New Orleans
East Jefferson- Metairie
Tulane-Lakeside- Metairie
West Jefferson- Marrero
Ochsner Westbank- Gretna
Birth centers: (offering midwifery care)
Saige Birth Center- New Orleans
Alternative Birthing Center at Ochsner Baptist
Homebirth midwives:
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Please note: Hospital-based classes are a helpful way to learn about your hospital’s policies and what to expect. I recommend pairing them with an independent childbirth class, which typically focus more on coping tools, informed decision-making, comfort measures, partner support, and navigating the emotional experience of birth.
Hospital-based classes:
Touro/LCMC (virtual classes)
Oschner (virtual classes)
Local doula-led classes:
Birthmark
Nola Nesting
Online:
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If I’m not available to serve as your doula, I recommend the following:
Mary’s Hands Network- statewide network offering FREE doula support!
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Local:
New Orleans Breastfeeding Center
Jamie Raziano Ortiz, RN, IBCLC at Lagniappe Lactation
Online:
Aeroflow Breastpumps- Have a breast pump and supplies shipped to you, covered by insurance.
MothertoBaby- information about medication safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
La Leche League International- Breastfeeding Information A - Z covers everything you need to know!
Pacify- 24/7 virtual lactation support (Louisiana WIC participants can sign up for free!)
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Fertility clinics:
Fertility Institute of New Orleans
Natural + restorative medicine:
Dr. Susan Caldwell- NaProTechnology
Dr. Mary (Margot) Anderson- NaProTechnology
Learn to chart your cycle:
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Crescent Care- walk-in sexual health clinic at Mid City location (2515 Canal St.)
The Clinic Nola- sexual health clinic
HOPE Community Health Center- for survivors of sexual & domestic violence
Plan B Nola- free emergency contraception
Bounce to Zero- for people living with HIV
Repro health vending machine- free! Inside the New Orleans Healing Center (2372 St. Claude Ave.)
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24-hour hotlines:
988 National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
New Orleans Crisis Response Team: 844-568-6473
Louisiana Crisis Hub: 855-242-2735
Warmlines that avoid police intervention:
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line: 1-888-407-4515 (also offers several free support groups!)
Not finding what you need? Check out the Nola Community Resource Guide for Resistance and Renewal, by Imagine Water Works.
Recommended Support Groups
virtual + in New Orleans
Finding support from people who get it can make a huge difference. I recommend checking out these groups for connection and community.
(f) = free / ($) = fee for group
In & around New Orleans:
Snuggles and Struggles- new parent support group (f)
Nola Baby Cafe- weekly breastfeeding circle (f)
Cafe au Lait/Cafe con Leche- for families of color (f)
Beyond Birth 4t- community stroller walks (f)
Pregnancy & postpartum (online):
Postpartum Support International (f)
JustBirth Space- groups led by doulas (f)
The Motherhood Center of New York- for perinatal mental health (f)
Hand to Hold- for NICU parents (f)
Loss & Grief (online):
Postpartum Support International (f)
Return to Zero ($)
Saul’s Light- monthly stillbirth & infant loss group (f)
Infertility (online):
LGBTQ+ family-building (online):
Family Equality (f)
Pregnant Together Community ($)
Maia Midwifery ($)
Rainbow Families ($)
Legal disclaimer: Resources are shared for educational purposes and do not necessarily represent endorsement, clinical advice, or services provided by Full Spectrum NOLA.
Recommended Reads
from your local bookworm + birth nerd
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Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers, by Karen Kleiman
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother, by Heng Ou
Thriving Postpartum: Embracing the Indigenous Wisdom of La Cuarentena, by Pānquetzani
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality, by Kimberly Ann Johnson
Safe Infant Sleep: Expert Answers to Your Cosleeping Questions, by James McKenna
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Lactation for the Rest of Us: A Guide for Queer and Trans Parents and Helpers, by Jacob Engelsman
Queer Nursing: The Phasing System, by Gorilla Milk
Breastfeeding Without Birthing: A Breastfeeding Guide for Mothers through Adoption, Surrogacy, and Other Special Circumstances, by Alyssa Schnell, IBCLC
Relactation: A Guide to Rebuilding Your Milk Supply, by Lucy Ruddle, IBCLC
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Infreakinfertility: How to Survive When Getting Pregnant Gets Hard, by Melanie Dale
The Fifth Vital Sign: Master Your Cycles & Optimize Your Fertility, by Lisa Hendrickson-Jack
Period Power: Harness Your Hormones and Get Your Cycle Working For You, by Maisie Hill
Cycles: The Science of Periods, Why They Matter, and How to Nourish Each Phase, by Amy J. Hammer
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The Natural Mother of the Child: A Memoir of Nonbinary Parenthood, by Krys Malcolm Belc
Children’s books:
What Makes a Baby, by Tyler Feder
Love Makes a Family, by Sophie Beer
My Donor Story offers customized books for children born through donor conception, IVF, embryo adoption, surrogacy, & more. Find a book that fits your family, or build your own!
Want to read for free? (I know, what a wild idea!) Reach out for my list of birth-related books available at the New Orleans and Jefferson Parish public libraries.
