Resources - In progress
This section is going to contain resources in the following areas: Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum, Pregnancy Loss, and Infertility. Clink on artwork for additional information.
Pregnancy Resources

The information provided on this website is not to replace your healthcare needs. Please seek care of healthcare professionals: midwives, nurses, doulas, nurse practitioners, and other medical providers. Lucinda's House was not created to make healthcare decisions for you. Our goal is to offer guidance and support to empower you to make informed decisions about your care.
Monthly Theme: Prenatal Care

Prenatal care is healthcare provided during pregnancy. Care involves health screenings for possible problems, guidance on self-care, support for the physical and mental changes that occur as well as education to prepare for childbirth, postpartum, newborn care, infant feeding and parenthood.
Having the right team of healthcare providers is an essential part of receiving the care that you need, so it is important that you have a good relationship with healthcare providers. This relationship needs to be be build on trust and respect. They need to understand your needs and provide nonjudgmental support throughout your pregnancy. If you do not feel comfortable with your provider, you have the right to change providers. Any interaction with healthcare professionals during prenatal visits, you should leave feeling listened to, safe, cared for, and that all your questions and concerns have been addressed. If you feel uneasy or uncomfortable, seek guidance from someone that you trust.
Type of Prenatal Providers:
Midwives
Obstetricians
Family Physicians
Nurse Practitioners
Members of the Healthcare Team can include (but not limited to):
Midwives
Obstetricians
Family Physicians
Nurse practitioners
Nurses
Doulas
Nutritionists
Lactation consultants
Community health workers
Social workers/Counselors
Genetic Counselors
Some Recommendations to get the most out of your prenatal care
Keep a journal. Document your feelings, emotions, pregnancy milestones, write love letters to your baby, anything you feel is important to you.
Ask questions, questions, and more questions. Get information from your family, friends, healthcare providers, and doulas. Knowledge is power. Get as much information as you can so that you can make informed decisions about your care.
It is important to have support throughout your pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Doulas can be that support.
Your mental health and wellbeing is an essential part of pregnancy. Protect your peace!
Monitor your electronic medical records. Check lab results, blood pressure, weight, everything!
Know the urgent warning signs of pregnancy and what to do if you experience signs and symptoms of a possible problem.
Trust your body! No one knows your body better than you. If something doesn't feel right, notify your healthcare provider.
Websites for additional information related to Prenatal Care:
Do not have any lab tests/procedure done without someone explaining what the test are for and what the results mean for you and your pregnancy.
NIH - What is pregnant care and why it is important
ACOG Routine tests during pregnancy
March of Dimes: Ultrasound during pregnancy
Genetic Testing - Sanford Medicine Common Tests During Pregnancy
Screening for depression, anxiety, substance use, and intimate partner violence.
Support is an essential part of prenatal care. Protect your peace is my anthem. Take care of your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy.
Doula care can provide education, support, and access to resources. Do you need a doula?
Online Resources that Educate and Empower
National Association to Advance Black Birth: BLACK BIRTHING BILL OF RIGHTS
https://thenaabb.org/black-birthing-bill-of-rights/
CDC Hear Her Campaign
https://www.cdc.gov/hearher/index.html
Dr. Shalon's Maternal Action Project
Every Mother Counts
Centering Humanity: The Black Birth Experience
Maternal health equity
Advocacy and Policy
We continue to hear news about poor health outcomes among Black women and other women of color. This information creates fear and uncertainty. We already have what we need to have a safe, enjoyable pregnancy and birthing experience. There are community members and organizations are working towards understanding racial disparities and promoting maternal health equity. Here are some organizations.
Organizations promoting advocacy, policy and empowerment of birthing people:
Black Mamas Matter Alliance
National Birth Equity Collaborative (NBEC)
SisterSong
Commonsense Childbirth
https://commonsensechildbirth.org/
Maternal Health Learning & Innovation Center™
https://maternalhealthlearning.org/about/
National Black Midwives Alliance
https://blackmidwivesalliance.org
Perinatal Health Equity Initiative
https://www.perinatalequity.org/
International MotherBaby Childbirth Organization
The National Association to Advance Black Birth
Sista Midwife Productions
