Pregnancy & Birth Guide

Birth Information & Preparation

BabyCal
800.BABY999
BabyCal is a statewide public awareness and education campaign aimed at combating low birth weight and decreasing infant mortality. State program helps pay for prenatal care services.


The Birth Network of Santa Cruz County
P.O. Box 3629, Santa Cruz
831.425.3373
www.birthnet.org
Offering information, education and advocacy for safe, empowering, joyful birth. A listing of local pregnancy and birth care providers are available in print and online. Meet providers including doulas, midwives, yoga and childbirth instructors at “Bellies, Birth & Babies Expo” (free event) Tuesday 7-9pm, Oct 20, 2009. University Inn Ocean, St. Santa Cruz. Expo dates in 2010 - Feb 9th, May 11th, Oct 12. Check birthnet.org for upcoming events including and to receive our online newsletter.


Pregnancy Resource Center
831.475.2200
Provide support for women during pregnancy including counseling, alternatives, referrals and preventative education.


Salud Para La Gente
831.728.0222


Siena House Maternity Home
108 High Street, Santa Cruz
831.425.2229
Residence and services for up to 10 women and their babies who have crises such as domestic violence issues, homelessness or general difficulty associated with an unplanned pregnancy.



Family Planning and Pre-Natal Care


BirthPoint Acupuncture Group
831.429.7676
Gabriella Jones LAc 831.566.7528
Kate Wilson LAc 831.566.4838
Cecile D'Amore LAc 831.252.5049
831.429.7676
We are collective of Licensed Acupuncturists who support women to enhance fertility, and provide care during all stages of pregnancy, pre-birth, labor, and the postpartum period.


Candice Garrett, RYT
831-609-6167
www.candicegarrettyoga.com
Candice Garrett is a trained prenatal, hatha, and pelvic health teacher. Her experience and specialty lie in birth preparation and pelvic training and rehabilitation. She teaches at Yoga Center Santa Cruz and is available for private lessons or workshops.


Harbor Medical Group, Inc.
Specializing in Obstetrics and Gynecology
1661 A Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz
831.476.7676
www.harbormedicalgroupinc.com
Stuart A. Mumm, M.D.
Martina Nicholson, M.D.
Larisa Taylor, M.D.
Heajin Hwang-Kamalani, M.D.
Part of growing up is learning to take care of your body. This means making good choices for your health, avoiding things that can hurt you, and seeing a doctor. Many young women have these same health concerns: Cramps and problems with periods, Acne, Weight issues, Concerns about sexuality, Questions about birth control, Concerns about sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), Emotional ups and downs or depression. Talking with your doctor about these issues is a key step in staying healthy. Our doctors are there to listen and help.


Kristin Nemzer, LMFT, CH
831.345.1500
www.KristinNemzer.com
www.BirthingThroughHypnosis.com
Providing counseling to women and couples, and natural childbirth education with a focus on using hypnosis in labor.


Ob/Gyn Associates of Santa Cruz
1779 Dominican Way, Suite B, Santa Cruz
831.479.4966
www.obgynsc.com
Dr. Marsha Muir
Dr. Janna Doherty
Dr. Naomi Silber
Dr. Anne-Marie Jackson
Dr. Amy Herold
Margann Mentor, CNM
Meredith Hammig, CNM
Leora Fromm, CNM
Dana Ramsey, CNM
Sue Ungar, NP
Offering Ob/Gyn and Midwifery care to the women of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We strive to provide our patients with the best Ob/Gyn care in a small personal setting. We are committed to giving you the most up-to-date information while caring and understanding about you as a person and not just another patient. We offer complete obstetrical care, including routine and 3D ultrasound. Deliveries at both Sutter Maternity and Dominican Hospital.


Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center
Tonya Fleck, ND
Holly Germann, ND
Irene Valencia, ND
Rowen Holland, CMT, BD
Brie Wieselman, LAc
Tyra Corona, CMT
Amanda Greenlee, CMT
736 Chestnut Street, Santa Cruz
831.477.1377
www.scnmc.com
When it comes to the health of you & your children, it is important to have a good relationship with health care practitioners.  At the Santa Cruz Naturopathic Medical Center, our licensed practitioners provide the highest quality integrative health care available.   Our services include Naturopathic Family Medicine, pediatric & adolescent medicine, well-woman exams, menopause, infertility, pre-natal nutrition, birth doula services, childbirth prep classes, pre- and post-natal massage, infant massage and safe yet effective alternatives to behavioral disorders in children. Call for a Free 15-minute consultation.



Fertility & Adoption Information


Adoption Paths
831.476.7252
www.adoptionpaths.com
Provides training and private consultation to singles and couples who are considering adoption, independent of the special interests of any adoption agency.


American Fertility Association
www.theafa.org
Dedicated to assisting women and men facing decisions related to family building and reproductive health-from prevention and treatment to social and psychological concerns.



Midwives & Doulas


Joscelyn Grote LM, CPM
831.425.4420
www.welcomehomebirth.com
Offering Home Birth Midwifery services, Well-Woman Gynecology and Professional Postpartum Care.


Laura Maxson, LM, CPM
Licensed Midwife, Homebirth Midwifery Care
831.336.0961
HomeBirthSantaCruz.com
Offering birth at home, including complete prenatal and postpartum care. Tubs available for waterbirth. Also call for in-home lactation support.


Ob/Gyn Associates of Santa Cruz
1779 Dominican Way, Suite B, Santa Cruz
831.479.4966
www.obgynsc.com
Dr. Marsha Muir
Dr. Janna Doherty
Dr. Naomi Silber
Dr. Anne-Marie Jackson
Dr. Amy Herold
Margann Mentor, CNM
Meredith Hammig, CNM
Leora Fromm, CNM
Dana Ramsey, CNM
Sue Ungar, NP
Offering Ob/Gyn and Midwifery care to the women of Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. We strive to provide our patients with the best Ob/Gyn care in a small personal setting. We are committed to giving you the most up-to-date information while caring and understanding about you as a person and not just another patient. We offer complete obstetrical care, including routine and 3D ultrasound. Deliveries at both Sutter Maternity and Dominican Hospital.



Hospitals


Dominican Hospital
1555 Soquel Dr., Santa Cruz
831.462.7741


Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center
2900 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
831.477.2229


Watsonville Community Hospital
75 Nielson, Watsonville
831.724.4741



Pediatric & Post Partum Care


Capitola Pediatrics
4145 Clares St., Ste. A, Capitola
831.476.1933
www. capitolapediatrics.com
Capitola Pediatrics is an organization committed to providing high quality, comprehensive health care to infants, children, and adolescents in the Santa Cruz area. We strive to create a Medical Home that is friendly, respectful, and easily accessible. Our primary commitment is to the health of our patients.   We support causes and organizations that work towards improving the well-being of infants, children, and adolescents.


Free and Low-Cost Immunization Services
Santa Cruz-831.454.4100
Watsonville-831.763.8010


Kymm Ann Wallin CMP, CIMI, CLC
831.427.4039
www.mothersjourney.com
Offering Doula Services, Prenatal & Postpartum Massage, Postpartum Care, and Infant Massage Classes.


Lisa Piediscalzi, L.Ac., RCST
831.334.7250
Housecalls available
Craniosacral Therapy is an extremely gentle, hands-on treatment that addresses many of baby's most common complaints, including: colic, reflux, feeding/nursing problems, hypo/hypertonicity and torticollis.  CST is great for pregnant and postpartum Moms, too, and can provide relief for back/neck pain, insomnia and anxiety.  Housecalls available for infants and toddlers.


Mother-to-Mother Doula Service, Santa Cruz County
Salle Webber
831.335.2667
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The weeks after birth are tender, as the mother heals and baby becomes part of the family. For over 20 years I have had the pleasure of providing loving and experienced in-home care of mother, baby, and family; breastfeeding help; guidance to new parents; meals, and household support.


Petra Buchanan, L,Ac
6892 B. Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz
831.227.8307
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Specializing in Women's health with a focus on pregnancy and birth. Among the many benefits of acupuncture during pregnancy, a recent Australian study reports that of 593 women less than 14 weeks pregnant, those who received traditional acupuncture reported having less frequent and shorter periods of nausea. $45 acupuncture treatments.



Breastfeeding & Lactation Support


La Leche League
831.425.3088


Mothers' Milk Bank
408.998.4550
The only non-profit milk bank in California for nursing mothers to donate their breastmilk. Supplies milk to premature or disabled babies.


Nursing Mothers Counsel
831.688.3954
www.nursingmothers.org
Nursing Mothers Counsel is an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to support the personal breastfeeding goals of mothers. We accomplish this by offering free, one-to-one assistance and education by highly trained volunteer counselors who have also breastfed. To reach a counselor or to receive training information, please call or visit our website.


www.Breastfeeding.com
Digital newsletter about breastfeeding.



Financial Assistance


Access for Infants and Mothers (AIM)
800.433.2611
No or low-cost health insurance for middle-income pregnant women in working families with no health insurance and who do not qualify for MediCal. Covers all services of pregnancy and birth, up to 60 days after the pregnancy has ended for the mother and up to the child's second birthday.


Community Bridges
831.688.8840
Childcare centers, food programs and many other services for families. Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Santa Cruz-831.426.3911. Watsonville-831.722.7121. A supplemental food and nutrition program for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and post-partum women and children under five who have a nutritional risk.


Healthy Families
888.747.1222
Free or low-cost health care for children in families who are low to middle income.



Prenatal & Post Partum Exercise


Harvey West Pool
831.420.6140
Prenatal and postpartum water exercise classes.


Jim Booth Swim School
Capitola and Watsonville
831.722.3500
www.jimboothswimschool.com
Be a water wonder! From our Little Otters swim class for parents and their babies to Aquaphobics, our adult beginner class, the whole family splashes together at Jim Booth swim school. Little Otters is a gentle introduction to our 94-degree pools that will make you confident that you are guiding your infant to a happy water experience. Our group lessons emphasize quality swimming in an exciting class taught by our caring, well-qualified teachers. The whole family can swim at Jim Booth Swim School!


Simpkins Family Swim Center
831.454.7948
Prenatal and postpartum water exercise classes.

New Parent Support Groups and Services

Answers Benefiting Children (ABC)
831.763.3108
Parenting Classes in Spanish and English.


First 5 of Santa Cruz County
831.465.2217
Kit for New Parents contains parenting videos, kid’s books and general information at no cost.


Parents Center of Santa Cruz and Watsonville
Santa Cruz-831.426.7322 (24-hr)
Watsonville-831.724.2879 24-hr
Professional counseling for parents and families. Parent support groups, parenting skill classes, education and counseling for prevention of child abuse and strengthening of families.


Women's Crisis Support / Defensa de Mujeres
831.685.3737
24 hour Crisis Line



Preemie and Special Needs Resources


After the NICU
831.457.7146
A Dominican Hospital sponsored support group that meets every month. Please call for details. NICU graduates from any hospital are welcome.


Early Start
831.728.1781
Early intervention services are provided, at no cost, to families with at-risk infants. Contact San Andreas Regional Center if you are concerned about your baby's development.


Pediatric Therapy Center
8050 Soquel Dr., Aptos
831.684.1804
Pediatric Therapy Center provides physical, occupational and speech-language therapy for children from birth to age 18. We have educational seminars for parents and teachers on topics related to children with movement, learning or communication challenges.


Special Connections-Parent Support Services
Santa Cruz-831.464.0669
Family referral service for parents with children ages birth to 3 years with special needs.


Special Parents Information Network (SPIN)
831.722.2800
www.spinsc.org
Families confront enormous challenges in raising a child with special needs. Confidence and mastery of the unique skills required to effectively parent a child with special needs are necessary goals that are often not fully met. SPIN helps parents and the professionals who serve them by providing information, trainings and support.



Teen Resources


Adolescent Family Life Program
831 454.4339
Public Health Nurses provide home visits to pregnant and parenting teenage women under age 20, teenage fathers up to age 21, and their children. Services include health, psycho-social and environmental assessment, development of personal goals and a plan to achieve them, individual service plan, case management, health teaching and counseling, parenting education, referrals and follow up.


Teenage Mother Program (TAM)
831.728.6393
Provides an opportunity for teenagers who are pregnant and/or have children to finish their high school education at Santa Cruz & Watsonville high schools. While in the program, participants receive parenting and counseling as required by the State and are encouraged to enroll in childbirth classes. Free child-care is provided. Program open to teen dads and moms and includes childcare center.



Family Resource Centers

Centro De Familia / Family Center
831.423.5747

Davenport Resource Center
831.425.8115

La Manzana Community Resources
831.763.3105

Live Oak Family Resource Center
831.476.7284



Dentists for Babies

Alison Jackson, D.D.S.
7545 Soquel Dr, Aptos
831.6622900
www.santacruzkidsdentist.com
We do comprehensive dentistry for children of all ages, from birth to 18 years of age unless there are special circumstances. We are preventive-dentistry oriented and very thorough in our evaluations and consultations. We have a pediatric anesthesiologist on our premises and are able to treat special, challenging children safely and comfortably under a general anesthesia. We have a 24-hour emergency service available for all of our patients.


Marc L. Grossman, D.D.S. and Associates
230 Green Valley Rd, Freedom
831.722.9202
www.dental4kids.com
Baby teeth are important! Our job is to help keep those teeth healthy by creating a good prevention program for our patients that includes education in brushing, flossing, diet and the importance of fluorides. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends infants see a pediatric dentist by the child’s first birthday.


David M. Okuji, D.D.S.
Linh Van, DDS
Joseph Fridgen, DDS
1667 Dominican Way, #232, Santa Cruz
831.476.5512
As specialists in pediatric dentistry, we offer the latest techniques in providing treatment. It is our desire to provide you with care in the most comfortable manner available. For first-born children we recommend a first dental evaluation between ages 6-18 months as advised by the American academy of Pediatric Dentistry. We have genuine concern for the welfare of children and we concern ourselves with the psychological, as well as physical, aspects of care.



Clothes & Supplies

Baby Bloomers
923 Water Street, Santa Cruz
831.423.2229
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Child-friendly, knowledgeable service is what’s at Baby Bloomers! We only carry quality items, New & Used, from pregnancy to pre-teen. We wash all used items ourselves, so we know they’re clean! We carry maternity clothing and accessories; we also have furniture (car seats, swings, cribs, strollers, etc.). New items include Bellycast Kits, Moby Wraps, Baby K'Tan, Bellaband, Organic Nursing pads, Hooter Hiders, Organic onesies/washcloths/bibs, and so much more! Baby Bloomers is a family run store, for families!


Baby Shoppe Santa Cruz
1101 B Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
831.600.8406
Located in downtown Santa Cruz, we specialize in unique, safe, eco-friendly products for your baby and your children. Come in and check us out, we’d love to see you. Our focus is offering locals and visitors a friendly and relaxed place to shop for little ones. We have a nursing station, play area and changing table for you to utilize.

Infant Childcare

Child Care Information and Referral Switchboard
Watsonville: 831.763.8725
Santa Cruz: 831.454.4213
Information on and referrals to licensed childcare providers.


Children's Center of San Lorenzo Valley
Highlands Park, Ben Lomond
831.336.2857
www.ccslv.org
Lic #440710515
Lic #440710514
The Children’s Center of San Lorenzo Valley has an amazing new infant program.  We offer low infant to teacher ratios, loving and experienced teachers in a stimulating environment for your infant.  Tours daily at 10 am and 2 pm so call us at 831-336-2857 to schedule yours now.


Montessori Scotts Valley
123 S. Navara Dr., Scotts Valley
831.439.9313
www.montessorisv.com
In our Nido program (Italian for nest), we offer an ideal environment to care for infants from 6 weeks through 18 months of age. We meet each individual infant’s needs for developmental activities, movement, socialization, food, rest, and of course, love.  Our "nest” is pristine, clean, and filled with infant-sized furnishings and equipment.  Come visit and see for yourself what our parents rave about! Call us for more information and to schedule a tour.

Other Services

The 99 ⊄ Store & More
Party Store
1706 Freedom Blvd, Freedom (next to K-Mart)
831.761.5315
Value and Quality have been our main focus since 1995. We offer over 60 varieties of Baby Mylar Balloons and the largest selection of Baby Shower Decorations and Favors in S.C. County. Offering over 360 Everyday Mylar Balloon choices with all your Party needs. Balloons Bouquets from $4.79.  Value Party!


Liz de Puydt Boutique Photography Studio
409 Capitola Ave, Capitola
831.239.7732
www.ldpphotography.com
Liz de Puydt is a local Santa Cruz photographer who specializes in newborn, children's, family and maternity photography.  She offers a beautiful blend of lifestyle and classic portraiture and prefers to shoot on location using natural light.  Liz has a natural ability to connect with her clients and bring out their true personality through her imagery.


Music Together/MusicalMe, Inc.
PO Box 66438, Scotts Valley
831.438.3514
www.MusicalMe.com
A musical life begins at home, and because the early months (0-8) are so important, we offer a special "Babies' Class" where the music activities and materials are specially designed for parents who want to learn as much as possible about music development in infants. Locations throughout Santa Cruz & Santa Clara Counties.



GUiSC does not endorse or recommend any business or service listed in this guide. Some listings were provided by the business or service. Please consult your own practitioner in making medical and birth decisions. GUiSC assumes no responsibility for errors or omissions. Please call the individual listing for accuracy. This guide does not represent all of the pregnancy and birth resources in Santa Cruz County. Please email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if there is a business or service that you feel should be in next year's guide.