Pregnancy & Postpartum Resources, Curated by Dr. Nikki Fancher, DAOM, L.Ac.
When you’re navigating pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum time, the right support can make all the difference. These are trusted resources I personally recommend- many I’ve used myself or referred clients to over the years. This list isn’t meant to be the only resources you’ll need. But its a list of my must mentions from me to you.
Doulas
San Francisco Doula Group
A hub for birth and postpartum doulas, this collective also features an excellent resource page. Whether you’re looking for labor support, postpartum help, or simply someone to talk through the process, this is a great place to start.
Tips for Choosing a Doula
Think about the kind of person you might want by your side during labor. Do you want:
• A strong advocate?
• A nurturing, wise-grandmother energy?
• A sister, mother, friend, or healer type?
• A woman of color who understands firsthand the importance of culturally competent care and medical advocacy?
Choose from a place of confidence—not anxiety. Our culture conditions us to be people-pleasers, but your birth is not the time to worry about hurting someone’s feelings. It’s okay to interview several doulas before deciding. You deserve a great match.
Birth Support & Preparation
Rachel Yellin, Yes to Birth!
Rachel’s hypnobirthing approach blends breathwork, affirmations, and visualization to help you enter birth feeling calm, empowered, and ready. Her classes are especially helpful for partners who haven’t read the birth books. (Bonus: Her audio affirmations are gold.)
Natural Resources
A longstanding community hub offering:
• Birth & lactation classes
• Babywearing library
• Nursing bras & gear
• Monthly “Meet the Doula” nights
Also a great way to meet practitioners, grab a card from a lactation consultant or sleep expert after a class so you’re set up for support postpartum.
Baby Carriers I Love
Finding the right baby carrier can make a huge difference in how you feel immediately postbirth. Personally a carrier helped me with my “I cant put the baby down but I want to move about the house and DO things anxiety”. These are two carriers I’ve used and recommend to many of my clients.
K’tan (Sport Version), Baby K’tan Sport
Ideal for early infancy and around-the-house use, this carrier has the cozy, close feel of a wrap without the intimidation or hassle of actually wrapping. The Sport version is made with breathable mesh that helps keep both you and baby cool, which makes a huge difference during those warm postpartum days or if you tend to run hot.
Beco Gemini, becobabycarrier.com
My go-to for longer walks or outings and when my daughter was heavier. What I love about the Gemini is that the shoulder straps can cross in the back, offering real support and relief if you’re someone prone to shoulder or back pain (most of us). It grows with your baby and can be worn multiple ways as your child gets older.
Recommended Reading (JUST 2 MUST READ BOOKS)
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth – The first half offers real, normalizing birth stories to ease fear; the second half is a practical guide.
The First Forty Days – A Chinese medicine-informed guide to postpartum planning. Helps shift your mindset from “bounce back” to healing and nourishment for the long run.
Postpartum & Holistic Support
Mama Tong Soup, mamatongsoup.com, Healing, traditional soups designed for postpartum recovery. Available online and at Good Eggs.
Three Stone Hearth, threestonehearth.com, Nourishing, whole-food meals ideal for the postpartum window. Offers delivery and local pickup.
Jane Austin Yoga, janeaustinyoga.com, Beloved prenatal yoga teacher and community builder. Offers prenatal classes, mama-and-baby yoga, and partner-focused birth prep sessions.
Preggo Pilates, preggopilates.com, Stephanie Forster is both my Pilates trainer and friend. She’s funny, kind, and masterful at helping women build strong, long, functional bodies—without breaking a sweat. Offers individual sessions, prenatal, mama & baby, and postpartum classes. Read more from me about Steph here.
Kelly Mom, kellymom.com, A comprehensive, evidence-based lactation blog. If you have a breastfeeding question, Kelly Mom likely has the answer.
Please reach out for referrals and resources for specific needs.