Spencer & Waters, resources for stay-at-home mothers and home-based business

Resources on parenting, at-home mothers, home-based business, and other work + family issues to help balance your life

Mothers & More (formerly known as FEMALE)

Mothers & More is a support and advocacy network for sequencing women-mothers who have altered their career paths in order to care for their children at home. It differs from other mothers' organizations by addressing women's personal needs and interests during their active parenting years, and by advocating for public and employment policies that accommodate sequencing (moving in and out of the paid workforce as family needs and realities dictate).

This national nonprofit association began in 1987 after Joanne Brundage, a postal worker, left her job because she was unable to find adequate child care for her children. Faced with the loss of self-esteem, identity and financial security her job had given her, Brundage found herself depressed and unsure about her new role. She placed an ad in her local paper looking for other mothers who were having trouble making the transition from an outside career to at-home mothering. Four women answered the ad and helped start the support group. Today Mothers & More has over 8,000 members, 180 local chapters across the United States, and one chapter in the United Kingdom. Mothers & More's diverse membership includes women who are home with their children full-time, work from home, work part-time, freelance, or cut back on their work hours in order to raise their families. This organization was originally known as FEMALE (an acronym for "Formerly Employed Mothers At Loose Ends"). The name was changed to "Formerly Employed Mothers at the Leading Edge" in 1991 to describe the group's commitment to advocacy. In June 2000, a new name was an-nounced. "Mothers & More" was chosen because "mothers want more: more time with their children, more work options that allow them to spend more time parenting, more respect for their choice to focus on family above career," explained Pam Hainlin, Mothers & More president.

Mothers & More provides its members: · local chapter affiliation-evening meetings, guest speakers · "Moms' Night Out" activities, book discussions, playgroups, family outings and more · The FORUM-a bimonthly publication focusing on work and family issues, survival techniques, book reviews, author interviews, and other topics for sequencing mothers · online services-an interactive website (www.mothersandmore.org) offering e-mail loops, online chats, message boards, events calendar, news and monthly discussion topics · leadership opportunities-the chance to keep work skills current or acquire new ones by volunteering for the organization.

La Leche League International

La Leche League International (LLLI) was one of the first national support groups for mothers. Founded by seven Chicago-area women in 1956, this nonprofit organization offers practical information, education and encouragement to all mothers who want to breastfeed their babies. When the League started, less than one-quarter of new American mothers tried nursing their babies for even a short period of time. Today, largely because of the organization's efforts, sixty percent of American mothers breastfeed their babies. The League celebrated its 40th anniversary in 1996, and has grown to 27,000 members and 3,000 LLLI support groups in 56 countries.

While breastfeeding is its primary focus, LLLI also offers mothers a chance to find support, develop friendships, and learn more about parenting through local meetings and a bimonthly magazine. Mary White, one of the group's founders, has said, "Our purpose is and always has been to 'foster good mothering through breastfeeding,' and by so doing, to encourage good physical and emotional growth for the child and the development of closer and happier family relationships." LLLI's members include both employed and at-home mothers. The League attracts a large number of mothers who decided to stay home because they wanted the freedom to breastfeed their babies on demand. Mothers interested in using their leadership skills can find plenty of opportunities in this organization to lead a group. More than 8,000 volunteer leaders, who are experienced breastfeeding mothers, run local support groups and provide personal mother-to-mother help. The League assists its leaders through a comprehensive handbook and a bimonthly leaders' publication. LLLI offers these benefits of membership: · informal, monthly group discussion meetings held in members' homes · a bimonthly magazine, New Beginnings · telephone assistance for mothers who have nursing questions or problems · a 10 percent discount on purchases of breastfeeding products and LLLI publications, including the popular handbook The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding · annual regional and international conferences · numerous resources offered through www.lalecheleague.org, including answers to breastfeeding questions, links to LLLI leaders in all 50 US states and 27 countries, and web-based chats on Moms Online and Parent Soup.

Contact: La Leche League International, P.O. Box 4079, Schaumburg, IL 60168-4079; 1-800-La Leche or (847) 519-7730. E-mail: LLLHQ@lalecheleague .org. Website: www.lalecheleague.org. Annual membership is $30.

The MOMS Club

The MOMS Club is a national network of support groups specifically for at-home mothers. This rapidly-growing nonprofit organization currently has 50,000 members in more than 1,000 local chapters across the country. The first group, originally known as the "Moms Offering Moms Support" Club, was started in California in 1983. Three years later, the MOMS Club became a national organization.

The club welcomes mothers with children of all ages. The organization's goals are "to provide a support group for mothers who choose to stay at home to raise their children; to provide a forum for topics of interest to mothers; to help children in the community; and to perform at least one service project yearly helping needy children." All meetings and most activities are held during the day, when mothers at home need support the most. Children are welcome to attend every club event. Local chapters offer a wide range of activities, including: · monthly meetings with speakers and discussions · playgroups and babysitting co-ops · a monthly MOMS Night Out · special activity groups related to members' interests, such as exercise groups, arts and crafts and book clubs · play days at the park, outings, family get-togethers, and community service projects · the national website, www.momsclub.org, provides lists and contact numbers for its chapters and a members-only national newsletter.

Each local chapter is registered with the national MOMS Club but operates independently. Chapters have the freedom to elect their own officers, set dues, and choose their own speakers and programming. The national office provides volunteer coordinators and a detailed manual to help women who want to start their own local MOMS club, and organizes regional activities in areas where there are several clubs.

Contact: MOMS Club, 25371 Rye Canyon, Valencia, CA 91355. Use e-mail to reach MOMS, or enclose $2 if you're requesting information by mail. E-mail: momsclub@aol.com. Website: www.momsclub.org. Each chapter sets its own dues, usually between $15 to $25 a year.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) International

This international support group has a Christian focus. MOPS International describes itself as "a nonprofit Christian outreach ministry, dedicated to nurturing mothers of preschoolers (infants to six years old) . . . and providing resources directly to moms." Founded in 1973, MOPS currently has 2,500 chapters in the United States, Canada, and ten other countries. MOPS is dedicated to the message that "mothering matters," and that moms of young children need encouragement during these critical and formative years. Chartered groups meet in churches of various denominations. Each MOPS program helps mothers find friendship and acceptance, provides opportunities for women to develop and practice leadership skills by volunteering in the group, and promotes spiritual growth in its members.

This organization offers: · regular group meetings which address current issues in child rearing, womanhood, the home and relationships, based on biblical principles · small discussion groups led by mothers · creative activities and crafts at each meeting · special MOPS groups designed for teens, urban mothers, evening and work place groups · childcare and planned activities provided for young children during MOPS meetings · MomSense Magazine, a bimonthly publication that offers encouraging tips and ideas · MOMSense Radio, a two-minute daily feature that airs on 500 U.S. radio stations · leadership training, regional conferences and national conventions · www.mops.org offers information on joining and starting a local MOPS group, MOPS events, and an online store

Contact: MOPS International, P.O. Box 102200, Denver, CO 80250-2200; 800-929-1287 or (303) 733-5353. E-mail: info@mops.org. Website: www.mops.org. Annual membership is $15.

Mothers At Home

Mothers at Home was started by three Northern Virginia women in 1984 to support mothers who choose (or would like to choose) to stay home with their children. Instead of offering face-to-face support groups, this nonprofit organization helps women through its award-winning Welcome Home publication, a monthly magazine with 24,000 subscribers. The organization's mission is to "affirm the choice to be home throughout the many stages of motherhood; provide mother-to-mother support, education and networking; correct society's misconceptions and refute stereotypes about parents and children; serve as advocates for parents and children; and enable mothers to preserve and improve the opportunity for all women to choose home." Mothers at Home describes its magazine this way: "Welcome Home is for the smart woman who has actively chosen to devote her time and talents to nurturing her family." Welcome Home serves as a forum for at-home mothers across the country to share their feelings and insights on mothering.

This organization is also active in representing at-home mothers to the government and the media. By speaking to mothers' groups, giving media interviews, and testifying before Congress on issues important to women and families, Mothers at Home furthers the interests of women at home caring for their children.

Contact: Mothers at Home, 9493-C Silver King Ct, Fairfax, VA 22031; 800-783-4666 or (703) 352-1072. E-mail: mah@mah.org. Website: www.mah.org. Welcome Home's annual subscription rate is $18.

Hearts at Home

Founded in 1994 by Jill Savage, Hearts at Home began as a small Christian organization for mothers at home in Central Illinois. A former teacher, Savage had always enjoyed attending annual teachers' conferences. She began to wonder if anyone offered conferences for women who had decided to stay home to nurture their families. Savage decided she would like to bring the latest information on parenting to women in a conference setting. She wanted to give women the opportunity to meet some of their favorite authors, receive some education, and get a much-needed break from responsibilities at home. When the group decided to put on a regional conference, they were surprised and delighted when 1,100 women from ten different states attended their first conference. Hearts at Home now has 30,000 women who want to learn about upcoming conferences on their mailing list.

The organization's mission is to educate and encourage mothers at home and those who want to be. Hearts at Home believes that motherhood is a valid profession. It describes its regional conferences as "an opportunity for a weekend getaway packed full of new ideas for moms who consider mothering their career choice." The conferences feature well-known speakers and authors and offer a variety of practical workshops for mothers.

Hearts at Home also produces: · Hearts at Home monthly magazine, which features articles by conference keynote speakers and at-home moms · a web page, www.hearts-at-home.org, with up-to-date information about Hearts at Home's conferences, a bulletin board, and e-mail newsletter · a Mom's Referral Network that helps women connect with other moms' support groups in their area, and also serves as a clearinghouse for secular and Christian publications for at-home moms · a monthly devotional designed to help mothers at home make prayer a part of their days · audiotapes from past conferences available for sale.

Contact: Hearts at Home, 900 W. College Avenue, Normal, IL 61761; (309) 888-6667. E-mail: hearts@dave-world.net. Website: www.hearts-at-home.org. Annual subscription to Hearts at Home magazine is $15. Annual subscription to their monthly devotional is $20. Conferences cost $50 to attend.

Home-Based Working Moms

This is a professional association and online community of parents who work at home or aspire to work at home. Lesley Spencer founded HBWM in 1995, shortly after the birth of her first child. After she quit her full-time job and started a home-based business, she saw that parents working at home need support, information, and networking opportunities. Most HBWM members are like their founder-they create home-based careers in order to spend more time with their children. One member described this organization as "a national community of women using each other's services and offering suggestions while truly supporting each other's ventures."

Members are notified about new home-based and freelance work opportunities when companies contact HBWM looking for home-based workers. The association's website-www.hbwm.com- is dedicated to helping moms find work and avoid scams. Members' benefits include: · a monthly newsletter features successful home-based working moms, home business information and marketing tips · a weekly e-newsletter · an e-mail discussion listserve where members can meet other HBWMs, get advice, and make new friends · access to HBWM's panel of experts, who can answer questions on everything from accounting and legal issues to balancing a home business and children · opportunities for members to promote their products and services

Contact: Home-Based Working Mothers, P.O. Box 500164, Austin, TX 78750; (512) 918-0670. E-mail: getinfo@hbwm.com. Website: www.hbwm.com. Annual membership is $44.

Mocha Moms

Mocha Moms is a support group for mothers of color who have chosen not to work full-time outside the home in order to devote more time to their families. Mocha Moms also serves as an advocate for at-home mothers of color and encourages the spirit of community activism within its membership. This organization welcomes people of all religions, races, educational backgrounds and income levels. Anyone who supports Mocha Moms' mission is welcome to join.

Mocha Moms began in 1997, when Jolene Ivey and Karla Chustz began publishing a newsletter for mothers of color. The organization still publishes this quarterly newsletter. The newsletter's purpose is to encourage mothers to feel good about their choice to stay home and to provide information to help them be the best and most important influence in their children's lives. Mocha Moms also supports women through their website. The website can be used as a resource for current members, prospective members, or anyone else interested in at-home parenting. They have two local chapters in Maryland and one in Washington, D.C., and are accepting applications for new chapters. Dues are purposely kept low so there are no financial barriers to joining.The chapters offer: · weekly playgroups · a monthly moms-only potluck dinner · community projects.

Contact: Mocha Moms, 2800 Valley Way, Cheverly, MD 20785; 301-322-8190. E-mail: info@mochamoms.org. Website: www.mochamoms.org. Annual membership is $12. National

Association of At-Home Mothers

The National Association of At-Home Mothers is a professional organization that offers women support for the career choice of at-home parenting. Like Mothers at Home, this organization does not offer local chapters. The NAAHM primarily supports mothers through its glossy quarterly publication, At-Home Mother magazine. Jeanette Lisefski, the founder, described the group's purpose: "Our mission is simple: to support the at-home motherhood lifestyle. We are not an advocacy group, nor do we have a religious or political agenda. We simply offer practical information, inspiration, services, support and encouragement for mothers at home and those who would like to be."

Through their publications and website, the National Association of At-Home Mothers provides articles and resources that will help women enjoy their choice of at-home motherhood. Membership benefits include: · At-Home Mother magazine, a full-color magazine that includes regular features on choosing home, making and saving money at home, self-esteem, celebrating motherhood, parenting, household management, home learning and personal growth · At-Home Mother News, a newsletter that helps members stay up-to-date on the association's activities and benefits · resources, links, and articles on their website: www.AtHomeMothers.com · pamphlets offering practical information and solutions for at-home mothers' concerns · AtHomeMothers.com Bookstore--member discounts · the opportunity to apply for cash grants to start a home business.

Contact: The National Association of At-Home Mothers, 406 East Buchanan Avenue, Fairfield, IA 52556. No phone number is listed. E-mail: information@AtHomeMothers.com. Website: www.AtHomeMothers.com. Annual membership is $18.

National Association of Mothers' Centers

The original Mothers' Center was started in Hicksville, New York, in 1974 by a group of women who were concerned that pregnancy and early child rearing are often times of struggle, confusion, and low self-confidence. They started a research project to identity mothers' unmet needs and in the process found that getting together to discuss information, ideas, and feelings about motherhood helped them cope with this stage of their lives. Today there are local Mothers' Centers in 18 states, and more are being started every year.

The NAMC is a nonprofit network of community groups where mothers can come together for support, education, and professional training. Each Mothers' Center is owned and run by the women themselves, and each center is different, depending on the needs of its local members and their own community. The organization's overall goal is to support and validate the work of mothering. The NAMC states that they have a "unique commitment to all mothers--whether they are at home, working out of the home, adoptive, biological, or the myriad other choices they've made or circumstances they face." The NAMC tends to attract women who are interested in actively helping other mothers and their families, as well as finding support for themselves. Members receive these benefits: · regular meetings that feature supportive group discussions on child-rearing issues and problems; childcare is available during meetings · informative workshops for mothers on the developmental needs of their children, their families, and themselves · a comprehensive handbook on how to start a local Mothers' Center · the chance to advocate for women and families and to improve life in their communities · the NAMC's annual national conference provides networking opportunities, support and advice on establishing and sustaining local Mothers' Centers · some Mothers' Centers also offer playgroups, "Mommy and Me" classes, and social activities.

Contact: The National Association of Mothers' Centers (NAMC), 64 Division Avenue, Levittown, NY 11756; 800-645-3828 or (516) 520-2929. E-mail: info@motherscenter.org. Website: www.motherscenter.org. Fees vary.

National Parenting Association

The National Parenting Association was founded by author-activist Sylvia Ann Hewlett in 1993. Its goal is to give parents a greater voice in the public arena. This nonprofit, nonpartisan organization's primary goal is to build a parents' movement that unites mothers and fathers across the country. The NPA believes that "parenting is an important job that deserves our personal and public commitment. Parents can be the leading edge of social change." To achieve their mission, the NPA listens to parents through surveys and their website; advocates private and public sector initiatives that give parents support; informs parents about issues; and helps them make their voices heard locally and in Washington, DC. The organization also seeks to promote positive images of parents and parenting through exhibits, publications and media campaigns. Through their Partners program, the NPA has joined forces with other groups to develop local programs that benefit parents and children. The NPA also advocates for everyday practical support for mothers and fathers. The organization is in favor of flexible work options, tax breaks that help parents afford to take time off to care for their children and to pay for quality child care when they're at work, enriching after-school programs, and gun control laws.

Through the organization's website, www.parentsunite.org, parents can find: · ways to get involved with the NPA · the opportunity to e-mail elected leaders about issues that matter to parents · information on win-win solutions at work, at school and in communities, and good ideas that have helped other parents around the nation · links to other organizations and resources for parents

Contact: National Parenting Association, 51 W. 74th Street, Suite 1B, New York, NY 10023; (212) 362-7575. E-mail: info@parentsunite.org. Website: www.parentsunite.org. No annual membership fee; donations are requested.

Attachment Parenting International (API)

API is a coalition of concerned parents, professionals, and grassroots organizations that advocate attachment parenting. Attachment parenting is "a style of parenting that develops an infant or child's need for trust, empathy, and affection in order to create a secure, peaceful, and enduring relationship." This style requires a consistent and nurturing caregiver, ideally a parent, especially during the critical first three years of life. API members believe that attachment parenting, in conjunction with support groups, can strengthen families and aid in the prevention of child abuse, behavioral disorders, and other serious social problems.

API was founded by Lysa Parker and Barbara Nicholson after they came across research on the importance of helping infants develop a secure attachment to a parent or primary caregiver. API's goals are to educate society about the psychological and emotional needs of babies and young children; to function as a resource center providing educational materials and support groups for parents, children, and the community; to empower women in all societies; and to promote the concepts of attachment parenting. Their ultimate goal is to encourage "peaceful parenting for a peaceful world."

Membership benefits include: · more than 50 parent support groups in the U.S. and Europe · information on starting your own parent support group · access to API's library of research and articles on childbirth, breastfeeding, parent education, positive discipline and attachment research · a subscription to their quarterly newsletter, API News · an e-mail newsletter and informative website

Contact: Attachment Parenting International,1508 Clairmont Place, Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 298-4334. E-mail: ATTParent@aol.com. Website: www.attachmentparenting.org. Annual membership is $30.

Regional and local mothers' groups

So many mothers' groups have been springing up throughout the United States that it's impossible to list all the regional groups. There are also hundreds of specialty parents' groups, such as support groups for mothers of twins, parents of only children, parents of children with special needs, parents of adopted children, and stepfamilies, which space does not permit us to list here.

You can learn about local and regional mothers' groups by contacting your library, Family Support America, or the National Self-Help Clearinghouse. Extremely local neighborhood groups can often be found through your YM/WCA, JCC, community recreation center or park district, hospital or birthing center, churches, temples, and children's bookstores.

Family Support America

Formerly known as Family Resource Coalition of America, Family Support America is an umbrella agency of parents' support organizations throughout the United States and Canada. This organization has a national information clearinghouse that lists more than one thousand family service programs. These programs focus on encouraging healthy families by giving parents education and supporting them through the normal stresses of raising children. The FSA can provide a list of programs in your area and information on developing parent support groups and drop-in centers.

National Self-Help Clearinghouse

This nonprofit organization was founded in 1976. Its mission is to "facilitate access to self-help groups and to increase the awareness of the importance of mutual support." Visit their website to search The Self-Help Sourcebook Online. The Sourcebook is a free database that includes information on over eight hundred national and international self-help support groups. The Sourcebook includes information on starting local self-help groups and provides opportunities to link with others to develop needed self-help groups.

Contact: National Self-Help Clearinghouse, Graduate School and University Center of the City University of New York, 365 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3300, New York, NY 10016; (212) 817-1822. E-mail: info@selfhelpweb.org. Website: www.mentalhelp.net.

Online support

Thanks to the enormous popularity of the Internet, you don't have to leave the house to find support anymore. Women have been quick to embrace this medium. A milestone was reached in February 2000, when the number of women online surpassed the number of men.

At-home mothers have learned that they can combat isolation and communicate with other mothers throughout the world by using e-mail, discussion loops and message boards. You can chat with other at-home mothers, make new or keep up with old friends, learn about child development, keep current in your professional field, take online classes to pursue a new interest, AND find the perfect stroller through dozens of popular websites, many of which cater specifically to parents. In addition to the mothers' organizations' websites listed earlier in this chapter, the following sites offer up-to-date information and support for both new and seasoned moms:

www.homeparents.about.com/parenting/homeparents (About.com's Guide for Stay-at-Home Parents)
www.thecybermom.com
www.localmom.com
www.MainStreetMom.com
www.miserlymoms.com
www.mom.com
www.MomsOnline.com
www.myria.com
www.parenthoodweb.com
www.ParentSoup.com
www.parentsplace.com
www.Salon.com/mwt ("Mothers Who Think" column)
www.storknet.com
www.wahm.com (for work-at-home moms)

Parents at Home has information on home businesses and parenting organizations.
SAHMIAM is an organization for stay-at-home-moms; its site offers chat, ADD support, tips, attachment parenting, pen pals, and product reviews.
The Mommy Times has a newsletter and chat sites.
Stay-At-Home Moms has information for at-home mothers
Mothers Are Women is a Canadian, feminist, non-profit, support and advocacy organization for mothers who have chosen to remain at home.
Stay at Home Parents offers articles, a bulletin board, chat room, newsletter and links.
Main Street Moms is an on-line network for stay-at-home moms, offering support, humor, inspirational stories, and more.
Stay-At-Home Dads (SAHD) and their families online resource. A reference, resource and network to assist fathers who have made (or are considering) the decision to stay home and raise their children.
National Fatherhood Initiative promotes responsible fatherhood, organizes conferences and community fatherhood forums, provides resource material to organizations seeking to establish support programs for fathers, publishes a quarterly newsletter, and disseminates informational material to men seeking to become more effective fathers.
The Backyard Fence free weekly "ezine" invites mothers, fathers, grandparents and others to join its community and exchange advice, encouragement and small victories.
Midlife Mommies has useful information for moms who have waited until later in their lives to have children.
BabyCenter.com is a comprehensive site for information on issues from preconception through infancy; helps new and expectant parents learn how to be effective parents. Expert advice and a wide variety of articles and interactive resources to guide parents through their child's social and physical development.
Motherstuff links to more web sites and articles on birth, health, preemies, midwifery, parenting, etc.
Parentsoup Information and support of a wide variety for parents; chat rooms, reviews of products, and publications.
Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond Resource Guide provides resources, services and products for Stay at Home Parents
#!Parentsroom Channel This is the homepage of the #!Parentsroom Channel on IRC (Internet Relay Chat), a place for parents to come chat with other parents, to share solutions on concerns from breastfeeding to teenagers.
Mommies Enduring Neonatal Death (MEND)Share experiences and information through meetings, newsletter, and web site.
National Parent Information Network is a clearinghouse on elementary and early childhood education, and urban education. The site includes parent news and advice, resource list, conference calendar, and more.
A Parents' Guide to the Internet has information regarding keeping Internet access safe for children.
National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs has information for parents of twins and higher order multiples.
I Am Your Child focuses on early childhood development -- key issues, research, parenting advice, suggestions for community action, resources.
ParenthoodWeb is primarily for expectant parents and those with young children; includes readers' responses, surveys, bulletin boards, on-line pregnancy journal for individuals.
The Parenting Network Free newsletter. Advice, thoughts & inspiration for parents.
The Natural Child Project has articles and advice by leading writers on parenting and education that respect children. Site includes the Global Children's Art Gallery, with over 200 pictures by children age 1 to 12 from around the world.

Home-Based Working Moms provides networking opportunities, information, a monthly (print) newsletter, member's listserv, panel of experts, member's showcase on the web, publicity opportunities.
Work at Home Moms has links with home businesses, a book room, networking.
Mothers' Home Business Network provides ideas, inspiration and support for mothers who choose to work at home. Includes mentoring and Q & A online.
Moms Network Exchange shares tips, ideas, gives and seeks advice, and networks with other moms who have a home-based business. Beware of scams -- working at home business deals, telephone, online, others.
Better Business Bureau and the National Consumer League's Internet Fraud Watch are useful sites for checking out suspicious offers and proposals.

Find out if you are tempermentally suited to being an entrepreneur by taking the Entrepreneur Quiz at the Small Business Knowledge Base; this site also contains worksheets for startups.

Library of Congress provides on-line information about bills in Congress. The home page features the option to search by either bill number or key word(s), such as "child care".
Policy.com showcases leading research, opinions, and events shaping public policy on dozens of issues.

American Academy of Pediatrics has information on a wide variety children's health topics, from thumb-sucking to body piercing.
KidsInDanger has information on recalled child's products.
Consumer Product Safety Commission posts information on product recalls.
Sidelines a national organization with a network of support groups across the country for women and their families experiencing complicated pregnancies.
Baby Bag provides health news for parents, particularly on pregnancy, infants and toddlers. Also posts product recalls and has bulletin boards.
Mayo Health Oasis Pregnancy and Child Health Resource Center has library of reference articles. Pose questions to the clinics physicians (not all are answered). Health and nutrition information.
ParentsPlace has information on midwifery, holistic medicine, and alternative medicine.
Parenttime lets you customize information requests according to child's age.
Resolve provides information, support, and advocacy on infertility. Site includes list of local chapters.
Childbirth.org has information and links on birth and pregnancy; includes forums and a labor & delivery guide.
Postpartum Support International has a bulletin board, resources, support for fathers, a bibliography, and more.
Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) a nonprofit organization, provides information and support on postpartum depression and also "spirited" children.
American Dentistry Association has a web site with information on adults and children's dental concerns.
Food Allergy Network is a resource for families dealing with food allergies; includes practical suggestions in dealing with common problems for children and adults.

Home Education Magazine has information about their publication, free e-mail service, online library, laws and regulations for all 50 states, support group listings, a newsletter, Homeschooling Resource Files, and more.
American Homeschooling Association (AHA).
Family Learning Exchange includes information about the Family Learning Exchange Journal, homeschooling, a newsletter, and lists of homeschooling resources organized by location.
Growing Without Schooling has information on John Holt; homeschooling FAQ, bookstore, and "tools and ideas for independent learning."
The Distance Education and Training Council tracks and grants accrediation to distance-learning courses.
Get Educated resource center provides a database of online universities.
The State University of New York's SUNY Learning Network has online classes.
Petersons.com is one of the most comprehensive education sites on the Web; includes school profiles and financial aid information; has a wealth of information on accredited online courses.