Mom to Mom of Maine

When did you join Mom to Mom? 2010

What do you sell?
Birth Roots provides classes, groups, resources and referrals “from belly to baby.” Our classes are focused on assisting families in a holistic way throughout the process of becoming a parent. We like to think of our classes as a workout for the “parenting muscle” that needs to get in shape to sift and synthesize all the information, advice and expert opinions out there. A strong parenting muscle means they can make decisions that are right for their unique child and family. We offer a free guide with directory listings of hundreds of businesses and individuals that serve new and expectant families. Our small “Tried and True” retail section includes slings, swaddle blankets, Nikki McClure journals, Putumayo CDs and a few other select favorites.

How/where do you sell?
Birth Roots is located at 101 State Street in Portland where we offer classes and drop-in groups. We have hours by chance and by appointment for everything else. We also have a website (www.OurBirthRoots.org) and a very active Facebook page (facebook.com/birthroots). We have a new Kittery location headed up by veteran doula and childbirth educator Andrea Rutherford.

Areas covered?
Our Portland branch primarily serves Greater Portland, Midcoast, Biddeford, Gorham-Standish and beyond and our Seacoast branch in Kittery primarily serves York County, Southern NH and northern MA.

Do you offer a discount to Mom to Mom members or other special services?
We just began offering a Belly to Baby discount card that can be purchased for $15 that includes discounts at Birth Roots at about 50 other local businesses. Visit www.bellytobabyclub.org.

How did you get started in this business?
Birth Roots was co-created by myself and Leah Deragon in 2004 with the intention of deepening the support for perinatal families in Maine. It has developed into an amazing model for community-based education and support that we call “Community Supported Parenting”.

What’s your favorite product/service that you sell and why?
If I had to pick one thing it would be our Bridge Package of classes. It is 6 Birthing From Within childbirth classes plus a class about baby care and new parent care, another class about breastfeeding and Blossoming Newborns, our postnatal mom-baby series. It is a lovely way to be supported on both sides of birth and provides a place where moms can make sense of their experience as they get their “parenting legs.”

My Story:
Birth Roots is a very unique community service organization. There are very few cities that have this level of support for new families. We are currently working on training others in Community Supported Parenting: our approach to building community, helping parents find perspective and gettng families connected with what they need to THRIVE in pregnancy and parenting. As a nonprofit we welcome donations of time, funds and maternity/baby gear for our bi-annual Baby Booty yard sale. We would love for Mom to Mom members to show their support at Sandsations, our third annual sand sculpting contest and fundraiser on September 10th from 12:00–3:00 p.m. on Pine Point Beach in Scarborough.

CONTACT INFORMATION:
Emily Murray, Birth Roots
101 State Street, Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 772-4784 | info@ourbirthroots.org | www.ourbirthroots.org