Birth Roots Maine

Birth Roots Maine Creating a culture of support throughout early parenthood
Welcome to Birth Roots!

Of all the things we need in expectant, new and early parenthood, *each other* makes the very top of the list. It is so valuable and informative to be part of a group of expectant parents with similar due dates to your own, to be able to hear other new parents' stories of daily life with a newborn, and to be able to ask questions of people who parent toddlers when you are too. Birth Roots classes cover a lot of ground, but building a vibrant community of local families experiencing the same stages and phases of new and early parenthood is something we prioritize! For today's parents, starting a family and raising children in a complex and rapidly changing world, creating true community requires a commitment to showing up for each other in ways that previous generations did not, otherwise, our time spent together will risk only being inclusive, informed, affirming, and sensitive to some community members and not others. There is much work to be done in every facet of our lives to end the institutional, structural and systemic harm and marginalization that persists without our shared effort to insist on something we do not yet have, equity and inclusion for all families. As an organization, Birth Roots does not have this all figured out yet, but we are doing this important work every single day. We invite you to make this part of your Big P Parenting effort, while simultaneously gaining skills in the little p parenting arena. In anticipation of participating in Birth Roots programs, consider what it takes to learn from parents with lived experience or identities that are not the same as your own. Some parents will be birthing in hospitals while others are birthing at home. Some have just moved to Maine, some are 4th generation Mainers, while others have roots to this place that go back thousands of years. Some families only speak English while others participate using English as their 7th language. Some families have two moms, or perhaps a parent who does not identify as either a mom or a dad. Some pregnancies arrived ahead of schedule, while others were the effort of multiple rounds of IVF/ART. Some members of our community experience the Portland area as too densely populated for their comfort - while others find the Portland area not nearly urban enough! What does it take to make all of these lived experiences feel represented and welcomed in the same class? We hope you will join us in actively seeking the answer to this question. Birth Roots Center for Community Supported Parenting is a nonprofit organization serving new parents in Southern Maine and beyond. Birth Roots fosters the deepening of community roots helps families become effective advocates for themselves and their children, and enhances interdependence among networks of families. We are committed to facilitating more meaningful conversations about expectant, new, and early parenthood. Rather than turning to Google for parenting advice, you have a local resource that can address your practical needs as well as offer a gathering space for you to "Find Your Flock"! You’ve just stumbled upon a treasure in Cumberland County's landscape. Amidst Greater Portland’s thriving Farmer’s Markets, extensive trail system, public spaces, and “Buy Local” movement, Birth Roots is an integral part of why Portland is consistently listed as one of the best places to live and raise a family in America.

we need to do more to address all of the causes, not just tell the people who raise children to prioritize their own men...
10/15/2025

we need to do more to address all of the causes, not just tell the people who raise children to prioritize their own mental health, but to collectively prioritize the context that keeps a floor underneath the caregiving work of those who mother

A national survey finds that mothers of children ages 0 to 17 years report mental health declines from 2016 to 2023.

10/14/2025

Monday October 13th is Indigenous Peoples Day - which reminds us collectively to keep learning and to seek out the leade...
10/13/2025

Monday October 13th is Indigenous Peoples Day - which reminds us collectively to keep learning and to seek out the leadership of the Penobscot, Maliseet, Mi'kmaq, and Passamaquoddy people on issues from water and land management to perinatal care and health. Wabanaki families and cultures have endured and persisted continuously for at least 12,000 years - including today - despite 400 years of attempted erasure.
It has taken such a very long time to *begin to see* what was pushed to the margins of our peripheral vision. , ,

Birth Roots is closed today, Monday October 13th in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day... a day designated to recogniz...
10/13/2025

Birth Roots is closed today, Monday October 13th in observance of Indigenous Peoples Day... a day designated to recognizing First Nations - original inhabitants and stewards of a place many call Maine - who have persisted and persevered for a continuous 12,000 years that includes today.

10/13/2025

Today is Indigenous Peoples’ Day! Today and every day we honor, celebrate, and recognize our Wabanaki Nations who have called this land home since long before the concept of what has become the United States. However you decide to honor Indigenous people today, we encourage you to stay informed and remember that Indigenous Peoples’ Day is every day.

The Bangor Daily News recently published an op-ed written by Wabanaki Alliance Board Member Hon. Donna Loring (Penobscot Nation). Loring’s op-ed titled, “Honoring Christopher Columbus reinforces myths of discovery and the erasure of truth” explains the harm that President Trump’s proclamations praising Christopher Columbus and Leif Erickson—both of whom he titled “heroes” imposes on Indigenous people. She writes, “The myth says that this continent was empty and waiting to be found. The truth is that our Nations were here for thousands of years, with governments, laws, spiritual traditions, and trade networks long before Europeans knew these lands existed. The myth says that European explorers brought ‘civilization.’ The truth is that they brought slavery, disease, and genocide. The myth says they came in faith. The truth is that they came for gold, land, and dominion.”

As our Wabanaki Nations fight for recognition and sovereignty we also face stereotypes and barriers every day that are meant to slow us down and erase us. While the myth behind Christopher Columbus and others who claim they “discovered” these lands that our people have cared for throughout the generations lingers, we stand tall, proud, and in unity with one another to loudly remind you that we are still here. Loring concludes by stating, “We are not relics of someone else’s discovery. We are the original storytellers of this land — and our stories are older, truer, and still unfolding.” You can read more here: https://www.bangordailynews.com/2025/10/11/opinion/opinion-contributor/honoring-christopher-columbus-reinforces-myths-of-discovery-and-the-erasure-of-truth-joam40zk0w/

10/11/2025

more 3rd spaces (not work and not home) public parks, and playgrounds, anywhere people can gather organically

UPDATE: We’re thrilled to introduce Birth Roots’ new Operations Manager, Sabrina Caramando (she/her)! Sabrina brings a r...
10/09/2025

UPDATE: We’re thrilled to introduce Birth Roots’ new Operations Manager, Sabrina Caramando (she/her)! Sabrina brings a rich background as a nurse practitioner in breast oncology and women’s health. Her transition to a non-clinical role at a perinatal nonprofit reflects her instinct that we can expand and improve how we care for people in our communities.
Currently embarking on an herbalism apprenticeship, Sabrina has hopes of opening a community herbalism clinic focused on women’s health and gender-inclusive reproductive support. She previously worked at Boston Children’s Hospital Family Resource Room, where she facilitated events and created supportive spaces for parents and caregivers of children navigating long-term hospital stays.
Sabrina is excited to draw on all of these experiences to support Birth Roots’ values, creating nourishing & inclusive spaces for community wellbeing. When she’s not studying plants or scheduling perinatal classes, she is likely exploring Maine’s outdoors, hiking, camping, kayaking, or strolling around the Eastern Prom with her partner (and pup Nellie 🐾)

10/09/2025
Over 300 Birth Roots Guides just traveled down the street from our 16 Vannah Ave classroom ———> to the 84 Marginal Way O...
10/03/2025

Over 300 Birth Roots Guides just traveled down the street from our 16 Vannah Ave classroom ———> to the 84 Marginal Way Ob-gyn practice at 🥰 The Guide is now available on our website, as well!

Why Parents Are Prone to This StateParents face a mix of low-grade, ongoing stressors: lack of autonomy and relentless s...
10/03/2025

Why Parents Are Prone to This State
Parents face a mix of low-grade, ongoing stressors: lack of autonomy and relentless societal pressure to keep performing. “Parents are often juggling competing demands without adequate support,” says Tovar. “The pressure to be emotionally available, physically present, financially responsible, and socially engaged can lead to chronic nervous system overload.” In response, the body may feel forced into a freeze state to conserve energy and protect against overwhelm.

It doesn’t help that modern parenting can be isolating and feel like being in a constant “survival mode” state. In addition, parents can face added pressure to perform their caregiving responsibilities perfectly, regardless of personal wellbeing for the sake of their families. And for parents who have unprocessed trauma, particularly from their childhoods, their nervous systems may be more quick to default into a freeze state. bit.ly/3Ko3fBj

When an individual doesn't have enough margin, that is, room to breathe or space to think, to regroup or reflect or simp...
10/01/2025

When an individual doesn't have enough margin, that is, room to breathe or space to think, to regroup or reflect or simply pause, all the while more & more demands continue to pile up on them, they can slip into what is known as a "functional freeze". But when *an entire population of people* are experiencing this, it is no longer the domain of psychology alone - it has become the domain of public policy.

Functional freeze is often missed because people can still ‘function.' They may go to work, pack lunches, answer emails, and even appear calm. But they are often dissociated from their emotions, struggling with indecision, or living in a constant state of low-level overwhelm. Tap the link in the first comment for more. ⬇️

Address

16 Vannah Avenue
Portland, ME
04101

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 1pm
Tuesday 10am - 2pm
Wednesday 10am - 2pm
Thursday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+12077724784

Website

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You’ve just stumbled upon a hidden treasure in Southern Maine. Amidst Greater Portland’s thriving Farmer’s Markets, extensive trail system, public spaces, and “Buy Local” movement, Birth Roots is an integral part of why Portland is consistently listed as one of the best places to live and raise a family in America.

Since 2004 Birth Roots has been developing and delivering a unique model of community-based education and support that begins in pregnancy and continues throughout early parenting . The work of Birth Roots addresses social, emotional and non-clinical needs, emphasizes parental instincts and intuition, establishes robust networks of peer support, and sets the tone for Community Supported Parenting. We are committed to facilitating more meaningful conversations around birthing and parenting. Rather than relying on the internet for parenting advice, you have a local resource that can fill your practical needs as well as offer a space for you to connect, process, grow and thrive.