really rad resources.
Here are a few of my favorite local resources, people, websites and books:
websites (green=local)
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Alternative Artistry Specializing in henna for mother blessings and many other occasions and she's a childbirth class grad!
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Anna Jones Photography She's incredible! Anna and Jerry took my class!
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Ask Dr. Sears Terrific resource for pregnancy, birth, babies and beyond.
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Attachment Parenting International Peaceful parenting for a peaceful world.
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Birthing From Within Birthing From Within’s prenatal and postpartum classes offer a soulful and holistic approach that prepares parents to birth-in-awareness.
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Breathe. Physical Therapy and Wellness Providing hope and inspiration so women can live the energetic, vibrant and active life. I highly recommend seeing them before and after your birth...a few of their therapists have taken my class.
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Broadlawns Midwifery Kari, Rebecca and Jessica are outstanding.
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Central Iowa Doula Association Many doulas have taken my childbirth class.
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Childbirth Connection Really great resource that helps women and health professionals make informed maternity care decisions.
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Circumcision Resource Center The Circumcision Resource Center is a nonprofit educational organization with the purpose of informing the public and professionals about the practice of circumcision.
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Des Moines Acupuncture Improving health through balance since 2001. Abby Miller, L.Ac, Dipl. CH (childbirth class grad)!
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Des Moines Doula Kelli Brus is an outstanding birth doula and she's a childbirth/postpartum class grad!
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DONA International Doulas of North America…find a doula in your community!
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Emily Alberhasky, Doula She's AMAZING!!
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Evidence Based Birth Informs and empowers expecting parents. It's an excellent covid-19 resource as well.
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Gentle Beginnings Birth Services Mandi Harding Hillman offers in-home counseling services.
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Healing Passages Birth and wellness center and part of Willowsong Midwifery.
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Hot and Healthy Fitness, nutrition, real mom life. Heather took my class!
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ICAN of central Iowa International cesarean awareness network. Improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans.
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Imagine Peace Massage Get a prenatal massage with Maggie McGinnis LMT! (childbirth class grad)!
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Ina May Gaskin Author, activist, innovator…
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Iowa Acupuncture A unique health clinic featuring a holistic blend of ancient wisdom and modern therapies. Beth and Bill Terrell.
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Iowa Family Chiropractic Kellie Hoover is wonderful...and she and Jimmy took my class!
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Jodi Connolly LMT gives incredible massages, including induction massage! (childbirth class graduate)
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La Leche League Breastfeeding support, local groups meet monthly.
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Livewell Clinic Excellent prenatal chiropractic care. (Tammy and Nicole took my class)!
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Mercy Midwives
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Midwife and Doula Services A small, intimate childbirth service directed by Dana Ericson, CNM.
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Moms Demand Action A grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.
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Mothering Magazine The magazine of natural family living.
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Nelson-Kirby Therapy and Consulting Individual, couples and family therapy, prenatal yoga and yoga wellness coaching. Jamie is amazing and a childbirth class grad!
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Penny Simkin, PT Author, doula, childbirth educator, birth counselor.
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Postpartum Support International (Iowa Chapter) You are not alone.
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Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Support Group Held weekly at Broadlawns.
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Sheila Kitzinger Birth advocate and one of my favorite authors!
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Spinning babies Easier childbirth.
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The Bradley Method Childbirth method that focuses on natural, abdominal breathing and relaxation.
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The Grateful Chef Creating delicious, inventive and healthy meals each week...perfect for postpartum.
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Unity Point Midwives
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Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC) Provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC.
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Wildflower Massage and Bodywork Sarah Hybels LMT (childbirth class grad)!
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Young Women's Resource Center Among other services, helps pregnant teens make responsible choices.
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Yummy Toddler Food Wholesome food specifically created for 1-3 year olds. (childbirth class grad)!
books i really like:
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin
i loved reading the bit about arm wrestling helping to bring on big strong contractions. i've met ina may and i was planning on delivering tula on the farm (long story)...
Natural Hospital Birth
by Cynthia Gabriel
good read for hospital birth friends!!
The Essential Homebirth Guide
by Jane E. Drichta and Jodilyn Owen
a must read for everyone...especially my homebirth friends.
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition
by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg.
this is bradley at it’s best. very straight forward and it just makes sense.
Birth Partner 5th Edition: A Complete Guide to Childbirth for Dads, Partners, Doulas, and All Other Labor Companions
by Penny Simkin
this one goes out to all the baby daddies, partners and support people!
Mindful Birthing: Training the Mind, Body, and Heart for Childbirth and Beyond
by Nancy Bardacke
love this book and that it helps you find calm and ease during this life-changing time, providing lifelong skills for healthy living and wise parenting.
Give Birth Like a Feminist
by Milli Hill
this book dares to say women matter too.
Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition
by Lily Nichols
clear answers on what to eat and why.
Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation
by Pam England
yes, i’ve met pam england and even taken a childbirth class from her when i was pregnant with my first baby. pick up her book and open it to any page and you will be enlightened in countless ways.
The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother
by Heng Ou
this book helps teach us how to revive the lost art of caring for the mother after birth.
Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding: From the Nation's Leading Midwife
by Ina May
she's a breastfeeding expert too!
The Food of Love: The Easier Way to Breastfeed Your Baby
by Kate Evans
this book explores aspects of attachment parenting, breastfeeding, and baby care using the perfect mix of words, pictures, personal insights, and humor. i love the art work!
The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers Revised and Updated: The Most Comprehensive Problem-Solving Guide to Breastfeeding
by Jack Newman MD
this is one my favorite breastfeeding resources. dr. jack is extremely knowledgable and very straight forward.
The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding: Seventh Revised Edition (La Leche League International Book)
by La Leche League International
can’t go wrong with the la leche league! here's information about our des moines group la leche league
The Baby Book: Everything You Need to Know About Your Baby from Birth to Age Two (Revised and Updated Edition)
by William Sears
this one is nice to have around at 3:00 am when you’re wondering if baby’s fever is serious or not.
The Vaccine Book: Making the Right Decision for Your Child (Sears Parenting Library)
by Robert Sears
i recommend this book because it gives both sides. knowledge is power!
How to Raise a Healthy Child in Spite of Your Doctor
by Robert S. Md Mendelsohn
it fits in your pocket and is a fantastic reference. i’ve even had a pediatrician take my class and he said it was one of his favorites!
by Anita Diamant
just because. XO
Spiritual Midwifery
by Ina May Gaskin
i’ve had the amazing opportunity to meet ina may and to speak with her on the phone many times. she truly is the mother of all midwives. i’ve read this book many times times and wish that i could have delivered my baby on a school bus.