before and after the birth
childbirth, postpartum and parenting education
childbirth classes are currently held online.
anyone from anywhere can sign up!
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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Andrea Oleson Maternity and birth videographer.
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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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Birthing From Within Offers 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 an 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, Jessica and Sarah are outstanding.
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Broadlawns Breastfeeding Support Group Scales are available for you to weigh your baby.
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Capital Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Center Family and sports medicine clinic specializing in progressive, evidence-based manual medicine. Chris and Abbie took my class.
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Car seat safety class at Unity Point Provides expectant and new parents with an opportunity to focus on the proper use of car seats to keep their children safe.
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Central Iowa Doula Association Emotional support, encouragement, physical comfort, and information during pregnancy, birth, and shortly after.
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Central Iowa Midwife Providing well women care and home birth services.
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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 is a childbirth class grad.
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Des Moines Doula Kelli Brus is an outstanding birth doula and 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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Dr. Molly Bremen DDS Pediatric dentist who specializes in lip and tongue tie revision.
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Emily Alberhasky, Doula She's AMAZING!!
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Evidence Based Birth Informing and empowering expecting parents. It's an excellent covid-19 resource as well.
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411 Safety Shop and First Aid/CPR Training Located in Valley Junction.
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Family Equality Advancing equality for LGBTQ families.
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Gentle Beginnings Birth Services Mandi Harding Hillman offers support for birth and beyond. She is an amazing therapist.
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Healing Passages/Willowsong Midwifery 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! She's also a childbirth class graduate.
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Iowa Acupuncture A unique health clinic featuring a holistic blend of ancient wisdom and modern therapies. Beth and Bill Terrell are fantastic.
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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 Amazing massage therapist and she's a childbirth class graduate.
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Kellymom Providing evidence-based information on breastfeeding and parenting.
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La Leche League Breastfeeding support, local groups meet monthly.
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Leeann Albright Nurse practitioner and lactation consultant (IBCLC) in West Des Moines.
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LGBTQ Birth Providing queer centered support spaces and education.
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Livewell and Birthwell Clinics Excellent prenatal chiropractic care. (Tammy and Nicole took my class)!
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Love and Loss Project Shining light on child and pregnancy loss.
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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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Miscarriage Hurts Hope after loss.
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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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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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No Foot Too Small Iowa organization that draws awareness to pregnancy loss + infant mortality while encouraging the celebration of angels.
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Nourished Dsm Ready made vegetarian and vegan meals. Beth is wonderful.
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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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Spinning Babies Easier childbirth.
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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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Wander Women Iowa Empowering and connecting women through nature. Jenn took my childbirth class.
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Wildflower Massage and Bodywork Sarah Hybels LMT and she's a childbirth class grad.
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Woman Rising Midwifery A great option for home birth.
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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 and Amy is a childbirth graduate.
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.
Like a Mother: A Feminist Journey Through the Science and Culture of Pregnancy
by Angela Garbes
A candid, feminist, and personal deep dive into the science and culture of pregnancy and motherhood.
Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience
by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaroan
an innovating aproach to birthing showing women how to maximize childbirth's emotional and physical rewards.
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.
Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition
by Lily Nichols
clear answers on what to eat and why.
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.
Dear Mama, You Matter: Honest talk about the transition to motherhood
by Amanda Hardy PhD
this book is essential for all new mamas. and amanda is amazing!!
The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality
by Kimberly Ann Johnson
this holistic guide offers practical advice to support women through postpartum healing on the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual levels.
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
by Gill Rapley PhD and Tracey Murkett
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.
Cribsheet: A Data-Driven Guide to Better, More Relaxed Parenting, from Birth to Preschool
by Emily Oster
decision-making in the early years of parenting.
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!
The Body Image Survival Guide for Parents: Helping Toddlers, Tweens, and Teens Thrive
Marci Warhaft-Nadler
tackles the tough questions that you and your kids face as they negotiate aspects of body image and self-esteem in a world filled with adverse messages.
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 had a pediatrician take my class who 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 babies on a school bus.