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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. 

• Childbirth Connection  really great resource that helps women and health professionals make informed maternity care decisions.

• Christine Young LISW, PMH-C a broadlawns certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C) specializing in postpartum depression and anxiety.

• Des Moines Acupuncture  improving health through balance since 2001. abby Miller, L.Ac, Dipl. CH is a childbirth class graduate.

• Des Moines Midwife Collective  certified nurse-midwives serving the des moines area and central iowa.

• DONA International  doulas of north america…find a doula in your community!

• Dr. Molly Bremen DDS  local pediatric dentist who specializes in lip and tongue tie revision.

• Emily Rose birth doula and mental health counselor. she's AMAZING!!

• Evidence Based Birth informing and empowering expecting parents. It's an excellent covid-19 resource as well.

• Family Equality  advancing equality for LGBTQ families.

• Heart of Iowa Midwifery a full scope midwifery service caring for women in central Iowa. 

• Heaven Sent Homebirth

• ICAN of Central Iowa  international cesarean awareness network. Improve maternal-child health by preventing unnecessary cesareans.

• Imagine Peace Massage  get a prenatal massage with maggie LMT! she's also a childbirth class graduate.

• Iowa Acupuncture   a unique health clinic featuring a holistic blend of ancient wisdom and modern therapies. beth and bill terrell are fantastic.

• Jamie Nelson-Kirby Therapy and Consulting  individual, couples and family therapy, prenatal yoga and yoga wellness coaching. jamie is amazing and a childbirth class grad!

• Jodi Connolly LMT she gives an amazing induction massage and is a class grad.

• Kith and Kin Health Collaborative  kristen strawhacker bonzer took my class and is an outstanading PT.

• La Leche League  breastfeeding support, local groups meet monthly.

• Leeann Albright  nurse practitioner and lactation consultant (IBCLC) in west des moines.

• Let's Talk Menopause  the more you know, the better you feel.

• Love and Loss Project  shining light on child and pregnancy loss.

• The Meadowlark Clinic  amanda harding offers support for birth and beyond. she is an amazing therapist and author of the fantastic book, Dear Mama, You Matter.

• Menopause Society  leading the menopause conversation.

• Moms Demand Action  a grassroots movement of Americans fighting for public safety measures that can protect people from gun violence.

• Moonstone Midwifery  homebirth services with lori steinmann ARNP, CNM.

• No Foot Too Small  iowa organization that draws awareness to pregnancy loss + infant mortality while encouraging the celebration of angels.

• Nourished Dsm  ready made vegetarian and vegan meals. beth is wonderful. 

• One Iowa a catalyst for improving the lives of LGBTQ iowans. 

• Postpartum Support International (Iowa Chapter)  you are not alone.

• Spinning Babies  easier childbirth.

• The Grateful Chef  creating delicious, inventive and healthy meals each week. perfect for postpartum.

• Unity Point Midwives

• Vaginal Birth after Cesarean (VBAC)  provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC.

• Wander Women Iowa  empowering and connecting women through nature. Jenn took my childbirth class.

• Woman Rising Midwifery  rebecca schleuger-valadao, CNM is a terrific option for homebirth.

• Young Women's Resource Center  among other services, helps pregnant teens make responsible choices.

• 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)...

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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!

 

Natural Hospital Birth

by Cynthia Gabriel

good read for hospital birth friends!!

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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. 

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The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth

by Henci Goer

helps compare and contrast your various options and shows you how to avoid unnecessary procedures, drugs, restrictions, and tests.

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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.

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Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering: A Doctor's Guide to Natural Childbirth and Gentle Early Parenting Choices

by Sarah Buckley

an authoritative guide to natural childbirth and postpartum parenting options from an MD who home-birthed her own four children.

 

Give Birth Like a Feminist

by Milli Hill

this book dares to say women matter too.

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Menopause Manifesto: own your health with facts and feminism

by Jen Gunter

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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.

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Why Did No One Tell Me This?: The Doulas' (Honest) Guide for Expectant Parents

by Natalia Hailes

full of honest advice and inclusive options. it's a funny, personality-filled, illustrated guide to pregnancy, birth, and beyond that modern parents have been waiting for.

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Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide 

by Penny Simkin

the comprehensive guidance you need to make informed decisions about having a safe and satisfying pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period–decisions that reflect your preferences, priorities, and values. 

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Orgasmic Birth: Your Guide to a Safe, Satisfying, and Pleasurable Birth Experience

by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaroan

an innovating approach 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.

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Spiritual Midwifery

by Ina May Gaskin

i’ve had the 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 countless times and wish that i could've delivered my babies on a school bus. 

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The Red Tent

by Anita Diamant

just because. XO

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Real Food for Pregnancy: The Science and Wisdom of Optimal Prenatal Nutrition

by Lily Nichols

clear answers on what to eat and why.

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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.

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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!!

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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.

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Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding: From the Nation's Leading Midwife 

by Ina May

she's a breastfeeding expert too!

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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

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Baby-Led WeaningThe Essential Guide―How to Introduce Solid Foods and Help Your Baby to Grow Up a Happy and Confident Eater

by Gill Rapley PhD and Tracey Murkett

baby-led weaning is the healthy, natural way to start your baby on solid foods—no stress, no fuss, no mush.

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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.​

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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!

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Good Inside: A Guide to Becoming the Parent You Want to Be

by Dr. Becky Kennedy

a wildly popular parenting expert and creator of @drbeckyatgoodinside, shares her groundbreaking approach to raising kids and offers practical strategies for parenting in a way that feels good.

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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 navigate aspects of body image and self-esteem in a world filled with adverse messages. 

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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! 

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