Loving Life Labor & Birth Support, LLC

When should I start seeing a chiropractor for prenatal care???

I have women ask me this question all the time once they find out they are expecting.

The truth is that there is no right or wrong time to get started.

Most of my patients schedule their initial prenatal appointment during the first trimester and from there we typically get on a regular schedule during the early months. As the pregnancy progresses, the amount of routine visits usually increases as the body starts to shift and change more dramatically.

💜 During the first trimester chiro can help alleviate nausea
💜 During the second trimester chiro can relieve aches & pains caused by hormonal & physical changes
💜 During the third trimester chiro can assist in preparing the body for labor & delivery by utilizing the Webster Technique

Are you newly pregnant? Scheduled your first prenatal visit today (linked in bio)

I am canceling this session of CBE classes. I am sorry. Look for another session coming early this fall!

Our next childbirth education series begins next Monday! Be sure to click on my events page and if you're wanting to join, shoot me an email at [email protected] or a message here on FB! This isn't just for first-time parents...if your first...or second...or third birth was less than ideal and you would like a better view of birth, this class is for you! If you've never given birth and want to learn what a normal physiological birth looks like, this class is for you! We will cover pregnancy, good nutrition (presented by my good friend, Dr. Giovanna Sietz, other aspects of good prenatal care, labor and delivery, and so much more! This is not your typical hospital childbirth education (which is basically what their policies are and what they will or will not "let" or "allow" you to do! Your birth is your birth and you have a right to all the facts! Can't wait to get this session going!!

Looking for childbirth education? I will be teaching a new 6 weeks series starting June 17, 2024 at Wildflower Chiropractic in Toledo, IA. Spaces are limited, so be sure to check back for registration information and save your spot! Private childbirth education is an essential part of your maternity care! I would love to have you join us!

Rain can be challenging towards the end of pregnancy...drink some red raspberry leaf tea, curl up with a good book, do some stretching, cherish those last few days with that baby all to yourself! The sun will shine soon and you can get back outside walking (especially curb walking! Do it both directions! We want balance!) and maybe some gardening!

Chiropractic care is so important in pregnancy! Dr. Seitz is amazing and a wonderful support for expectant mothers!

Hey Mamas-to-be! 👋

Did you know, there’s a special technique I use that helps expecting mamas?

The Webster Technique can help you prepare for your child’s birth. This technique focuses on relieving the tension in your round ligaments and balancing the pelvis during pregnancy.

This technique is safe for pregnant women and helps to provide more comfort to you during pregnancy and birth. It creates an ideal environment for your sweet baby to wiggle and grow. It also helps to alleviate some of the discomfort that you feel while your baby is growing! Hip pain...groin pain... you know what I'm talking about, mama!

Webster Certification is an honor to hold because I can serve you mothers while you create life. That is not something I take lightly!

We'd love to support you and make you as comfortable as possible during this amazing time in your life!

You can book an appointment using the link in our bio!

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We would love to see you Monday night, April 1, No Foolin'! Join us as we take your questions on what might be challenging you during your pregnancy.

We want to help women have a safe, memorable, and empowering birthing experience! Come chat with our birthing doula, hormone educator, and other new or expecting mothers about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Childwatch is available!

Tonight's the night! Please join us as we being our journey to a better understanding of childbirth and all that entails!

Are you or someone you love expecting a baby soon? Come learn about our exciting NEW childbirth education classes!

Sign up today for the Introductory Session on March 26th: https://gsmarshalltown.wpenginepowered.com/event/introduction-to-childbirth-education/

It is such a blessing to be able to serve women through Guiding Star Marshalltown !

I am so excited to begin our Childbirth Education classes at Guiding Star Marshalltown! I would love to have you join us! We will begin with our Introduction on March 26, which is free, and then classes will be Tuesdays in April (there are 5!) Attendance at the Introductory meeting is required for sign-up for the rest of the class.

Childbirth Education is one of the best investments you can make for your pregnancy and labor/delivery experience!

Childbirth Education helps to alleviate fears, teaches you techniques for comfort and pain management, and puts you in the driver's seat! You will learn about informed consent and using your B.R.A.I.N to make decisions that align with your birth philosophy! Use the QR code below (click on the image for the qr code) or go to www.guidingstarmarshalltown.org to register. Space is limited so hurry to reserve your spot!!

Please do your research when it comes to inductions! Dr. Sara Wickham's books are a great place to start!

Over the years, I have shared a number of studies showing that induction of labour increases the chance of caesarean.

This is also something that I explain in depth in my book, In Your Own Time.

It's important that we discuss this topic openly and honestly, so that people can understand the evidence in this area.

That's because many women and families are told that induction decreases their chance of having a caesarean.

But that's not actually true in the real world.

In the real world, having your labour induced increases your chance of having a caesarean.

in fact, the people who claim that induction leads to fewer caesareans are quoting the results of one study, the ARRIVE Trial, which was flawed, and did not reflect real world maternity care.

In the real world, having your labour induced increases your chance of having a caesarean.

This is a complex topic.

So I have explained it further in an extended blog post, which you can read at https://www.sarawickham.com/research-updates/induction-increases-caesarean/

There's also more in my book, In Your Own Time: how western medicine controls the start of labour and why this needs to stop.

Lots more info at https://www.sarawickham.com/time

This took me way too long, but I am so thankful for Demetria at Birth Arts International for bring patient with me, knowing that life gets in the way sometimes!

Keep an eye out for childbirth education class opportunities coming!

Let's create a space where birth heals the world ✨🌍

So often in today's society, we hear parents sharing stories of "what happened" in their birthing rooms. Often, they are stories of what they wish were done differently. It's not that families aren't prepared - in fact today's families are more knowledgeable about birthing (almost as if we were returning to our innate abilities).

My role and commitment to you is to prepare your pelvis for birth, balance your nervous system so that you can tune in to your innate abilities, and educate you and your partner about how to position your body to help the natural flow of labor.

Through the Webster Technique, a unique technique specific to pregnancy, we will align your hips and pelvis so that your little one has the space they need to grow and YOU have the knowledge and empowerment to bring them Earthside. Here's to birth becoming the thing that heals the world. If you are in a space where you are pregnant and ready to tune into your body, reach out to us!

When you are sharing at a breastfeeding conference, you crochet bewbs!

Time is slipping away to get registered! If you are a new mom just beginning her breastfeeding journey or a seasoned pro or a nurse looking to supplement your knowledge, we would love to have you join us!!

We would love to have you join us!

Due to an illness from one of our instructors and an intense weather forecast rolling through, we have decided to cancel the Great Expectations class tomorrow evening!
We will have this class again in February! 🧡

We will be discussing how private childbirth education can make all the difference in your birth! Come hear from 2 moms in postpartum as they share their stories!

What can you expect when your baby is ready to make his/her arrival?
Come and socialize with other pregnant moms, share your advice, and get your questions answered by Dawn (Certified Birth Doula) and Megan (Hormone Educator)! They will discuss what to expect for labor and delivery, postpartum, nutrition, and more!

Walk-ins are welcome and childwatch is available! Register today: https://guidingstarmarshalltown.org/.../what.../2023-12-04/

Join myself and 2 newly postpartum moms on January 8th, 2024, at Guiding Star Marshalltown, as we talk about the importance of PRIVATE childbirth education. There is so much more to a successful birth experience than what most hospitals are willing to teach.

Chiropractic care is so important in pregnancy and the Webster technique is the way to go! Not all chiropractors are trained in it, so be sure to question your chiropractor about it and if they aren't, reach out to Dr. Seitz at Wildflower Family Chiropractic!

What the Webster Technique [literally] does for you!

There are 3⃣ major ligaments that work together to support your uterus during pregnancy.

The position of your uterus is determined by the stretch of these ligaments.

Because of factors like hip rotation, fatigue, change in posture, and more that women experience during pregnancy, these ligaments will feel a certain degree of strain or tension.

That tension limits your baby's ability to shift around in your womb. This is especially not ideal towards the end of your pregnancy when you want your baby head down!

The Webster Technique is what chiropractors use to determine the tension or stress points in the three ligaments and then use gentle adjustments or pressure to address them.

When we allow our bodies to do what they were created to do and let our own hormones dance, the end result is a powerful transformation!

Undisturbed birth hormones have the power to change us: fear gives way to courage, doubt gives way to belief, and pain gives way to joy.

Who’s feeling all the feels right now? 🥺

While we may have had to cancel, we are looking forward to 2024. Be sure to fill out the questionnaire and let us know how best we can serve you!

We are incredibly sad to inform you all that we will have to cancel our Breastfeeding Basics Conference on Thursday, Sept 7th. We just didn't have enough attendees signed up, but are going to rescheduling this event for 2024! As we plan for future events we would LOVE your feedback on what topics you are interested in and what times or platforms work best for you. Please fill out this quick survey https://docs.google.com/forms/d/19jr7kL4MqNJTds-fnV6nrHBdpFpSjLoBzUaOhLu2eF4/edit

Our mission at Guiding Star Marshalltown is to be apart of a movement dedicated to serving women and families in hopes of changing the way the culture of women's healthcare is viewed, valued, and delivered. We strive to form deep relationships and offer educational and support classes that are gracefully led to help others learn and grow.

It's almost September! Wow! This year is flying by! The beginning of each month means Great Expectations at Guiding Star Marshalltown! Please be sure to note the day change (due to Labor Day!) We will be meeting on Tuesday, September 5th, from 6:30-7:30 and discussing holistic and healthy ways to prepare for labor and delivery! I hope to see you there!

What can you expect when your baby is ready to make his/her arrival? Join this free class with our Certified Birth Doula, Dawn Bollhoefer, as she talks about holistic options for labor and delivery. Come socialize with other expectant moms, share your advice, and get your questions answered!
Click the link to register. Childcare can also be provided! https://guidingstarmarshalltown.org/event/what-is-a-doula-labor-and-delivery-support/

No is a complete sentence! Your cervix is not a magic 8 ball. A skilled midwife or care provider should be able to get a grasp on where you are in labor by many external cues...still walking and talking during contractions, you've got a ways to go. Contractions are stopping you in your tracks and you can't talk through them, active labor is ramping up. Your behavior gets rhythmic, rotating on the birth ball, dipping the hip, slow dancing with your spouse, even closer. Getting panicky, wanting meds, trying to run, you are most likely in transition. Feeling pushy...very likely that you are complete and it's go time! You don't need a cervical check every hour. No is a complete sentence!