Pelvic Floor Health
2025-10-28 18:00 - 19:30 UTC
We are excited for you to join us for Bryndee’s Pelvic Floor Class! Bryndee Nichols, DPT with MercyOne will be showing exercises, sharing how to tailor exercise throughout your cycle, presenting research regarding exercise and fertility, and allowing you to become more in tune with your body.
**This class will be hosted at MercyOne Rehabilitation and Wellness Center,
2204 Kimball Ave. Waterloo, IA 50702

SIGN UP HERE– LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE

Guiding Star Cedar Valley 2025 Annual Charity Gala
2025-11-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Diamond Event Center, 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls, Iowa, 50613, United States
To register, scan the QR Code above or click on the link below!
Guiding Star Charity Gala Registration

Stress Less, Cycle Well
2025-11-11 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Have you ever wondered how stress affects your cycle? How sometimes when you’re under a lot of stress your period is early or late? Do you know about the different kinds of stress and how they can affect your cycle?
Join Julie Grunklee, RN, FCP where you’ll learn about the different kinds of stress, how they affect your cycle (or your gynecological health-which affects your overall health & wellbeing) and what you can do about it.
Julie is an RN, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, FertilityCare Practitioner and holds a Masters Degree in Community Health Education with nearly 30 years of experience in helping others understand how they were designed as well as helping them discover the strategies they need to lead happy, healthy, vibrant lives by aligning with that design.
Register Here

Breastfeeding Moms Community
2025-11-14 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-11-21 09:30 - 11:00 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Our Breastfeeding Moms Community in November will meet at Guiding Star Cedar Valley on the 2nd and 3rd Friday from 9:30am-11am. Childwatch is available and you can register here. Each meeting will be led by Susan Wirtjes who has been assisting women on their breastfeeding journeys for more than 50 years! Our vision for this group is that it will be a place where women will meet other like-minded mothers and support professionals. We will encourage sharing of experiences in a non-judgmental setting. Moms will be offered options and alternatives to help them make choices that fit well with their parenting style. We want to help women feel supported, empowered and affirmed in their motherhood journey. Pregnant women welcome!

Nourish & Renew: A Postpartum Wellness Class
2025-11-18 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Whether you’re currently pregnant and preparing for the postpartum period, or currently there, your health is of value and a priority. We oftentimes focus on the health of babies during this time, rightfully so, but your health is just as important. Join us in empowering expecting and current moms through their postpartum journey, taking time to recognize aspects of both physical and mental health.

The postpartum period is full of emotional highs and lows, adjusting to a new stage of life. During this period, it is important to find time to prioritize the health of moms, both physically and mentally. Nourish & Renew is a FREE postpartum wellness class designed specifically to meet those needs.

The class will begin with education regarding postpartum physical health, specifically related to pelvic floor health. Information within this topic has been gathered from Kalais Slaubaugh PT, DPT from Rock Valley Physical Therapy. The second portion will focus on postpartum mental health through a guided discussion facilitated by Katie Schmitz, LISW. We will discuss the importance of managing mental health during this period and how a community of support can make a world of difference.
We hope you are able to join us for Nourish & Renew: A Postpartum Wellness Class! Feel free to bring a support person, husband, or anyone that would make the space more welcoming for you!

REGISTER HERE: Nourish & Renew

Creighton Model Introductory Session
2025-12-02 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-03 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
At Guiding Star Cedar Valley, we believe real healthcare empowers women with the knowledge of their fertility. Fertility should be respected and understood, not treated as an illness. But too often, women are simply given contraception with no invitation to learn about the way their bodies function and no opportunity to even begin to learn about charting their menstrual cycle.
Our mission is to change that! We want to equip women with the understanding that they deserve to understand how their bodies work and have the root causes of reproductive issues treated, not simply covered with a band-aid approach.
The Creighton Model FertilityCare System offers an alternative to hormonal contraception while working cooperatively with the female reproductive cycle. Come and learn more about the Creighton Method (spouses/partners are encouraged to join!) in this introductory course! Cost of the session is $60 per couple. FREE Childwatch is also available! Please call us with any questions: 319-232-2695.
REGISTER HERE: Creighton Intro Session

Breastfeeding Basics
2025-12-02 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
How do I know if I have enough milk?
How do I know when my baby is full?
What if my baby won’t latch?

Breastfeeding is a journey that is full of emotions, challenges and beauty. We want to lay a foundation of support for you in answering some common questions, providing some breastfeeding basics, help your spouse be equipped to support you along with tips and tricks for baby care.

Susan Wirtjes, IBCLC, has been teaching women for 40+ years, and you will walk away from this class with confidence for your breastfeeding journey! Spouses are welcome as they are an important part of this journey.
REGISTER HERE: Breastfeeding-Basics

Breastfeeding Moms Community
2025-12-05 09:30 - 11:00, 2025-12-19 09:30 - 11:00 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Our Breastfeeding Moms Community in December will meet at Guiding Star Cedar Valley on the 1st and 3rd Friday from 9:30am-11am. Childwatch is available and you can register here. Each meeting will be led by Susan Wirtjes who has been assisting women on their breastfeeding journeys for more than 50 years! Our vision for this group is that it will be a place where women will meet other like-minded mothers and support professionals. We will encourage sharing of experiences in a non-judgmental setting. Moms will be offered options and alternatives to help them make choices that fit well with their parenting style. We want to help women feel supported, empowered and affirmed in their motherhood journey. Pregnant women welcome!

Baby's Here. Now What?
2025-12-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Join us for this three-part, in person class for expecting parents. You’ll get practical guidance and support in three key areas: physical recovery and emotional support following birth, evidence-based newborn care, and how to begin breastfeeding with confidence. The class will utilize a mix of instruction, hands-on activities, and real conversation about expectations and realities. By the end of the series, both mom and dad will leave feeling informed, empowered, and ready to take on the first few weeks of parenthood! Take this class for FREE this December, a $75 value!

This class will take place December 7th, 14th, and 21st from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

REGISTER HERE: Baby’s Here. Now What?

Birth Your Way
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Have you thought about what you want your birth story to be? Our partner, Zenith Birth Services, will be educating you on what to expect during labor, comfort measures, and, most importantly, how to have an informed birth experience. Sarah Oldre is a certified Birth Doula and has been serving women in the Cedar Valley since 2013. Bring your labor questions, and we know you will leave feeling one step closer to being prepared for your birth story!
REGISTER HERE: Birth Your Way

Mental Health Tips & Advice
2026-01-06 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-02-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Join us for a monthly opportunity to discuss tips and advice in areas of parenting, self care, family relationships, marriage, life balance and more!

Katie Schmitz is a licensed and trained mental health professional that has partnered with Guiding Start for almost 5 years to provide counseling for those that Guiding Star serves. She is trained in Somatic trauma processing, EMDR, Internal Family Systems, Play Therapy and is passionate about teaching others about how their brains, hormones, bodies and spirituality intersect to help them reach others at a heart level. Prior to becoming a therapist, Katie was a stay at home mom for 14 years and worked as a life coach with a StrengthsFinder base. She has been married to Bart for 22 years and is the mother to 5 children ranging in age from 11-20.

You can submit questions using the registration form below, or simply bring them with you. This will be an open class format so come once, twice or to all of them. You can come alone or as a couple. Make it a date night and include dinner and time for discussion. No matter when or how often you come, Katie will be glad to offer support and guidance for you and your family.

Childwatch provided when requested using the registration below.

REGISTER HERE: Mental Health Tips & Advice Registration

Breastfeeding Moms Community
2026-01-09 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-13 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-02-27 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-13 09:30 - 11:00 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Our Breastfeeding Moms Community will meet at Guiding Star Cedar Valley on the 2nd and 4th Friday of each month from 9:30am-11am. Childwatch is available and you can register here. Each meeting will be led by Susan Wirtjes who has been assisting women on their breastfeeding journeys for more than 50 years! Our vision for this group is that it will be a place where women will meet other like-minded mothers and support professionals. We will encourage sharing of experiences in a non-judgmental setting. Moms will be offered options and alternatives to help them make choices that fit well with their parenting style. We want to help women feel supported, empowered and affirmed in their motherhood journey. Pregnant women welcome!

Where Do(ula) I Start?
2026-01-13 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Have you been feeling called to support families through one of life’s most transformative experiences? Whether you’re passionate about birth work, or simply curious about the process of becoming a doula, this class is the perfect first step to explore how to begin your journey.

Being a birth doula is a rewarding career – but how does someone start? With a growing demand for personalized support during labor and delivery, many families are seeking knowledgeable, compassionate doulas who can advocate for their needs and guide them through the birth process.

Join Sarah Oldre, Zenith Birth Services, as she talks about what it means to be a doula, how to pick a certifying organization, and practical steps for where to start in our community. Our hope is that this class session helps you discover if becoming a birth doula is the right path for you!

REGISTER HERE: Where Do(ula) I Start?

Mother Daughter: Intro to Womanhood Class
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
We are so excited to share this evening with you and your daughter! We focus on helping girls understand their 4 main superpowers and how puberty relates to each of them. Those “super powers” are Ovulation, Menstruation, Gestation, and Lactation. We spend most of our time in the Ovulation and Menstruation categories – explaining signs they are approaching, the way they might feel during those phases of their cycles, how to prepare for their first period, exploring ways to contain the flow, what’s normal, what’s not, etc.
We also want to help them connect this season of puberty and all that comes with it to the future beauty of their design should they want to become mothers someday. Our hope is that in exploring the topics of pregnancy and breastfeeding, it helps them develop a healthy respect of the functionality of their bodies so they can walk through their development more confidently. The Lactation piece mostly explores breast development and how a developed breast works in the lactation process on a very basic level. At the end, we also start to explore the concept of SPICE in a way that helps them understand their changing feelings and how they are spiritual, physical, intellectual, creative, and emotional beings and can connect with those around them in these different categories.
The cost of this Mother-Daughter class is $25 and an additional $10 will be added per daughter (1 daughter = $25, 2 daughters = $35, etc.). Each daughter will receive a gift and folder of resources that will further the discussion and relationship you have with your daughter around this transition into womanhood. We hope this class serves both of you in fostering healthy conversations about the female body and its superpowers!
REGISTER HERE: IntroToWomanhood

Father Son: Intro to Manhood
2026-01-20 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
In Intro to Manhood, we will cover the objectives every boy undergoes in the process of becoming a man. These objectives include the development of the body, anatomy, physiology and character traits of an upstanding man. The material is designed to give boys a concise, yet digestible, knowledge of the changes their bodies will go through during puberty and the process of how a new life is created. The boys will also gain insight on what it means to be a man as far as leadership and building meaningful relationships with family and friends.
The cost of this Father Son Class is $25. Each son will receive a gift and folder of resources that will further the discussion and relationship you have with your son around this transition into manhood. We hope this class serves both of you in fostering healthy conversations about manhood and the transition into it!
REGISTER HERE: Intro to Manhood

Breastfeeding Moms Community
2026-01-23 09:30 - 11:00

Basic Infant & Child CPR and Choking
2026-01-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
In this class you’ll learn the basics of Infant & Child CPR & Choking.

You’ll learn:
-How to recognize when a child and/or infant needs CPR or choking relief
-What to do when a child needs CPR or choking relief
-How to correctly perform CPR and choking relief using manikins for hands-on practice

This class is taught by Julie Grunklee, RN & Certified CPR/First Aid Instructor through the American Heart Association. This class is a basic overview and is designed to prepare parents and caregivers with practical, hands-on skills to respond in an emergency. However, this class does not provide certification in CPR or Choking.

REGISTER HERE: Basic Infant & Child CPR and Choking Registration

Baby Wearing
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30 | Guiding Star Cedar Valley, 220 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, IA, 50702, United States
Are you a first time parent? Are you a mom or dad that needs a refresher this time around?

We know that raising children can be difficult and that all children are different. With some kiddos, wearing them in a wrap is the only way moms and dads can get anything done! Our baby wearing class is specific to help parents (new or experienced) learn which baby carriers are the best for them and their kiddos.

We do offer FREE childwatch during the educational portion of this class! And then when it is time to try on the baby carriers, you can grab your child and try it with your baby inside.

REGISTER HERE: Baby Wearing
