Baby Wearing
2026-02-24 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | 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

Breastfeeding Moms Community
2026-02-27 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-13 09:30 - 11:00, 2026-03-27 09:30 - 11:00
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!

Baby's Here. Now What?
2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-03-24 18:00 - 19:30
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 March, a $75 value!

This class will take place March 3rd, 10th, and 24th from 6:00 – 7:30 PM.

REGISTER HERE: Baby’s Here. Now What?

Mental Health Tips & Advice
2026-03-03 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-04-07 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-05-05 18:00 - 19:30, 2026-06-02 18:00 - 19:30
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

Creighton Model Introductory Session
2026-03-10 18:00 - 19:30
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

Birth Your Way
2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:30
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

Confidence in Continence
2026-03-31 18:00 - 19:30
Pelvic health issues, including urinary incontinence, affect up to half of all women at some point in their lives making it a very common experience. You are not alone! However, there are effective conservative treatments and management strategies to address urinary leaking. Join us for Confidence in Continence, where Bryndee Nichols, DPT at MercyOne will discuss strategies to provide individuals with evidence-based ways to reduce risk and symptoms of urinary incontinence.

This class is designed to help you learn all about the different kinds of incontinence and ways to both prevent and address leaking symptoms to gain control and confidence. This class works to provide an environment that is personalized and supportive, creating opportunities for every individual to become more in-tune with their body!

**This class will be hosted at MercyOne Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, 2204 Kimball Ave. Waterloo, IA 50702

Please wear comfortable clothing that is easy to move in for some exercise practice. MercyOne Kimball Rehab and Wellness is located in the strip mall next to Family Dollar. You can park anywhere in the strip mall parking lot and enter into the front doors. Someone will be waiting up front to direct you to the PT gym for class.

REGISTER HERE: Confidence in Continence Registration
