The Guiding Star Project | Cedar Valley

Breastfeeding Basics
2026-12-15 18:00 - 19:30 UTC | 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
2026-12-18 09:30 - 11:00
Our Breastfeeding Moms Community will meet at Guiding Star Cedar Valley on the 2nd and 3rd Friday of November and December 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!

Miscarriage & Infant Loss Support Community - Fall Session
2027-01-05 17:30 - 18:30
Guiding Star’s partner, Katie Schmitz LISW, will be offering a miscarriage & infant loss support community beginning in September. We will meet in the downstairs community class space here at Guiding Star Cedar Valley.
The group will meet monthly, for one hour, for five consecutive months. Any individual, at any level or grieving, is welcome to attend. Topics will be mostly group-led, but will range from “What is ‘Normal’ in the Grieving Process” to “The Importance of Rituals” to “How to Communicate Needs to Others Outside of your Grief” and “How to Support other Children in Your Grief”. While there is no set cost for joining the group–free will donations will be accepted at each session, with a suggested cost of $10 per session.
Because of the nature of this group, you must attend the very first meeting in order to continue with the sessions. Fill out this form if you would like to attend the group, beginning in September, or other possible sessions.

This fall session will meet on the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 – 6:30 PM.

1st Session: September 1st, 2026
2nd Session: October 6th, 2026
3rd Session: November 3rd, 2026
4th Session: December 1st, 2026
5th Session: January 5th, 2027

If you have any questions, call Guiding Star at (319) 232-2695 or email danielle@guidingstarcedarvalley.org
Guiding Star Cedar Valley is located at 220 Southbrooke Drive, Waterloo, IA 50702.

REGISTER HERE : Miscarriage & Infant Loss Support Community – Fall Session
