Postpartum Support Groups in Des Moines, Iowa

by Whitney Alaniz, MOT OTR/L

Postpartum Support Groups in Des Moines

After the baby comes the inevitable sleepless nights, worrying about breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding, wondering if you are doing anything right and often feeling alone. On top of that, mamas experience an array of both emotional and physical changes after birth. Many moms can experience anxiety disorders, mood swings, baby blues, and more during their postpartum period. Whether it’s your first, second, or tenth baby, seeking emotional support in a safe space when having a new baby in the home is helpful.

Explore this list of postpartum groups in Des Moines, Iowa including in-person and online. Some groups focus on making connections with other families and some are led by mental health professionals introducing different educational topics including mental health challenges.

Anxiety and OCD Treatment Services

Address: 6750 Westown Parkway, West Des Moines, IA 50266

When: Ongoing and meets every Monday from 9 to 10 a.m. They ask for a 6-week commitment.

This Postpartum Anxiety and OCD Treatment Group is held via Zoom once a week for 6 weeks. It is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) treatment group for parents who are struggling with perinatal (or postpartum) anxiety and OCD. Check their website for their current schedule and more information.

Balance Chiropractic and Wellness with Latch IBCLC

Address: 102 SE 30th Street, Ankeny, IA 50021

When: Typically once a month from Noon to 1 p.m. The next sessions are on November 9th and December 14th

Join Crystel Corbin, IBCLC with LATCH, and Dr. Jennifer Thompson with Balance Chiropractic for their monthly breastfeeding and postpartum support group held each month. This group is free and open to the public. Siblings are welcome and a scale is available for weighted feeds. Check the Latch IBCLC Facebook page for schedule updates. RSVP at 515-255-5330.

Basking Babies, LLC

Multiple classes/dates are available. Check her website for a current schedule of classes.

Angela Swieter, owner of Basking Babies LLC, is a registered nurse as well as an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and International Certified Childbirth Educator. She provides one-on-one appointments as well as classes regarding breastfeeding and preparing for birth. Classes include:

Mother’s Milk for Multiples
Skip Baby Puree: Understanding baby-led weaning
The Pumping Class
Grandparents Class: Raising a baby now vs then
B.O.O.B. Camp: In collaboration with Katie Nyberg, The Iowa Baby Lady, learn about breastfeeding, organizing the home after baby, orientation to parenting, and learning more about your baby and development.

Before and After the Birth

Multiple classes including in-person and online options.

Owner Amy Brooks Murphy is a childbirth educator, postpartum doula, lactation specialist, and parent coach. She provides childbirth classes, postpartum/parenting groups both online and through Clive Public Library, transitional baby care, doula services, lactation support, and empowerment parent coaching. Check her website or Facebook page for current schedule and pricing.

Beyond Birth: Baby’s First Year

Where: Central Library Des Moines

When: Tuesdays in Meeting Room 3 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Join this FREE weekly postpartum support group for parents and their new babies. Facilitated by Blank Children’s Hospital, each week will feature a guest presenter on a variety of postpartum topics, plus plenty of time to meet other new parents and enjoy time at the library. There is no need to register, and you do not need to be a Blank Children’s Hospital or Unity Point of Des Moines patient to attend! Check their website for the current schedule.

Birthwell

Where: 13375 University Avenue, Suite 100, Clive, IA 50325

When: Multiple dates/times

Birthwell uses functional medicine and chiropractic care to help expecting mothers using holistic, healthy, and natural methods. Each month they host an educational class on different topics such as newborn care, infant massage, prenatal breastfeeding prep, and pelvic floor support. Check their website for the current schedule and topic.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers)

Where: Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines

When: Second and Fourth Fridays of the Month from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a space where moms of babies and young children gather, away from the chaos of our daily lives, to learn from and support one another in our shared experiences of faith, love, and potty training! They are a local chapter of the MOPS International organization.

Email mopshopewdm@gmail.com for registration information and financial assistance. Learn more here.

Museum Babies

Where: Des Moines Children’s Museum, located in Valley West Mall

When: Wednesdays from 8:45-9:45 a.m.

A FREE inclusive, community-rich program for parents, caregivers, and infants under one. Socialization for both caregivers and babies. Enjoy the benefits of occasional guest speakers and workshops. Babies and their adults can continue their fun at the museum after the program. Older children are welcome with a caregiver and infant present.

Postpartum Support International (PSI): Iowa Chapter

Multiple online support groups. Facebook page.

PSI works to increase awareness, education, prevention, and treatment of perinatal mental health issues affecting individuals, their families, and support systems in all areas of Iowa. They offer numerous online support groups such as for perinatal mental health support, postpartum mood disorders, pregnancy loss, and grief support, post-abortion and termination for medical reasons support as well as support groups in Spanish. View their list of groups here.

The Iowa Baby Lady with Blessed Births and Beyond

Address: Waukee Wellness & Chiropractic

When: Meet first and third Fridays of each month from 10 to 11 a.m.

Shannon Lee from Blessed Births and Beyond and Katie Nyberg from the Iowa Baby Lady will host the New Moms Postpartum Support Group for new moms to ask questions, share concerns, and receive support and encouragement. Moms and babies in arms are welcome but unfortunately, there is no space for older children. Check the event Facebook page to mark “going” and for the current schedule.

Blessed Births & Beyond also provides prenatal support, labor packages, postpartum doula services, and sleep consultation.
The Iowa Baby Lady also provides doula support, an Express Childbirth Class, a Twin Birth and Parent Preparations class, and a B.O.O.B. camp in collaboration with Basking Babies. She also provides professional training for doulas.

Postpartum Doulas in Des Moines, Iowa

There are several great postpartum doulas in the Des Moines area. Below are a few we would recommend. If you would like your name and information added to this list, please let us know!