2016 Schedule of Events

Events took place on Saturday, January 16 & Sunday, January 17 at the Iowa City Public Library and across the pedestrian mall at Heartland Yoga. 
All events are free and open to the public.
Saturday, January 16, 2016

ICPL Meeting Room A

10:00-The THRIVE! Formula for Healthy Moms and Vibrant Children
Chris Grier, DC
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The premise is simple: Give the body everything it needs, eliminate everything it doesn't, give it ample time, and the result is thriving, robust health. This presentation will be fun, clear, and powerful in describing what factors play into the various aspects of the formula, what pitfalls are common in our culture, and strategies that participants can employ in their lives immediately to start moving themselves and their children towards optimal health.

11:00- Seva Center for Healing Arts: Integrating Care in the Childbearing Year and Beyond

The practitioners of Seva Center for Healing Arts will give an overview of each of their practices, and how they work with families in the areas of fertility, pregnancy, birth, postpartum wellness, and newborn care. They will discuss acupuncture, midwifery, massage therapy, craniosacral therapy, psychotherapy, yoga, and lactation support. 
With: Alice Spitzner Claussen, Kathy Devine, Monica Basile, Natalie Benway, Kimberly Hendricks, and Jen Pitkin


12:30- "The Mama Sherpas" film screening followed by Q&A panel of University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics practitioners including Certified Nurse Midwives and Obstetricians discussing the team model of maternity care.

2:30-  Informed Consent in Maternity Care: What it Looks Like and Why You Should Want It
Dr. Kari Ward DNP/ARNP/CNM, Clinical Coordinator/Willowsong Midwifery, Healing Passages Birth and Wellness Center.

3:30-  Childbirth: The Cliffs Notes Version - Making a long story short  
Mandi Hardy Hillman, PhD, LPC, CD (DONA), ICCE. President of Iowa Birth Organization, Board Member with Improving Birth, Owner of Gentle Beginnings Birth Services in Ames.

​This brief lecture will be a concise and simple summary of a very big topic. Mandi will share her top tips from years of diverse professional experiences. Mandi is passionate about human rights in childbirth and improving the state of maternity care by promoting access to evidence-based care.  This lecture will also discuss some of the ways in which change in this area is being promoted.

4:30- Herbs and Family Health
​Stephany R. Hoffelt BA HAS
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Working with herbs involves an entirely different approach to achieving wellness which focuses on supporting the body’s innate healing mechanisms rather than treating disease. Although at times herbal preparations may help to soothe and comfort us when we are ill, they are least effective when utilized as “natural alternatives” to modern pharmaceuticals.  The earliest systems of medicine used a preventative approach to wellness by incorporating plant preparations into the daily regimen. Formulas made with these plants were once called tonics and rather than being considered “cure-alls” they were intended to build immunity and vitality. Taking this approach to pregnancy, childbirth and parenting, provides your child with an optimal start. This class will introduce tonic herbs that are gentle and safe for everyday use. 

Heartland Yoga

(Located across the pedestrian mall, 2nd floor of the Vetro Building)

10:30- Hypnosis for Childbirth
Dr. Betsy Rippentrop. PhD
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Come learn about the research and theory behind using the well-established technique of hypnosis for a more relaxed and pain free birth.  This class will cover the myths of hypnosis, the stages of hypnosis for childbirth, and why it is so effective.  Class will conclude with a hypnotic induction.

12:00 Yoga for Pregnancy
Mary Denmead
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Pregnancy can be the best yoga class of a woman's life;  an opportunity to align with a deep inner strength, to become flexible and patient with the changes in the body, and a beautiful time to align with the light of life glowing within.

In addition to teaching yoga for 20 years, Mary taught natural childbirth classes (Bradley Method).  In 2007, Mary produced and directed a production of Karen Brody's play "Birth" in Flagstaff, AZ raising awareness of womens choices in childbirth to the community there. 

1:30-  Birth As A Vision Quest: Empowerment through ritual for women and men to prepare space, heal wounds and create social change.  
Jai Westgard,EmpowerMentor, Reiki Master/Teacher, Intuitive Counselor and Ritual Leader.

When birth is held as a sacred act, defined by more than a physical experience, but rather held with the container of ritual, women and men can access a deeper vision of the future for themselves, their family and the world.  They acquire a level of power that is needed to become the mothers and fathers they are meant to be.  The presentation will discuss the role of community, sacred space and ritual for creating empowered birth and parenting experiences.

3:30- Birth Story Circle Workshop
Diana Fern, Traditional Midwife
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In society today, there is a strong need for the normalization of discussing and sharing our experiences with childbirth not only as birthing women, but as partners and families, as well. Childbirth can have a multitude of outcomes ranging from empowering to traumatic, and through these circles, we provide a platform for women and men to process and share their personal experiences to heal and empower one another. 

ICPL Children's Room

10:00 - Story time for Siblings 
The library invites the public to the regular morning story time with a theme focusing on becoming a big sister or brother.

12:00 - Iowa City Babywearers Group Meeting
Bring yourself, your loved ones, your friends, your kids, your questions, and your baby carriers!

1:30 - Prenatal Yoga 
Angie Madlock, RYT, CPYT 
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Angie Madlock is the certified Prenatal Yoga instructor at Sweet Feet Yoga on Wednesday evenings. Join her for this free sample class -- a yoga practice for the body, mind, and baby. She will lead the mother-to-be through gentle asanas that help support a healthy birth and labor. Pregnancy is a sacred passage in your life. Honor this time by building body and breath awareness while bonding with your baby.

ICPL Meeting Room B



10:30 The Circumcision Decision
Intact Quad Cities will be presenting information about circumcision and the foreskin. What is circumcision and why is it done? What is the foreskin and why is it there? When and why did circumcision become common in the USA? Are there any valid reasons to have a baby circumcised? Is circumcision still as common in the USA as it once was? Why don’t any other developed countries routinely circumcise newborns? Come with questions and leave with answers!

11:30  Normal Physiologic Birth in the Hospital
Lynne Himmelreich, ARNP, CNM, MPH, FACNM
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Lynne has spent her 40 year career in maternity care listening to women and making hospitals family friendly. For the last 19 years as a midwife at the University of Iowa, she has promoted normal physiologic birth for women in a hospital setting and taught our future physicians to listen to women and have faith in normal birth.

1:00- - Acupuncture for the Childbearing Years 
Alice Spitzner Claussen, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M. of Twig & Needle Chinese Medicine LLC. 

There is more to Chinese Medicine (CM) than acupuncture, such as wellness counseling and herbal medicine. CM is about treating the whole person not just the disease. CM practitioners strive to help their patients target areas of imbalance in their body and/or life that may be creating disharmony. Together, patient and practitioner formulate a treatment plan that may include nutritional changes, lifestyle changes, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and/or bodywork. This makes CM very helpful in navigating the many transitions of a woman's life: menses, conception, pregnancy, labor and delivery, post-partum, peri-menopause.

2:30- Meet Dr. Jordan Long, DC 
Robinson Family Wellness
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Dr. Jordan Long is a graduate of Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa where she received her doctorate degree in chiropractic as well as a bachelors degree in general science.Jordan takes a particular interest in children and will continue her education in pediatrics and prenatal care. Dr. Jordan takes great pride in committing herself to helping others on their journey to wellness through chiropractic care.
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3:30 The Doula Difference
Kellie Osler & Kimberly Hendricks of Thrive Doulas
 
Join doulas and parents for a Q&A panel. Learn how doulas can support your family through the journey of parenthood. Professional labor doulas help families through pregnancy and birth. Postpartum doulas help your family adjust to life at home with your new baby. Come find your match and see how we can help your family thrive!
ICPL Meeting Room D

​12:00- Planning for Postpartum 
Jenn Bowen, Postpartum Doula of Monarch Birth Services.
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The first days and weeks of parenting are full of more love, bliss and challenge than any parent imagines. Our modern world often leaves us much too alone with the learning curve and lacking support. Come and consider some preparations you can make to promote an optimal transition period. Jenn will lead a round table discussion with other new parents where your questions are encouraged.

1:15-Lobbyist for the Coalition for Iowa Home Birth Midwives 

The Coalition for Iowa Home Birth Midwives strives for positive, safe, empowering birth experiences for women and families, as we aim to preserve the tradition of midwifery care in Iowa. Dedicated to advancing home birth midwifery in the state of Iowa by encouraging legal recognition: to aid in the efforts to educate the public and policy makers regarding the purpose and advantages of the Coalition for Iowa Home Birth Midwives at the state level. 

2:00- VBAC and Cesarean Birth - Options after a C-Section
Brianne Ball, ICAN of the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor

According to ACOG and the NIH, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) is a safe and appropriate option for most women with a prior cesarean and yet only 10% of women have a VBAC. Topics covered will include: factors that limit access to VBAC, understanding OB risk, risks and benefits of VBAC compared to repeat C-section, "family-centered" Cesareans, and more.
Brianne is a co-leader of the ICAN of the Iowa City/Cedar Rapids Corridor, and an advocate for women's informed birth choices. She is also one of the leaders of the Iowa City Babywearers group.
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3:30 - Placenta Encapsulation and other Preparations
Hannah Sandler, Birth and Postpartum Doula
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Discover the many ways your placenta can help you heal and recover after birth. We will discuss both the traditional Chinese and raw methods of encapsulation, tinctures, uses for raw placenta and placenta art. Learn the benefits of consuming your placenta in many different forms. No actual placentas will be used during this talk although photos may be a part of the presentation.
Film Screening: The Mama Sherpas 12:30 Meeting Room A
Saturday
Film Screening: The Milky Way 12noon Meeting Room A
​Sunday
Sunday, January 17, 2016
ICPL Meeting Room A
12:00- "The Milky Way" film screening sponsored by The Polk County Breastfeeding Coalition, The Iowa Department of Public Health and Mother's Milk Bank Of Iowa

12:45-Breastfeeding Support Panel
Kimberly Hendricks, CLC of Beloved Bonds and Dr. Jean Drulis, MD of UIHC
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Join a network of new and experienced breastfeeding moms in the Iowa City area. The group is open to all breastfeeding moms, pumping moms and expecting moms. It is a warm and welcoming group, a place to find support, guidance and other like-minded mommas. The Beloved Bonds Breastfeeding Group meets on Mondays in the Seva Center for Healing Arts. An event schedule can be located at www.belovedbonds.com

2:00 - Craniosacral Therapy for Mothers and Babies
Monica Basile, PhD, CPM, CD(DONA), CCE(BWI), LMT

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle and effective form of bodywork that releases restrictions in the body to allow for greater mobility and function. In this presentation you will learn about the special benefits of CST for mothers in the childbearing year, and for infants.

3:00- Mom to Mom: An Honest Discussion About Postpartum Mental Health 
Shannon Wilson, LMHC, CRC, CADC and Kellie Osler, Birth & Postpartum Doula 

Join us for an informational session and open discussion about postpartum depression and anxiety. Shannon Wilson, a licensed mental health counselor, will present information on risk factors, symptoms, and treatment options for these conditions that impact approximately 10-15% of postpartum women. The presentation will be immediately followed by survivors of postpartum depression and/or anxiety sharing their stories of overcoming this condition. Guest speaker to include local doula Kellie Osler of Motherly TLC. Format will be informal; questions and open discussion will be facilitated and encouraged.

4:00- Functional Medicine and Autism
Dr. Jason Bradley, ND, DC, DSc, PScD, CN, AFMCP, DABAAHP, DAARM, MA
Director, EPIC Functional Medicine Center
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Autism is just a label. Like every condition or illness, we must uncover what is really happening. Rather than just "one thing", usually it is a collection of insults, toxins, and deficiencies piled on susceptible genetics leads to biochemical train wreaks we see in these children.

From a Functional Medicine perspective, autism is a disorder of the body and physiology that affects the brain (as opposed to a genetic or brain disorder as it is currently classified). The role of the Functional Medicine doctor is to determine the underlying causes that are creating the dysfunction in the system, as opposed to treating the symptoms most commonly associated with those on the autistic spectrum.

While uncovering underlying causes isn’t always easy, treating autism as a body disorder that affects the brain gives us so many other treatment choices. Children treated in this way often have dramatic and remarkable—if not miraculous—recoveries.

Biochemical individuality underlies functional medicine. If you take 100 kids with autism, each one may have unique genetics, causes, and triggers that require very different treatments to become better.

This presentation will give you a model to follow to start uncovering the causes of autism and what you can do next. 
ICPL Meeting Room B
12:30- Pathways Connect Community 
Dr. Michelle Schwenn, DC
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At Pathways Connect gatherings you will find information and alternatives shared between like-hearted parents.  These parents share their insights and experiences on holistic, conscious living and parenting choices they make for their families.  Come be respected and supported for the choices you make.  Join us and find your Tribe.
Dr. Schwenn is a family wellness chiropractor specializing in pediatrics and pregnancy who is certified in the Webster technique.  She is also a pre-certified Pro-Doula.

1:30 - Three Tools You Can Use Now to De-Stress Your Life
Dr. Tanya English
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You will learn at least 3 simple ways to de-stress your life right now! At the end of this class you will be able to deal with old stress that's been hanging around and start your new life as a mom with ease. You can heal old wounds and hurts when going through the metamorphosis of pregnancy and birth. You'll also be able to share this with your family. So everyone can relax and feel refreshed. 

2:30 - Attachment Parenting Community Discussion 
Kendra Godfrey

Attachment Parenting promotes parenting practices that create strong, healthy emotional bonds between children and their parents. Come learn what that means and how to implement aspects such as cosleeping, breastfeeding, babywearing, positive discipline etc. Kendra Godfrey is the API of Iowa City support group leader.  Prior to staying at home with her daughter, she worked as a marriage and family therapist in California and contributed original research to the field. She is passionate about attachment theory and evidence-based strategies which help people create and maintain strong connections with those they care about, as well as understanding what life experiences may affect those connections.
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4:00- Hike it Baby
Hike it Baby is a new parents group focused on getting families outside and active and is a great way to meet new friends for both you and your child!
ICPL Meeting Room D
12:00-  Food’s Impact on Fertility, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding and More
Dr. Terry Wahls
Learn how parental food choices impact the ability to conceive, the success of carrying pregnancy to term, the quality of breast milk, and the long term outcome of the children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even the great-great grandchildren. The impact of food choices is transmitted via changes in which genes are on and off and are carried forward four generations. Followed by a Book Signing and opportunity to meet Dr. Wahls.

1:30- Bicycle Happiness presents “Bike & Be Happy with Child”
Irene Schroeder
​A multi-media slide show presentation to empower Mothers to ride bicycles safely and happily while pregnant, with baby and with children. 
Learn how riding cultivates a healthier you and a healthier planet from presenter and bicycle adventurer Irene Schroeder. 
Irene will cover topics of bike modification, riding techniques, gear options, bike and trailer set-ups, and inspiring stories of being active in Mother Nature.  

Irene Schroeder has owned Bicycle Happiness for 20 years in the Iowa City area, helping and inspiring folks to "get happy with their ride". She is a bike mechanic, former USCF State Champion and former University of Iowa Professor of Bicycle Touring and Wilderness Appreciation.