Our team is the longest-running doula team in Iowa! We started in 2018 and have supported hundreds of families through labor support, postpartum support, and classes. We recognize that welcoming a new baby is one of life’s most incredible experiences, often accompanied by a mix of joy, excitement, and challenges.
For our Iowa families, I wanted to offer a wide range of support options, which is impossible as a solo-practice doula. As a team, we are able to provide a continuity of care from pregnancy through postpartum, something that today’s culture doesn’t really offer. Because we have a team model, you will get to know your small doula team (one or more doulas depending on the care you need) that has a big network of support behind her!
Our mission is to provide compassionate, personalized care that allows families to find their confidence in birth or with their new baby(ies). By offering a range of services—from labor to postpartum daytime support to full overnight support—we ensure that our families feel supported, informed, and confident in their journey.
If you would like to learn more about labor support and postpartum support, please use these links. We always offer free consultations to ensure you are completely comfortable with your support. We look forward to chatting with you soon!
Professional Support
Every doula on our team…
- has received training from the industry leaders in doula support
- are experts in their fields: labor support, interventions, postpartum changes, newborn care, etc.
- has experience and comes highly recommended by parents
- values on-going education to learn current evidence-based information/best practices
- works well within the birth/baby team (parents, providers, etc.)
- has a great network of back up doulas in needed
- postpartum doulas have been background checked through the state of Iowa and are infant/adult CPR certified.
Katie Nyberg, Founder, Labor Doula, Postpartum Doula, Educator, & Lactation Support
I am the owner of The Iowa Baby Lady and have loved serving hundreds of families throughout Central Iowa as a labor doula, postpartum doula, and childbirth/new parent educator.
The Iowa Baby Ladies Team is something I am very proud of creating for families in Iowa. Our doulas have all been professionally trained (most likely by me!) and hold very high professional standards when working with our clients. I know you will love working them!
Finally, I absolutely LOVE working with our families too! If I can provide extra answers, do your car seat checks, be your childbirth/new parent instructor, or help in any, please feel free to contact me.
Allison Jarrett, Postpartum Doula
I have a love and passion for working alongside new parents as they transition to life with a new addition to the family. Having supported my own family through this amazing period in life, I knew I had more to give, which led to a career as a postpartum doula. I live in Ankeny with my husband, and we have 3 grown children, 3 granddaughters, and a grandson. Throughout my career as an IT Professional, I have always had a passion for working with infants and their families. I have years of experience supporting family members and friends who have become parents. I have also spent years volunteering in the NICU.
I look forward to sharing my experience and training with your family as you learn to navigate life with a newborn. My support focus is on rest and recovery, learning to trust your instincts, and building confidence.
Professional training: CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training, Adult/Child/Infant CPR Certified through the American Red Cross; Breastfeeding “Dos” for Doulas training w/ Angela Swieter of Basking Babies.
Des Moines Area
Bethany SyWassink, Postpartum Doula
Hello! My name is Bethany, and I’m a postpartum doula serving Central Iowa (Cedar Rapids, Waterloo, Ames, Des Moines, Marshalltown) with a heart for helping new mamas and babies. I feel so honored to help families make the transition into parenthood as smooth as possible. I am naturally caring, attentive, reliable, and ready to listen to the parents’ needs and what they want for their baby during this important phase. As a twin mom myself, I specifically feel passionate about serving families with multiples! I can’t wait to connect with you, and support your growing family find new rhythms and make new memories.
Ames, Marshalltown, Cedar Rapids Areas
Breanna Schwarz, Postpartum Doula
Hello! I’m Bre and I’m a Postpartum Doula serving the Ames area. I live in Ames with my fiance and our two girls. My own postpartum period was more challenging than I had thought it would be and because of that, I developed a passion for supporting parents during this period. I strive to meet parents and babies where they are at and support them how they feel they need supported. I have worked with parents of children aged 0-5 for awhile now and feel extra passionate about supporting parents of new babies as I know how much of a challenging and rewarding experience it can be. I can’t wait to celebrate you and the new family you’ve created!
Professional Trainings: Nurtured Doula Trainings-Postpartum Doula Training, Lactation Training for Postpartum Doulas by Angela Swieter, Infant/Child/Adult CPR Certification, Member of Perinatal Professionals Association, Child Passenger Safety Technician
Ames, Des Moines, and Surrounding Areas; Northern Iowa
Brooklyn Schmidt, Postpartum Doula
Hello! My name is Brooklyn, and I reside in Polk City with my husband and our little one. After experiencing the positive impact that a doula had on my birthing journey, my desire to support and empower families during a transformative period in their life grew. With a degree in Human Science and experience in infant care, my approach is holistic, evidence-based and personalized, focusing on each family’s unique needs. My goal is to create a supportive space where families can thrive. Whether it’s through hands-on help or education, I am here to ensure that the postpartum journey is as joyful and smooth as possible!
Des Moines Area
Claire Carlson, Labor Doula & Postpartum Doula
Hello! My name is Claire Carlson. Personally, I am a wife, an aunt, a friend, and a dog mom. Professionally, I am trained and work full-time as an epidemiologist focused on understanding and improving health outcomes for mothers, babies, and families. The cornerstone for this work is my belief that every family has inherent dignity and deserves a healthy start. During my graduate studies, I learned about the immense benefits associated with doula support for laboring and postpartum women. I knew I wanted to do more than study the benefits of doula work, I wanted to serve families firsthand as a doula. So, I became a CAPPA-trained labor and postpartum doula. As a doula, I center the goals and desires of each family in order to provide evidence-based, exceptional, and warm care as mothers labor for and welcome their newest, most beautiful additions.
Des Moines Area
Crystal Feldman, Labor Doula & Postpartum Doula
Hi, I’m Crystal. I’m a registered nurse with 19 years of experience, and I actually stumbled into doula work by accident. I signed up for Katie’s labor doula training without knowing much about it, and by the end of the first day, I was completely hooked. What I learned helped me understand my own birth experience — the parts I had tucked away and never fully processed.
Seeing how layered and demanding the birth and postpartum experience can be, and how many women I’ve cared for as a nurse who lacked support, is what keeps me moving. Birth is as old as time and postpartum support has deep roots, yet it still offers something new to learn — and I love that about this work.
Areas of specialty: VBAC, Cesarean, Unmedicated birth, Hospital Births, High-risk pregnancy, Trauma informed birth and postpartum support
Professional training: Registered Nurse, Perinatal Professional Association Certified Birth and Postpartum doula, CAPPA Childbirth educator training, Certified VBAC and Cesarean Birth Professional, BLS certified, Caring for Trauma Survivors in Birth
Des Moines Area
Elise Hall, Labor Doula & Postpartum Doula
Hi, I’m Elise! I live in Grinnell with my two kids and two dogs, and I’ve spent the past several years supporting families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum recovery. My path into birthwork grew from my deep love of movement and my belief that the body tells an incredible story…one that, when understood and honored, can guide us through pregnancy, birth, and healing with confidence.
As a full-spectrum doula with a background in perinatal fitness, yoga, and babywearing education, I bring a movement-based lens to everything I do. I help clients prepare physically for labor and recovery, understand what’s happening in their bodies, and use movement and positioning as tools for comfort and progress.
Whether we’re discussing birth preferences, exploring labor positions, or planning for postpartum recovery, my goal is to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered every step of the way. I believe that compassionate, evidence-based support – paired with body awareness and education – helps families find their voice and navigate this life-changing season with strength and grace.
When I’m not attending births, you can find me teaching yoga or fitness classes for moms, snuggling my pups, or exploring the outdoors with my kids.
Specialties: VBAC, mindful birthing, babywearing, breastfeeding, fertility, bereavement, pre- and postnatal fitness/yoga, attachment parenting
Grace Downs, Labor Doula
Hi there! My name is Grace and I am a CAPPA trained labor doula living with my husband, daughter, and pup on a small acreage in Stratford, Iowa. After attending all of my sister’s births and having a daughter of my own, I developed a deep passion around childbirth and infant development.
As your doula, I will honor your unique birth wishes and hold space for all of the anxiety and excitement that come along with child-birth. I recognize that each birth, each baby, and each birthing person are proudly unique in their own way. My goal is to help you feel informed, empowered, and connected to your birth experience.
Jessica Lee, Labor Doula & Postpartum Doula
Hello! My name is Jessica, and I live on a little acreage with my husband and our five children. We homeschool, raise animals, garden, and have many family adventures.
Pregnancy and birth are such miraculous and transformative times in our lives. Each of my five births was a unique and deeply treasured experience that shaped my passion for supporting families through this incredible journey. My ultimate goal as a Doula is to provide you with education, emotional and physical support, comfort techniques, and partner guidance. I want to help eliminate fears and replace any anxieties with calm, confidence, and readiness.
I’m deeply committed to nurturing women and families with evidence-based information, empowering them to feel strong, well-informed, and positive as they enter their birthing experience. My hope is to bring peace, knowledge, comfort, and joy to every birth I attend.
Areas of Specialty: Medicated and Unmedicated Birth, Homebirth Support, Hospital Birth Support, Babywearing, Cloth Diapering, Attachment Parenting
Jessie Sramek, Labor Doula & Postpartum Doula
After having my first birth without a doula I knew I needed to do something different the next time. I used a doula for my 2nd & 3rd births and they were such a wonderful & different experience from my 1st birth I was inspired to become a doula to provide this important service to other parents.
I am honored to attend births and experience the miracle of a brand new person entering the world. I am amazed every single time at the beauty of birth. I also love helping new families get settled as a postpartum doula, helping parents feel confident in their parenting & care of their new baby.
Areas of Specialty: Gentle & Positive Parenting, Anxiety During Labor & Birth, and Babywearing
Professional Trainings: CAPPA Labor Doula Training, CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training, Adult & Child CPR Instructor, CNA & Medication Aide, Professional Food Safety Training
Kayelee Shepherd, Postpartum Doula
Hello, I’m Kayelee! My husband and I are high school sweethearts, and together we live in the heart of Des Moines with our three wonderful children and our mini dachshund. We love EVERYTHING outdoors!
My journey into doula work was inspired by my own personal experiences with pregnancy loss, a high-risk pregnancy, a NICU stay, and eventually a healthy birth. During those times, I deeply longed for someone to be present solely for me — a steady, supportive presence. That longing led me to discover my calling as a doula.
I have always been deeply moved by the strength of new mothers, the resilience of the female body, and the profound transformation that occurs with the birth of each child. Supporting families through these pivotal moments is not only a passion but a privilege.
Areas of specialty: NICU, Cesarean births, Breastfeeding, Loss
Professional training: Nurtured Doula Training with Katie Nyberg
American Red Cross CPR, First aid, AED
Lactation Training for Postpartum Doulas training with Angela Swieter
Kelsey Clarken, Labor Doula
Hello! I am Kelsey Clarken, professionally trained CAPPA labor doula and lactation educator. I am married to my college sweetheart and together we are raising our three beautiful children on a century farm in North Central Iowa.
Each one of my own unique pregnancies has molded me into the passionate birth worker I am today. No one pregnancy is the same, but each pregnancy is deserving of support. It is my deepest honor to walk alongside you, helping you feel nurtured, resourced, and confident in pregnancy and birth.
I love getting to hear your story and learn how I can serve you during this exciting and transformative time. I provide all my clients with completely individualized and unbiased support, ensuring you get the most from my doula services.
Specialties: breastfeeding, mindful birthing, unmedicated birth, baby-wearing, tandem nursing, VBAC
Kimberly Isburg, Postpartum Doula
My name is Kimberly Isburg, and I live in the Des Moines area with my husband, Sam, and our two boys. I studied journalism at Drake University and worked as a writer and editor before starting my postpartum doula business.
I was fortunate to have wonderful labor doula support during my births, but found the postpartum experience to be more challenging than I expected. I decided to become a postpartum doula to help make the transition to parenthood easier for other families by providing physical, emotional and informational support. I love helping new parents process their birth experience, get to know their amazing new baby and have some time to focus on resting and recovering. I also love playing with older siblings so parents can spend some time focusing on their new baby!
Areas of Specialty: Breastfeeding, Babywearing, Helping with older siblings
Professional Trainings: CAPPA Postpartum Doula Training; Adult/Child/Infant CPR Certified through the American Red Cross; Breastfeeding “Dos” for Doulas training w/ Angela Swieter of Basking Babies; Center for Pediatric Sleep Management’s Newborn Sleep Seminar for Postpartum Professionals, Treasurer for Central Iowa Doula Association
Leah Johnson, Postpartum Doula
I am excited to be working with families. My desire stems from personal experience as I was fortunate to have amazing support after my own children were born. I know the benefits of this care and every mom and family deserves this same foundation.
I understand the demands and chaos of family life and I know that each birth and child brings new joys, challenges, and changes to a family’s rhythm. My heart is to help families gracefully enter this new season—offering guidance, rest, and encouragement rooted in compassion and faith. Let me support and nurture you and your family as you become confident in this new phase of life.
I have experienced a variety of deliveries personally – unmedicated and medicated, emergency c-section, VBACs, and homebirth and each came with a different kind of recovery. I know that my personal experience will allow me to assist each mother in their postpartum time.
As a pediatric nurse I have the pleasure of working with newborn babies regularly. I have the opportunity to educate new parents but the time I spend with them is minimal and working with families during a postpartum shift gives me additional time for this education. I love working with brand new parents.
I also used cloth diapers for all of my children from birth through potty training.
Areas of Specialty & Professional Trainings: BSN, RN; Postpartum Doula, Nurtured Doula Trainings; ALPP CLC; PALS certified CPR
Lisa Jordan, Labor Doula and Postpartum Doula
Hello! My name is Lisa and I wear many hats, mom being my favorite! I reside in Ankeny, IA with my husband, two boys, and our fur babies. We are also expecting our third son in the fall of 2024. I discovered my passion for supporting other moms early in my own motherhood journey and went on to launch my life coaching business in 2019. In the spring of 2022, I trained under Katie as a labor and postpartum doula, booked my first client two weeks later, and never looked back! Over the last two years, I have had the honor of providing doula support for 60+ families-I feel incredibly blessed each and every day to do this work! I look forward to the opportunity to connect with you as I work to educate and empower families in birth, postpartum, and beyond!
Meagan Mateer, Labor and Postpartum Doula
Hi! I’m Meagan, a CAPPA trained postpartum doula, ICEA trained labor doula and mom of three, passionate about supporting families through the beautiful, emotional, and often overwhelming early days with a new baby and beyond. After experiencing my own postpartum journeys, I felt called to walk alongside other parents—offering gentle guidance, emotional support, and practical help with newborn care, feeding, and rest. My goal is to help you feel calm, confident, and truly cared for as you navigate this new chapter so you can focus on bonding with your baby and healing in your own time.
When I’m not supporting families, you’ll find me keeping up with my husband and our three boys, cheering them on at their sporting events, camping and exploring the outdoors, or unwinding with a good book. I bring that same love of connection and presence into my work—because I believe every person deserves to feel nurtured, supported, and empowered in their transition to parenthood.
Michelle Clark, Labor Doula and Postpartum Doula
Hi! I am Michelle Clark, I am a Certified Postpartum Doula, Birth Doula, and Placenta Encapsulator. I am originally from Des Moines, Iowa. I have been supporting mothers and families in Doula roles since 2016. First, in Iowa and for the last three (plus) years in Nashville, TN. I am thrilled to be coming back home and to be working with the Iowa Baby Ladies. My interest in Doula work developed when my sister was pregnant with her first baby and I witnessed how amazing her experience was with her Doula. I transitioned out of a career in the fitness industry to begin to support families during their postpartum and birth experiences. I believe all women should be supported, throughout these precious times, so that they are able to heal, rest and bond with their baby. I am happy to offer that support.
Mindy Mrowka, Postpartum Doula
I am Mindy Mrowka, I live in Urbandale with my husband and 2 boys. Having experienced such wonderful and invaluable support throughout both of my pregnancies with our birth doula, I grew an appreciation for the community of women who are dedicated to supporting families during these transitional stages of life.
During my Postpartum Doula training I learned the CAPPA vision statement, which includes the line;
“Imagine a world…Where everyone is equipped to embrace parenthood with confidence. “ As a postpartum doula I believe giving new Mothers and families opportunities to rest, heal and bond with their new baby is paramount to embracing parenthood with confidence. I will also provide unbiased support as families learn their new rhythms and continue to gain assurance in their journey.
Olivia Gray, Postpartum Doula
Hi, my name is Olivia! Currently, I reside in Des Moines, where I recently married my high school sweetheart of 13 years! We share our home with two adorable Golden Retrievers who bring endless joy to our lives! We love spending time with them, playing, and taking long walks every day.
In addition to enjoying an active lifestyle, working out, and spending quality time with friends and family, I have a profound passion for maternal and infant health. My interest in this field was sparked during my time at the University of Northern Iowa, where I pursued a degree in Public Health with an emphasis in Women’s Health graduating in 2020. A pivotal moment for me was taking a course in maternal and infant health, which deepened my understanding and love for postpartum wellness. Having supported a few family members during their postpartum period has been a great joy and led me to pursue my CAPPA certification in becoming a Postpartum Doula.
I’m deeply committed to nurturing and educating women and parents with evidence-based information, providing comprehensive care and support, and helping them build confidence.
Areas of specialty: Babywearing, new mothers/parents, and advocacy
Rebecca Sommers, Labor Doula
Hi, I’m Rebecca—birth doula, former educator, and mom to three energetic boys. After spending nearly a decade working in education, I stepped into my most important role yet: raising my family. For seven wonderful years, motherhood was my full-time focus, and it completely shaped who I am today.
I was first introduced to the world of birth work when my niece was born, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Witnessing birth opened my eyes to how powerful, transformative, and deeply personal the experience can be. Once I knew my own family was complete, I felt a strong calling to stay connected to the birth world—and becoming a birth doula felt like the perfect fit.
I am deeply empathetic, caring, and passionate about empowering people through one of the most pivotal moments of their lives. I love listening to stories, building genuine connections, and meeting families exactly where they are. It is truly an honor to walk alongside parents during birth, offering support, reassurance, and advocacy every step of the way.
I feel incredibly lucky to do this work, and I would be honored to support you and your family as you welcome new life into the world.
Sarah Wall, Labor and Postpartum Doula
My name is Sarah. I have a passion for birth, babies, growing families, and helping others. I found my calling as a birth doula in 2021 after giving birth myself for the 6th time. I have three children and had the honor of being a surrogate 3 times. With each pregnancy I found myself immersed in learning more about pregnancy and birth, researching evidence based information, signing up for classes, talking to and encouraging other pregnant friends, family, or co-workers. I learned first hand the drastic difference it made to have a doula and the right support during my own births.
My ultimate goal as a Doula is to help provide you with education, support, comfort techniques, partner support, eliminate any fears you may have, and help you enter your birthing experience with a sense of Serenity; the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Areas of specialty: Unmedicated Birth, Physiological Birth, Multiples, Breastfeeding, Babywearing, & Cloth Diapering.
Professional trainings: CAPPA Labor Birth Doula, Spinning Babies, Dos for Doulas Lactation Support, Hypnobabies, Nutrition for Pregnancy, Comfort Techniques, Understanding Birth, Breastfeeding Basics, Centering Pregnancy Program, Body Ready Method-Better Birth.
Stephanie Spinler, Labor Doula and Postpartum Doula
I have been serving as a labor and postpartum doula for almost four years. I am very passionate about helping moms work towards the birth they desire. As a labor doula, I’ve supported and cared for some amazing families. As a postpartum doula, I have supported many families, from sibling help to overnight care to food prep to being that friend they need to talk to while I fold their laundry.
I am mom of two little boys. I have been married to my husband for 7 years. I am very involved in my church and love to sing on our worship team at church. I love coffee and spending time with my family and friends. I have found a new love for sourdough.
Areas of Specialty: Teen clients, Spinning Babies, VBAC, birth trauma
Professional Trainings: Spinning Babies, CAPPA Labor and Postpartum Doula Trainings, Stillbirthday
Stacey Walter, Postpartum Doula
Before becoming a postpartum doula, I spent 25 years in the field of Early Childhood. I began my career as an infant teacher, later directed several early learning programs, and eventually led a United Way–supported project in Central Iowa where my team of consultants partnered with child care centers serving low-income families. Throughout every role, my passion for infants — and for the families who love them — has remained steady and strong.
Today, as a postpartum doula and family support coach, I bring together my experience, intuition, and nurturing presence to walk alongside new moms, babies, and families through a season that deserves gentleness, reassurance, and connection. Whether you need guidance with feeding, routines, and infant care, or compassionate coaching around your emotions, identity, and family dynamics, I am here with a calm voice and non-judgmental support.
Expertise: Perinatal Professionals Association, Health and Life Coach Certified; 25 years of experience in Early Childhood
Whitney Burton, Postpartum Doula
Hi, I’m Whitney. I’m a postpartum doula serving Central Iowa, and I was drawn to this work through my own early experience with motherhood. My postpartum season with my firstborn was incredibly difficult, and I know firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to be healing physically, processing emotionally, and running on very little sleep all at once.
That experience shaped the way I approach postpartum care. I believe the weeks after birth are not only about caring for a newborn, but also about caring for the mother who has just been born into a new version of herself. My goal is to support families in a way that feels steady, reassuring, and free from fear-based pressure, so parents can rest, recover, and grow in confidence.
I am a mother of two, and my husband and I pastor our church’s worship team. Both family life and ministry have deepened my belief in the power of presence, compassion, and meeting people where they are. Those values shape the way I care for families during the postpartum period.
I strive to offer practical help, overnight support, and gentle encouragement rooted in respect for each family’s instincts and values. My hope is that every family I work with feels a little less overwhelmed, a little more rested, and more confident in their ability to care for the baby they were uniquely designed to parent.
Interested in joining our doula team as a labor doula, postpartum doula, or educator? We would love to meet you!
Please send a copy of your training certificate, resume, and references to katie@theiowababylady.com. Thanks!
