Pregnancy, birth & babies come with a lot of questions
You don’t need more conflicting advice. You need good information, individualized support, and someone who can help you understand what makes sense for you and your baby.
A Mother’s Compass offers evidence-informed education and support for pregnancy, birth, and life with your baby in Grinnell and Central Iowa.
What can I help you with?
Birth doula support, childbirth and newborn education, prenatal movement, breastfeeding and babywearing preparation, and personalized prenatal support.
Breastfeeding education and support from pregnancy through postpartum, plus help navigating bottles, pumping, feeding transitions and what comes next.
Understand your baby’s sleep, behavior, development and need for connection—with practical, responsive strategies that work with infant biology rather than against it.
Choose the right carrier, learn to use it confidently, troubleshoot fit and comfort, and adapt babywearing as your baby grows.
Not sure where to start?
That’s okay. You don’t need to know which service, or appointment you need to get started!
Tell me what’s going on, and I’ll help you figure out the best place to begin.
I'm Elise, a perinatal educator and specialist who supports families through pregnancy, birth and the early years.
When I’m not attending births or meeting with families, you can usually find me teaching movement classes, snuggling my cats, or homeschooling my two kids.
I’m a birth and postpartum doula and perinatal educator with specialized training in prenatal movement, breastfeeding, babywearing, and infant sleep and development. My work spans pregnancy, birth, and the transition into life with a new baby…because so many of the questions parents have don’t fit neatly into just one category.
Whether we’re preparing your body for labor, figuring out breastfeeding or a baby carrier, talking through birth decisions, or trying to understand why your baby suddenly won’t sleep, I want you to leave with a better understanding of what’s happening and practical tools that make sense for your body, your baby, and your family.
My approach is evidence-based, responsive, and deeply individual. I don’t believe there is one right way to give birth, feed a baby, move your body, or navigate early parenthood. My role is to help you understand your options, find what works for you, and know when another professional belongs on your team.
In need of bereavement support? Email me or text me at (641) 260 - 4092
Visit A Mother’s Compass in Grinnell.
A place to sit down, ask questions, learn hands-on, and get individualized support during pregnancy and life with your baby.
Come see me for prenatal and newborn education, breastfeeding support, babywearing, responsive infant sleep and development, and more.
You don’t have to know exactly what kind of appointment you need before reaching out.
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![A happy man holding a golden retriever and a smiling woman holding a newborn baby in a cozy home setting.]()
"Elise, you crushed it!"
At the start of our pregnancy, I was slightly skeptical of the importance of a doula, but after our experience with Elise, my wife and I would not want to do anything different for the most amazing gift of our lives.
-Sean S., first time dad
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![New mother lying in hospital bed holding newborn baby, with father leaning over and smiling.]()
"Elise was so amazing during labor and delivery!"
She was very knowledgeable and hands on throughout the whole process. We will be calling her back for our next child!”
- Mary M., first time mom
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![Three people smiling on a sandy beach with palm trees and blue sky in the background, two women and a young girl, one woman wearing a white sleeveless shirt and the other a white t-shirt, the girl wearing a purple and white outfit.]()
"Throughout our session, Elise created a warm and welcoming environment."
She actively listened to my questions and concerns, addressing each with care and understanding. Her genuine interest in my journey as a parent was evident.”
-Marian G., first time mom
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![A smiling man and woman standing outdoors with trees in the background, the man leaning his head on the woman's forehead.]()
"Elise is super friendly, engaging, & passionate about the work she does!"
She allows everyone to feel comfortable to the get the important questions they need answered.
-Sierra R., newlywed
Learn a little while you're here
If you rock, feed, or comfort your baby to sleep, will they ever learn to do it themselves? The science of co-regulation offers a much more nuanced (and reassuring) way to understand how babies develop regulation and sleep.