Pregnant?
We’re here for you…
Whether it’s your first time, or you’ve been here before, Guiding Star Marshalltown offers real, compassionate support through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum.
We provide:
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Free pregnancy testing
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Referrals to trusted area providers
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One-on-one breastfeeding appointments
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Midwives and doulas ready to support you
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And other resources
The Details
Doula Partnerships
We’re proud to partner with two birth doulas: Abbey Rhoades and Vivian. They provide emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and after childbirth.
Bump to Baby
Pregnant? Start here… This monthly group meets on select Thursday evenings and is designed for expectant moms. The group offers a safe space to ask questions, get advice, and connect with other moms about pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care. Led by our doula team, Abbey and Vivian!
What is a Midwife?
A midwife is a healthcare professional who specializes in personalized care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.
What is a Doula?
A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support before, during, and shortly after childbirth. Doulas are not medical providers but are a vital part of a woman’s care team, offering comfort and confidence every step of the way.
At Guiding Star Marshalltown, we partner with birth doulas, Abbey and Vivian. They bring strength and a heart for serving women throughout the journey of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
Abbey Rhoades
Abbey Rhoades is a wife, mother, and birth doula from Maxwell, Iowa. She is a stay-at-home mom to three beautiful children and, in her free time, enjoys iced coffee, thrifting, and spending quality time with her family.
After experiencing pregnancy, labor, and postpartum firsthand, Abbey felt a deep calling to support other women and families during one of the most meaningful seasons of their lives. As a doula, she is especially passionate about serving families through a faith-based, life-affirming approach—providing each woman with calm, hands-on, evidence-based support, encouragement, and an unwavering presence through every high and low.
Abbey recently co-founded her doula business, Viva Birth & Beyond, alongside her younger sister, Vivian. Through her partnership with Guiding Star Marshalltown, she is honored to walk with families while sharing God’s light throughout her work
Vivian Kahler
Vivian Kahler is a compassionate birth doula dedicated to supporting families through one of the most life-changing experiences. She is excited to partner with Guiding Star to serve families in the Marshalltown area.
After providing birth support for two of her sister’s births she felt called to become a doula. These births affirmed her desire to provide compassionate and empowering care to families. She looks forward to meeting moms right where they’re at on their journey.
In her free time Vivian enjoys spending time with her family, shopping at the local thrift stores, reading, and going on dates with her boyfriend. Vivian recently co-founded her doula business, Viva Birth & Beyond, alongside her sister, Abbey.