Freedom to birth
your way.

Birth in power and autonomy with respectful, individualized midwifery care in the comfort of your home.

The Birthmoon approach

What does it mean to be centered in your birth? Your vision is respected and your wishes upheld every step of the way, from your first prenatal appointment until your last postpartum check-in. Nothing happens without your express consent.

In your home, your sanctuary, your safe space, the hormonal cascade of physiological birth flows uninterrupted. You’re at your most primal and powerful, and also your most vulnerable.

Anyone you allow into your birthing space must not take this role lightly. You want someone to walk alongside you with respect and compassion, who holds a depth of knowledge from experience, and understands that no one knows your body and your baby like you do.

You deserve true autonomy and ultimate consent.

This is the Birthmoon Midwifery way.

A homebirth family relaxes in their bedroom after birth. The father holds the new baby while the mother holds her toddler, and an older child rests on the bed.

Homebirth & midwifery in Iowa

Birthmoon Midwifery provides comprehensive prenatal, birth and postpartum care in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, Waterloo, Cedar Falls, and surrounding Eastern Iowa communities. We are committed to providing nurturing, skilled and respectful midwifery care that’s based on mutual trust, so you can walk through your childbearing year with confidence and joy.

Midwife Dawn Crist holds newborn baby after homebirth

DAWN CRIST, CPM

Meet the midwife

When Dawn had her first baby in the hospital, it was traumatic — and she knew there had to be a better way. She delivered her next baby at home and quickly became her midwife’s apprentice.

As an Iowa Licensed & Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), Dawn understands the importance of having autonomy over your own body and your own space in birth, and to be in control of what’s happening in real time. This builds a foundation on which she provides skillful, knowledgeable care — making decisions together with you every step of the way.

Birthmoon Services

  • Prenatal care

    Our monthly prenatals are so much more than checking vitals. We take time to connect, understand how you’re feeling, and answer all your questions.

  • Birth & postpartum care

    Birth is a sacred right of passage, and we’re here to witness and support you. We’ll help you navigate your options so you can make the best choices for you and your baby.

  • Placenta prints & encapsulation

    Experience the energetic and health benefits of placenta encapsulation, including reduced postpartum mood disorders, increased iron levels, and increased milk supply.

“Birth is not only about making babies. It’s about making mothers: strong, confident, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength. Thank you for all the love, support, knowledge and confidence you gave me.”

— A.F., BIRTHMOON CLIENT

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