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Birthways Labor Support and Postpartum Doulas
Chicago, ILArea Served: Chicago & SuburbsMatching you with the doula that is right for you! Grounded in evidence-based perspectives and offering mindful, compassionate and nonjudgmental support, Birthways doulas have exceptional experience and training. Senior doulas have attended hundreds of births, and mid-level or apprentice options are also available.
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Holistic Family Doulas
Libby Deutsch & Errin Bald CDMaple Park, ILArea Served: Chicago & SuburbsOur group practice nurtures families from preconception through well into the postpartum phase. We offer non-judgmental, family-led holistic support to all types of families. Services include: birth and postpartum doula services, energy and reflexology work, belly binding, placenta encapsulation and childbirth classes.
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Lifespan Doulas
Patty BrennanAnn Arbor, MIArea Served: InternationalProfessional doula training and certification. Become a birth, postpartum, or end-of-life doula. Programs are all online and self-paced. Owner Patty Brennan is author of The Doula Business Guide: How to Succeed as a Birth, Postpartum, or End-of-Life Doula, and specializes in helping to envision, create, and grow a business.
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Maitri Midwifery
Barbara Belcore-Walkden CD CPM LMEvanston, ILArea Served: Chicago & Suburbs, Southern WisconsinWe enter the home of a laboring woman with loving, peaceful energy and a reverence for her birth experience. We accompany her in labor to help develop a safe and satisfying birth experience. We believe that birth is an empowering, profound, marvelous, sacred, life-changing experience.
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Sokana Collective
Nancy Cowan & Sonia CollinsEvanston, ILArea Served: Chicago & SuburbsA Birth Justice Doula Agency and Training Academy providing low cost and no cost support for all phases of the perinatal span focusing on marginalized communities. Leading the change to remove barriers for birth workers and families through education and service.
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Soulful Doulas
Tracee Sharrieff CFSDEvanston, ILArea Served: Chicago & SuburbsSoulful Doulas is a compassionate organization specializing in birth, postpartum, and lactation support. Our trained professionals provide comprehensive care, fostering positive experiences for individuals and families during the transformative journey of childbirth.
Your Source for Birth and Wellness Services
Birth Doulas
Whether you are planning a home, birth center or hospital birth, hiring a professional labor support companion is one of your most important considerations. In our opinion, all parents need the continuous support of a trained and experienced professional.
Doulas are hired in addition to, not instead of, a primary care practitioner (midwife, physician, certified nurse midwife, etc.). Doulas provide emotional support, information, pain management and comfort measures as well as facilitating the participation of the father or partner. While some partners feel threatened by this idea, it's usually because they don't understand the doula's role in a birth. Partners have scant if any experience with the birthing process. One of the intentions of the doula is to include partners in meaningful ways so the mother can benefit from their support and love. Non birthing parents need support too, and having a doula usually makes a tremendous difference.
The birth of a child should be as enjoyable as possible for both parents. If you are choosing to give birth in a hospital there will be literally hundreds of procedures to be aware of and knowledgeable about. While the doula is there to support you in making decisions for yourselves, it often helps to have a knowledgeable and informative perspective.
Avoiding unnecessary interventions is much easier if you feel fully informed regarding available options. The doula will also go to your home in early labor so that you can stay calm and relaxed. You can often avoid unnecessary interventions just by staying at home for most of your labor.
Choosing the person you are going to work with creates trust. You will meet beforehand and plan together in addition to being together during the birthing event. You can call your doula if you have questions. Often parents feel rushed or intimidated during their primary care practitioner visits and a doula can be address your questions and concerns. The doula should also have a back-up to cover for her just in case she can't make it to your birth.
Rates are based on levels of experience and knowledge and many have payment plans available. While insurance usually does not cover this service, it is recommended that you still submit a claim as some clients have successfully sought reimbursement. If you are Financially challenged you can find a doula in training or make payments or get a discount. Please feel free to contact us.
There is a national certification process from Doulas Of North America (DONA) but keep in mind that not all doulas are certified and levels of experience and expertise vary irrespective of certification. They are not licensed by the state. Practice philosophy can vary a great deal so screen carefully to avoid disappointment. Read all contracts carefully and avoid anyone that says there will be no refunds if the doula does not attend the birth. If you have any questions please contact BirthLink.
Be sure to check references before you hire any doula. You may also want to check with the Better Business Bureau and Google to see if there have been any complaints.
See alphabetical listings below. Please contact the practitioner directly to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions. Be sure to let them know BirthLink sent you! Also see: Labor Monitrice.
If you can't find a practitioner near you please contact us.
"When women are cared for, respected, and nurtured during this vulnerable and demanding time, they are more ready and able to greet their babies with joy, meet their child’s needs willingly and with love, and to foster the growth of gentle caring adults. "
- A Celebration of DONA’s Growth by Penny Simkin, International Doula - Winter 2000
Why not have the spotlight on you and your services? You can rent this space to gain extra exposure for your business. Call 847-733-8050 for more information.