BirthLink

Your Source for Birth and Wellness Services

Birth Instructors

You may want to take birth classes offered by your hospital or birth center. These are usually taught by a nurse that works there. Keep in mind that with this option they will be teaching the "this is how we do birth here" method. There are also some independent childbirth teachers who have complete autonomy. You can find out which you're talking to by asking them.

You also need to find out what their philosophy is regarding interventions. If they are teaching Bradley, the focus will be natural childbirth. Lamaze is still available but the term has been adopted by the hospitals and is used as the generic term for birth classes. Birthing From Within is a relative newcomer to the birth community. It is a multi-sensory holistic approach. Eclectic teachers use a variety of techniques borrowed from a variety of teaching methods. For more information on these styles go to the internet. If you can, it's a good idea to interview the teacher by phone before signing up for the class. Be sure to let them know BirthLink sent you!

"What would happen if women were taught to enjoy birth rather than endure it?"
- Orgasmic Birth: The Best Kept Secret

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.

  • Birthways/Celebrate Birth

    Birthways/Celebrate Birth
    Chicago, IL
    888-506-0607
    birthwaysinc.com/
    Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs

    Unique model offered only at Birthways. We honor birth with a woman-centered (versus “coached”) approach. You will learn about normal progress of birth and management of complication, comfort measures that REALLY work, and empower yourself to birth with confidence and joy.

  • Debbie Boucher APN CNM

    Childbirth the Way Nature Intended
    Lake Barrington, IL
    847-223-8400
    www.yourbirth.com/
    Area Served: Chicago's North Suburbs, Chicago's Northwest Suburbs, Southern Wisconsin

    Certified nurse-midwife offering a complete line of natural childbirth services including home birth delivery, water birth, tub rental, hospital doulas, and childbirth classes. Also providing basic ultrasounds, holistic well-woman care, and natural family planning. Self-pay, private insurance, and Medicaid.

  • Patty Brennan

    Center for the Childbearing Year
    Ann Arbor, MI
    734-663-1523
    center4cby.com/
    Area Served: Midwest Region, Online Programs

    Offers professional birth and postpartum doula training with certification through DONA International. Doula business development support and continuing education programs. Comprehensive multi-media online childbirth preparation, breastfeeding and newborn classes, designed by midwife Patty Brennan. Resources on vaccines, homeopathy, herbs for the childbearing year, The Doula Business Guide, and more.

  • Debra Lawrence CD(DONA)

    Magic Hands Birth Services
    Streamwwod, IL
    630-202-3641
    magichandsbirth.com/
    Area Served:

    I bring knowledge, skills and courage to the birth process, enhancing it for couples in many positive ways. Supporting birth as a labor doula since 1998. Taught Bradley Method natural childbirth classes 15 years. Currently teaching Informed Beginnings childbirth classes.

  • Grace Lombardo CD(DONA)

    Diamond Doula Care
    Northbrook, IL
    773-208-3358
    diamonddoulacare.com/
    Area Served: Chicago's North Suburbs, Chicago's Northwest Suburbs

    Second generation, DONA certified birth doula and childbirth educator. I believe every family deserves support regardless of how they desire to bring their baby into the world. I feel honored to be invited to a child’s very first birthday party. Specializing in supporting mothers with breast cancer.