Postpartum doula care in Chicago, Illinois

Johnie Evans is a birth and postpartum doula whose journey began with her most important role—becoming a parent. Experiencing firsthand the emotional and physical intensity of childbirth and the early postpartum period, she felt a deep calling to support other families through this powerful transition. Based in the Chicago suburbs, Johnie now offers calm, compassionate, and informed care to parents as they step into one of life’s most sacred transformations.

With experience in both birth and postpartum care, Johnie blends evidence-based information with nurturing, intuitive support. Her care is always personalized—whether that means offering grounding techniques during labor, helping a new parent find their rhythm at home, or simply being a steady, nonjudgmental presence throughout the process.

What sets Johnie apart is her commitment to building lasting relationships and providing continuity of care. She walks with families before, during, and after birth—creating a safe, supportive space where they can ask questions, express emotions, and be fully seen. Her approach is rooted in trust, connection, and honoring the unique journey of each parent she serves.

For Johnie, the most fulfilling part of her work is witnessing parents grow in confidence and step into their new roles with strength and joy. Outside of her doula practice, she’s a proud mom who cherishes time with her children and unwinds with a good book. She brings her whole heart to every birth, honoring each story with presence, care, and deep respect.

Christine is a certified Postpartum Doula with a deep passion for supporting families during the transition into parenthood. With over 15 years of experience as a career nanny and household manager, along with her own journey through motherhood with two daughters, Christine has developed a unique understanding of the challenges and joys new parents face. Known as a family support guru, she is recognized for her calm, nurturing, and uplifting presence. Christine is dedicated to empowering families, helping them feel confident, supported, and educated in their new roles. 

As a twin herself, she has a special affinity for working with families of multiples and brings both expertise and compassion to her work in this area with new and growing families. Having breastfed her first child for a year and transitioned to formula feeding with her second after a preventive double mastectomy, Christine also offers a unique perspective to women navigating their own feeding journeys. She prides herself on how her life and childcare experiences have shaped what she can uniquely offer her clients. 

When Christine isn’t practicing as a Postpartum Doula or indulging her passion as a childcare enthusiast, she enjoys spending time with her family and dog. Cooking (and, let's be honest, eating) is another favorite hobby, along with planning and attending social activities and keeping everything neat and organized. Christine takes pride in her strong communication and organizational skills, making sure her clients feel supported and at ease. She’s the kind of doula who will snuggle your baby while you sleep, tidy up around the house, and keep you company watching Bravo. Plus, she’ll help you recreate that comforting grandma’s Borscht recipe you’ve been craving.

Christine believes that nurturing a family goes beyond physical care—it’s about creating a calm, informed, and welcoming environment that allows you to rest, recharge, and savor those precious moments with your newborn.

Telika Howard is a Certified Birth and Postpartum doula through Doula Training International and Certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBCLC) and she has over 20 years experience with helping other parents during birth and breastfeeding. She successfully breastfed 7 children including a set of twins and had a variety of birthing experiences such as unmedicated, medicated and c-section. 

Telika first started teaching about birth and breastfeeding and doing postpartum work as a maternal infant health outreach worker in Memphis, TN, She then went on to volunteer her time educating and sharing about birth and breastfeeding at local community events. She became a board member of Shelby County Breastfeeding Coalition and she also worked as a breastfeeding peer counselor in labor and delivery and NICU departments at Regional One Medical Center hospital.

After she moved back home to Chicago, Telika continued her work with birth and breastfeeding through Birthways Chicago doulas, Chicago Family Doulas, Chicago Volunteer Doulas(winning their on-call doula award) UIC hospital and Rush hospital as well as becoming a board member of Breastfeed Chicago and Chocolate Milk Cafe. She also completed advanced doula training with Sister Song Birth Justice organization.

As a mom of three, Sarah is passionate about creating equitable, empowered birth experiences for all her clients. She was inspired to become a labor and postpartum doula after seeing the gaps in support for pregnant and birthing people, as well as new parents. Sarah is passionate about helping to provide her clients with a positive pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience with education, compassion, advocacy, and humor.

In her free time, Sarah is an avid reader, cultivates her vegetable garden, and loves to spend time with her three girls and husband.

Liam Lynn Morley (she/her) is a doula, photographer, and writer who tends to the sacred magic of our everyday lives. 

She has a BA in Gender Studies, is a certified birth, postpartum, and full spectrum doula and a certified childbirth educator. Her background is in reproductive health as an educator, community organizer, and project manager. She has been a doula since 2018 and often works with people who are intrigued by what the birth experience has to offer them and who are interested in both holistic and modern options for managing their fertility, pregnancy, and birth. She has supported families primarily in hospitals (as well as homes and birth centers) supporting varied pregnancy and birth journeys -- low and high risk, unmedicated and medicated, VBAC and cesarean, and many in-betweens. Liam will amplify your voice, help you navigate the health care system, know all of your options, support both you and your partner(s), and hold space as your story unfolds.

She is committed to trauma-informed practices and co-creating safer spaces by being body- and sex-positive, anti-racist, pro-choice, queer and gender affirming, and welcoming to solo, poly, blended, or communal families. Your care should be designed for your comfort, needs, and wants. It should see you in your full context – your stage of life, unique body, lived experience, culture, community, ability, desires, and dreams. She believes knowledge building is a collaborative mixture of education, experience, and intuition. Weaving together modern and traditional approaches, her support with families focuses on body literacy and agency, trauma and healing, educating and preparing for birth and postpartum, collective care, caretaking and parenting, honoring transitions, and nurturing relationships (including sex and intimacy). 

Liam is also a birth, family, and pregnancy photographer who specializes in long form, in-home settings that are often published as editorial essays on the Substack Made of Velvet.

She hangs her fanny pack in Edgewater where she lives with her fiance, Mercedes -- a deep-hearted middle school teacher she's spellbound by, and with whom she shares the creative practice called home. 

Samaria is a certified birth and postpartum doula with a deep passion for supporting families through the transition into parenthood. Her journey into doula work began unexpectedly while working in a daycare, where she naturally provided emotional and mental care to new mothers during after-hours. Seeing the impact of compassionate, judgment-free support, she pursued certification and has now been a dedicated doula for since 2022.

With certifications in birth and postpartum care, as well as CPR, Samaria believes in nurturing the entire family, not just the baby. Her warm and holistic approach ensures that parents feel heard, supported, and empowered throughout their journey.

When she's not caring for families, you can find Samaria fishing, sewing, or spontaneously redecorating her home, always bringing creativity and joy into everything she does.

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Bria is a compassionate and skilled birth and postpartum doula who blends her extensive training with a background in clinical mental health. With a deep understanding of the emotional, psychological, and physical aspects of childbirth, Bria supports families through the transformative journey of pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood. Her unique approach combines evidence-based practices, mindfulness, and emotional resilience techniques to ensure her clients feel empowered, supported, and nurtured every step of the way.

In addition to her doula training, Bria's expertise as a clinical mental health professional allows her to provide a high level of emotional support, addressing mental health challenges that may arise during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether her clients are navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply adjusting to the overwhelming changes of new parenthood, Bria is there to provide a safe, non-judgmental space to process emotions and create a sense of well-being.

Bria is committed to supporting her clients with a holistic, person-centered approach. She understands that every family’s journey is unique and strives to create a customized plan of care that is as individualized as each client. Her goal is to ensure that families feel confident, cared for, and ready for the new chapter in their lives.

Renee (she/her) is an experienced doula who is honored to be part of your support team.  Beyond her doula training with ToLabor in 2018 she has been teaching yoga since 2002, is a certified bodyworker through Coaching the Body in Evanston, IL  and a certified Body Ready Method Pro since 2022. These modalities have helped Renee to hone her eye to see compensation patterns that can be balanced through exercise, movement and bodywork. A balanced body will allow baby to find the optimal position for birth!  Renee is a strong communicator and often works intuitively, easing pain points and healing hearts along the way. 

As a postpartum doula Renee loves to mother the new mother through listening and providing emotional and physical support when needed. Taking care of the baby or preparing a delicious soup, snack or bath to help you rest and heal is her priority.  

Renee became a doula after having confident and knowledgeable doulas supporting the births of her 2 children, who are now teenagers. She loves to bike ride, rollerblade, play the violin with the Lakeview Orchestra and relax in a hammock or hot bath. Her family lives on the NW side of Chicago.

Maiiya Luu is a birthworker (doula) who studies in full spectrum support, abortion & miscarriage, and bereavement support. Their heritage comes with teachings taught to them by ancestral midwives. 

Maiiya grew up with grandmothers that taught in a native tongue. They taught her how to see life as a breath of traditions that had vanished. And when the time came, she would help bring back the vanished ways. This essence influenced Maiiya’s desire to embody birth work. It became a place where she could explore her deepest thoughts. While being surrounded by like-minded people. 

Through 2021-2023, Maiiya worked through social justice issues. Including immigration, body autonomy justice, and government vs. land issues. She believes the way birth is handled mirrors our political climate. The time spent in these fields helped create her strong stance as a doula advocate. Maiiya says, “I wanted to have a well-rounded knowledge of birth. For that to happen I needed to be on the frontlines of these issues.” While working with pregnant women and children, she began to see high cases of malnutrition. Families didn’t have enough money for food, diapers, or a place to live. Maiiya set in motion a plan to help meet these needs.

2023, Maiiya opens up her own collective called La Sol Negra (The Black Sun). Dedicated to women and children migrants. And is awarded her first major grant within four months of opening her collective! 

During this time, she trained in specialized nutrition that focuses on families with little income. This even extended to families living in shelters. Maiiya supported families in their greatest time of need. Without judgement, only support. 

To date, Maiiya Luu is a certified Full Spectrum Doula, a Reiki Master (ongoing), and body healer. Animals and art bring her the most joy! She plans to patiently wait for the day she gets to bring birds home (alongside her two cats and child)!

Sandra Adan is a Chicago based birth and postpartum doula. She obtained her Birth Doula certification from DONA International. Sandra holds a Bachelors of Science in Child Development and is an early childhood educator at heart. She has over ten years of experience working with children in formal settings such as daycares and public school classrooms. Her most early experiences working with families and children come from helping her parents raise her siblings.

As a lifelong learner, Sandra believes there are always opportunities for learning and growth. Sandra’s role as a community doula has brought on a passion to help those who are underserved get the education, advocacy, support, and resources they need as they navigate becoming new parent, adding to their families, or adapting to a new country. She believes that everyone deserves a doula regardless of their background or status. She loves learning about other’s cultures and traditions and encouraging them keep them alive for their future generations.

Ari Limon is a Full Spectrum doula based in Chicago, Illinois. Ari is passionate about uplifting marginalized communities and providing much needed support for their communities. They incorporate evidence-based practices and traditional knowledge in order to truly embody Full Spectrum care for every client. 

Ari has trained as a doula in San Diego, California and is currently working towards their Bachelor’s in Social Work, so they are well equipped with a wealth of knowledge and experience to provide supportive care and resources. They have spent most of their transitional youth working as a mentor for at-risk youth and have learned in depth about trauma-informed, culturally competent care through hands-on experience. As a queer disabled Mexican, they have personal experience navigating difficult circumstances and want to use their experiences to help and to connect with other minorities in need of support. 

Ari is always learning and bringing their best to their work as a doula and support person. They have strong leadership skills that allows them to advocate for others and have to ability to adapt to any situation. 

Crystal Arrington (she/her) is a Full – Spectrum Doula born and raised on the south side of Chicago. Crystal brings her passion for advocacy, communication and whole person care with her into the sacred spaces of birth and postpartum care. 

Serving has always been a part of Crystal’s life and when she saw that people were in need of compassion and support, she looked into ways she could be of service. Crystal began working with families in their homes around 2016. This sparked her interest in the birth work community where her journey began with community group meetings. As a Postpartum nanny, Crystal began to see first-hand just how important quality postpartum care is. So, she sought out ways she could help.

Crystal completed her Full-Spectrum Doula Training with Doula Trainings International’s (DTI) training program. Alongside her work in the birth worker community, she is a trained singer. Crystal believes that being an artist helps her approach the world in a way that most would not. She utilizes her musical abilities, knowledge of the body, and training as a part of all her care practices.

Chanel Washington is a dedicated full-spectrum doula with over eight years of experience supporting individuals and families through the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, postpartum, placenta encapsulation, and beyond. Her passion for this work has led her to expand her knowledge and skills as a current student midwife and certified as a lactation educator in 2024.

Chanel became a doula she believes everyone deserves compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized care. Whether it's navigating the joys and challenges of pregnancy, empowering informed choices during birth, or providing nurturing postpartum support, her mission is to ensure you feel heard, valued, and cared for every step of the way.

As a full-spectrum doula, Chanel holds space for all reproductive experiences, including fertility journeys, loss, and non-traditional family structures. She is honored to walk alongside her clients, helping to create positive and empowering experiences during life's most profound moments.

Let’s work together to support you in this beautiful, life-changing journey.

Erin has felt drawn to birth work for as long as she can remember. She brings with her many years of experience supporting families as a Family Support Specialist at a local non-profit. She has also supported other professionals who care for parents and children through her work as Program supervisor, a school-based therapist as well as a pediatric hospital social worker. Erin’s passion has been helping parents to get all they need to be happy and healthy. Working as a postpartum doula and directly supporting new families allows Erin to meet both the emotional and practical needs of new parents in their homes. 

Erin obtained her Master’s Degree from Loyola University in Social Work and her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Resources from Illinois State University in Bloomington/ Normal. She has worked as a home visitor and supervisor for Healthy Families as well as a postpartum doula, meeting the needs of first time parents and their extended family members. She has expertise in assessing maternal wellbeing as well as that of the newborn and developing infant and child. Working with other health care professionals in a collaborative model of care with both low and high risk mothers, including mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders, has given Erin a strong knowledge base from which to care for families as a doula. 

Erin served on the Board of Directors for This is ME, a youth empowerment not for profit that served more than 700 girls in Chicago. She has a passion for providing opportunities for social emotional growth to kids and loves to read and has combined these two things to create her own mobile children’s bookshop in Chicago. She is a member of ICAN (International Cesarean Awareness Network) and Breastfeed Chicago.

Erin received doula care and other professional services when her own 3 children were born, and like many parents, faced the unexpected and navigated the doubts and fears that we all encounter. The resources she found as a new parent not only brought her to a greater place of trust and confidence, but she also has that much more information to share with other parents. She is excited to be a part of the support team for other expectant and new families. Erin is familiar with postpartum complications and perinatal mood disorders, fussy or high needs infants, developmental differences and more. Her vast experience, gentle demeanor, as well as her heartfelt commitment to support families during the beautiful and sometimes challenging season makes her a wonderful addition to your postpartum care team! 

Ymani Blake, CLS. is a dedicated maternal and child health advocate with over 15 years of experience in empowering and supporting communities in Chicago through health and wellness initiatives. Since 2020, she has been a certified full spectrum doula, lactation specialist, and evidence-based childbirth educator. Ymani offers compassionate, culturally responsive care to families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She is deeply committed to improving maternal health outcomes by advocating for the well-being of families and ensuring they receive the support and education they need during one of life's most transformative experiences. 

Additionally, Ymani is certified in Perinatal Narrative Exposure Therapy, which is foundational in her trauma-informed approach to birth work. Her expertise in this area enables her to provide holistic, emotionally supportive care that addresses the mental and emotional needs of individuals and families. This ensures that everyone feels honored, safe, and empowered as they navigate their journey into parenthood. 

Daisy Ortiz is an artist, mother, and birth worker deeply humbled by the transformative magic of birth. As the daughter of a nanny with over 40 years of experience, Daisy has been involved in caring for children and families from a young age. Her own decade-long experience as a primary care nanny naturally led her to birth work. Originally from Chicago and recently returned after over a decade of traveling around the world, where she continues to immerse herself in her passions. 

Daisy has been an apprentice midwife for the past two years, studying under traditional midwives in Merida, Yucatán. This hands-on training has deepened her understanding of birth and expanded her ability to support families through this profound transition. 

Daisy is dedicated to providing comprehensive care to all underserved communities. She values and respects cultural traditions, and it is her joy to learn about and honor your cultural practices. She is committed to making her services accessible to everyone who seeks them.

Tabresha (Breezy) Posey is a compassionate Full-Spectrum Doula with expertise in parent education, sacred space-keeping, and family support. 

Breezy is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and supportive space for all families, regardless of their background or identity. She honors each individual’s unique journey, respecting cultural practices and personal preferences while integrating evidence-based care. Her approach blends holistic practices with practical guidance, ensuring that families have the knowledge, support, and confidence they need to thrive.

With her extensive training and ongoing education, Breezy aims to continuously expand her ability to serve families, not only through birth and postpartum support but also by equipping them with the tools for long-term well-being. Through her work, Breezy envisions a world where every family feels empowered, respected, and truly cared for during one of the most transformative experiences of their lives.

Her commitment to reproductive justice and inclusive practices ensures that all families—regardless of race, gender identity, socioeconomic status, or ability—have access to the care and support they deserve. By offering education, advocacy, and hands-on support, Breezy is helping to foster a community where families are nurtured and guided with compassion, knowledge, and dignity.

Breezy's dedication to continuing her education reflects her deep passion for supporting families through every stage of parenthood, and her ultimate goal is to foster a culture of care and understanding where every parent feels confident in their ability to raise their child with love and strength.

Naadirah Shapley Muhammad has always been a nurturer. As she transitioned from a 30+ year career as an Early Childhood Specialist into motherhood, she knew that she wanted to continue to support families. She had a beautiful, and empowering, experience with her own doulas. When a friend suggested that she train to become a professional doula herself, she had an ah ha moment. She wants to support other women, and families, as they travel through their own journeys. Naadirah comes to this work with degrees in Family Community Service and Nursing. She has completed traditional labor doula support, lactation support, and postpartum doula support training with Birthing From Within, ToLabor, ProDoula, and DONA International.

 At the center of this work is family. Family is communion with kindred hearts through the journey of life. It's sharing the joys and the challenges. Around Naadirah's house, family is snuggles on a rainy night, picking glitter off of work shirts, kisses on boo boos, giggles over mint chocolate chip ice cream, and family birthday dinners over fondue. Naadirah is a poet, a holder of space, a baker of homemade lactation cookies, and a mama of one incredible kiddo.

Renée King is a professional postpartum doula, specialized in providing families with compassionate, practical, and emotional support as they navigate the transition into parenthood. With extensive experience in newborn care, breastfeeding support, and postpartum recovery, Renée helps parents feel confident and equipped in their new roles. She is trained to recognize the physical and emotional challenges that can arise during the postpartum period, and offers evidence-based guidance to ensure the well-being of both the parent and the baby. Her expertise includes creating a nurturing environment, offering resources, and tailoring her care to meet the unique needs of each family.

What makes Renée's approach unique is her emphasis on holistic, family-centered care. She understands that each family’s postpartum journey is different, and takes the time to listen, adapt, and provide personalized support. From helping establish routines and providing hands-on assistance with infant care to offering reassurance and guidance through moments of uncertainty, Renée's goal is to empower parents with confidence and peace of mind. She also prioritizes self-care for the birthing parent, recognizing its importance in recovery and family harmony. By fostering a calm, supportive atmosphere, Renée aims to help families thrive during this precious and transformative time.

Kemeera Nimahat is a radiant guide in maternal wellness. She is a wife, mother, and your go-to expert for all things birth and postpartum. Kemeera shines brightest when helping families prepare their hearts, minds, and bodies for an autonomous birth and a prepared postpartum.

Her brilliance lies in guiding mothers through practical steps toward their goals while fostering deep self-trust. She empowers families to envision their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum experience in a new light, make confident choices aligned with their goals, and gracefully embrace the unknown. Blending ancient wisdom with modern, evidence-based practices, Kemeera believes every family deserves to feel confident, cared for, and celebrated as they embark on the beautiful—yet sometimes messy—adventure of welcoming new life.

In addition to birth work, Kemeera brings nearly 20 years of experience as a professional dancer and educator. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance, she has combined her love of movement with her passion for maternal wellness by teaching prenatal and postnatal dance classes that help moms prepare for a smoother birth and a more efficient recovery.

Kemeera has a gift for creating calm and making families feel supported, even in the most stressful situations. Her unwavering commitment to excellence ensures every client receives the highest level of care, compassion, and guidance throughout their journey.

With twelve years of experience as a DONA-certified birth doula and a graduate degree in social work specializing in maternal infant health and postpartum mood disorders, Dawne offers a deeply informed and compassionate approach to birth support. Having served over 200 families, she tailors her care to the unique needs of each family, focusing on evidence-based, holistic practices that nurture both body and mind. Her dual background in social work and doula care allows her to recognize and address the mental, emotional, and physical facets of the birthing journey, creating a safe, supportive environment that empowers birthing people to connect with their instincts and instill trust in their bodies.

Drawing from an extensive doula toolkit, Dawne incorporates Evidence Based Birth techniques, Spinning Babies movements, Hypnobabies mindfulness methodologies and Body Ready Method tools to compassionately guide birthing people through intuitive, supportive movement to help achieve optimal birth positioning and joyful birth outcomes. Dawne draws on her social work expertise in postpartum mood disorders and enhances her ability to support families holistically, both during labor and in the postpartum period. Families who work with Dawne feel reassured by her warm compassionate comprehensive support, benefiting from her empathetic approach and evidence-based methods that together foster confidence, resilience, and a positive birth experience.

When Dawne is not supporting birthing families she can be found exploring nature with her partner, three children and menagerie of fur babies, or in the kitchen nourishing their souls through their stomachs. 

Harriet Boateng has been a Newborn care specialist based in Chicago, Illinois since 1996. She is certified through Newborn and Postpartum Support (NAPS), and is a Licensed Home Daycare Provider.

In 2012, Harriet ran a home-based daycare where she took care of children from ages newborn to 10 years old. She also previously worked at Northwestern Medicine for 9 years as a Medical Assistant in Prentice in the OBGYN department taking care of expecting mothers and postpartum mothers. 

Harriet has worked with families in Chicago, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Skokie, and Indiana. Her experience in childcare has given her the confidence to teach and advise new parents when the need comes. She is a strong communicator, a problem solver, dependable, nurturing and loving, compassionate caregiver with a high patience level to aid those encountering stressful situations. 

Harriet's decades of experience, alongside with her caring demeanor and strong sense of responsibility, make her an invaluable assets to any family. 

Elle’s journey into the perinatal world began as an early childhood educator, where she witnessed the profound emotional and psychological transformations that come with parenthood. This experience ignited her passion for supporting families, prompting her to complete doula training in 2021. While working as a doula, Elle recognized a desire to deepen her connection with clients, leading her to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) with a focus on Child, Youth, and Families, which she completed in 2024.

Combining her clinical expertise with her perinatal experience, Elle provides trauma-informed, holistic support to families navigating pregnancy, postpartum challenges, and the emotional complexities of new parenthood. She is deeply committed to fostering meaningful, supportive connections between parents, their children and their community.  

Elle is dedicated to empowering parents to navigate the perinatal journey with compassion, understanding, and clinical expertise. Outside of her professional work, Elle enjoys teaching free community Zoom yoga classes, exploring trails in the Chicago suburbs, and spending quality time with her husband and child. 

Zetanefert is a birth & postpartum doula, childbirth educator, and belly binding specialist. She has worked with a countless number of families over the past 14 years, and has found her passion in helping families welcome their babies into this world, and through supporting them in achieving a joyous and peaceful postpartum recovery period. 

Zetanefert  is a true people person, and enjoys connecting with her clients through laughter, while providing them with a thorough, well-rounded approach to preparing for the arrival of their baby or for a thriving postpartum. Her philosophy is rooted in evidence based care, her knowledge and experiences as a mother of 4, and in her extensive travels through West Africa. 

Zetanefert truly believes in the health and healing of traditional herbal medicine, and employs her knowledge of plant medicine and healing in her work. She has found that when families are empowered with the knowledge and tools pertaining to pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period they will thrive. And she is grateful to be provided the opportunity to serve and shine light on their paths as they work to achieve this. 

Erin is a certified Postpartum Doula through ProDoula International. 

While going through a transition in her own life, Erin realized that her experience as a yoga teacher and a veteran mom to a teen and a college student made her the perfect candidate to be the calm, supportive presence you need to find your ideal parenting rhythm. Her commitment to flexibility and nonjudgement will allow you to try the approaches that are best for you. 

Having a baby is almost always a huge transition for new parents. Having a gentle but confident person by your side to support you can make all the difference in ensuring it’s a positive one. 

Dionne Allison has over 25 years of experience working with kids of all ages infants, newborns, toddlers, preteens and beyond. As an infant care specialist, her expertise includes multiples, premature babies, latching, sleep training, colic, and reflux.

Dionne's main goal is to be there for moral, and emotional support and to help new parents navigate this special time. Bringing a baby home can be an overwhelming transition, but it doesn't have to be. Dionne will teach and assist you to understand your baby's needs and care such as: behavioral sleeping, learning to have your baby sleeping through the night by 12 weeks, swaddling, soothing, breastfeeding/formula feeding, reflux, colic, and more.

Diane is a Night nurse/Doula/Infant care specialist/NCS with over 15+ years of experience. Diane has extensive experience both personal and professional with singletons, twins & triplets. She is extremely reliable, dependable and compassionate. 

Diane is a mom of 5 older kids including a set of fraternal twins. Her passion is helping families get well deserved sleep in order to take care of their little ones. 

She will give you valuable information needed in order to care for your newborn baby. Diane has always said "There is not a manual on how to take care of a newborn" Which is where Diane comes in to help extensively. She absolutely loves what she does and can not wait to meet you bundle of joy (s).

Rosalina Rashad is a CAPPA-trained birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL, with many years of experience supporting families. She specializes in working with twins and has a wealth of experience with both singletons and busier families with multiple children. Rosalina understands that the transition into parenthood can be overwhelming, and she is dedicated to making the experience a positive one. Families describe her as kind, loving, energetic, patient, calm, a very good listener, and an excellent cook.

Rosalina became a doula because she enjoys supporting families as they navigate the many obstacles and transitions of parenthood. She is always non-judgmental and supports families in a loving way. Seeing families smile when she leaves because the house is tidy, laundry is complete, meals are prepared, mom is rested, and the baby is fed brings her great joy. Rosalina strives to make family life as easy and stress-free as possible, providing comprehensive support that addresses both practical and emotional needs.

In her doula practice, Rosalina focuses on creating a nurturing and supportive environment for her clients. Her approach is personalized to meet the unique needs of each family, ensuring that parents feel confident and empowered during their transition into parenthood. Rosalina's expertise in handling multiples and her ability to maintain a calm and organized household make her an invaluable resource for new parents.

When she is not supporting families, Rosalina enjoys spending time with her own family. Her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for helping families navigate the postpartum period make her a cherished part of the journey for many families. Rosalina's warmth, expertise, and commitment to her clients' well-being ensure that every family she works with feels supported and cared for.

Natalie Miller is a Christian, wife, mother of four children, nurse, photographer, and certified doula based in Chicago, IL. She has 9 years of labor and delivery nursing experience as well as her own varying personal experiences with pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Since 2014, Natalie has also been a professional photographer, providing treasured memories for people through weddings, family portraits, professional headshots, and maternity, birth, and newborn photos.

Natalie has a passion for pregnant women and the care of themselves and their newborns. This passion has led her to provide comprehensive prenatal, labor and delivery, and postpartum support and education. She combines her medical expertise with her photography skills to capture amazing moments for women and their families to cherish forever. Her approach is holistic, focusing on both the physical and emotional aspects of childbirth and newborn care.

Natalie's goal is to guide and support women through their bodily changes and prepare them with the necessary resources for pregnancy, labor, and newborn care. She aims to empower women and their partners throughout these life-changing experiences, helping them to feel confident in themselves and their bodies. Natalie’s compassionate and knowledgeable support makes her a valuable resource for families during this transformative time.

In her free time, Natalie enjoys spending time with her family and practicing her photography. She looks forward to being by your side through this amazing journey, offering both professional support and capturing precious moments along the way. Natalie's dedication to her clients and her passion for empowering women and their families ensure that every family she works with feels supported and celebrated.

Julie Lambert is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula based outside of Chicago, IL. With a professional background that includes nearly a decade at Accenture in their Change Management and Knowledge Management groups, Julie transitioned to nonprofit arts administration after earning her Master’s in English Language and Literature. Her personal birth experiences, which range from a cesarean due to a frank breech presentation to VBACs and a home birth, have given her a profound appreciation and respect for the birthing process.

Julie’s involvement in the Chicago birth community began in 2006 when she co-founded the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) of Chicago while pregnant with her third child. Julie served as the chapter leader for several years and organized community events, including the Chicago premiere of “The Business of Being Born.” She has completed labor and birth doula training through DONA, completed CAPPA Postpartum Doula training, and volunteered with Chicago Volunteer Doulas, supporting vulnerable communities.

Julie has a special interest in trauma and somatic movement and is currently writing a book on trauma and memory. Julie has also worked with Somatic Experiencing facilitators and taken courses with Kimberly Ann Johnson and Molly Caro May. Additionally, she has trained in Well Woman Yoga Therapy and studied Peaceful Parenting to enhance her understanding and connection with children.

As a lifelong learner committed to improving women's and families' health and well-being, Julie brings a wealth of skills and knowledge to her work as a birth and postpartum doula. Julie continues to engage in additional courses to enrich her clients’ experiences, including “Physiological Baby Care” and “Understanding Trauma for Birth and Death Doulas." She is thrilled to be a doula with Partum Health. Julie lives outside of Chicago with her husband, four children, three cats, and a dog.

Joy Schreiber is an experienced and trained Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) based in Chicago, IL, with over 20 years of experience in helping parents adjust to their new normal with the addition of their newborn. She is enthusiastic about setting families up for success and educating new parents on various aspects of newborn care, including helping older siblings adjust to their new role.

Joy is trained by Newborn Care Solutions and specializes in newborn care and sleep conditioning. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development ensures that she stays current with the latest practices and techniques in newborn care. Joy's expertise and compassionate approach make her a trusted resource for families navigating the early stages of parenthood.

Joy specializes in setting up routines to ensure the best possible outcomes in the first 12 weeks and beyond. She has extensive experience working with multiples and infants with reflux, supporting both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding families. Her approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each family, providing comprehensive support and guidance during the critical early stages of a newborn's life.

“I love being able to help families adjust to their new normal while educating parents and helping them make the best informed decisions for their family,” says Joy. Her commitment to providing exceptional care and support helps families feel confident and empowered as they welcome their newest addition.

Kelly Simkowski is a Chicago area-based birth and postpartum Doula with additional experience with multiples, NICU stays and HypnoBirth training.  She is DONA and ProDoula trained and certified.

She has been led through her own experience with fertility struggles and medicalized births to make birth a sacred occasion. She wants to ensure every birthing mother has someone to support them in claiming their power and in trusting their bodies. Hiring a doula is the greatest way to honor your birth experience and make it unique to you!

Kelly is a born nurturer and loves to “mother” the birthing person during labor and also during their immediate postpartum journey.  She intuitively reads baby language and loves teaching that skill to new parents, so they soon become experts in communicating with their little one.  Her organizational skills help families get in to a gentle rhythm that fits their own unique style.

In her free time, Kelly enjoys travel, hiking in the woods, reading, gardening and hanging out with her 5 children.  She has been know to binge watch Netflix on occasion, too!

Charis Madison is a fully trained and specialized Post-Partum doula in the Chicago/Bronzeville area. She received her training through the DONA International Organization. Charis has been working with children for the majority of her life as a Patient Technician, Behavioral Technician, and Nanny. She was drawn to the doula community after assisting a friend through a difficult pregnancy as a single mom, realizing she wanted to continue supporting new moms through this challenging yet rewarding time.

For the past few years, Charis has been working as a Post-Partum Doula, providing support to families during their post-partum stages. She has received multiple testimonies from families she has cared for, attesting to her compassionate and effective support. Charis is trained and educated in breastfeeding, lactation, sleep preparation, meal preparation, and more, ensuring that families have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed as new parents.

Charis's approach as a Post-Partum Doula focuses on ensuring families have the peace of mind and comfort needed to care for themselves and their children effectively. She is dedicated to providing support that helps parents feel confident and empowered. Whether it's assisting with breastfeeding, establishing sleep routines, or preparing nutritious meals, Charis aims to make the transition into parenthood as smooth and joyful as possible.

Passionate about her role as a Post-Partum Doula, Charis is committed to helping families navigate this special time with ease and joy. Her extensive training and experience enable her to provide support tailored to the unique needs of each family. Charis looks forward to being part of each family's journey, helping to create a nurturing and supportive environment for their growing family.

Karin DePaz, a certified postpartum doula based in Chicago, has been a dedicated member of the Partum Health team since 2022, providing both day and night support to families. Her holistic approach to care is enriched by her personal experiences raising her own children and helping with her grandson. Karin’s unique blend of professional training and personal insight allows her to offer empathetic, individualized support to each family she works with.

Before finding her passion in doula work, Karin gained valuable experience in healthcare administration and as a nanny for a family. Her professional journey is complemented by her extensive certifications, including those as a lactation counselor, sleep consultant/trainer, and infant massage therapist. These diverse qualifications enable Karin to address a wide range of needs for new parents.

Working with Karin means receiving compassionate, expert care tailored to your family’s needs. Her sessions are designed to foster a nurturing environment, providing practical guidance and emotional support. Outside of her professional life, Karin enjoys spending time with her family and staying active through regular workouts, reflecting her commitment to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Families who work with Karin can expect a warm, trustworthy partner in their parenting journey.

Giovanna Otavalo is a birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She started her career supporting families as a preschool teacher in Northern Illinois. After 5.5 years in the classroom, she transitioned to higher education administration for two universities over the next 15 years. After the birth of her son, her passion and interest in the fourth trimester increased as she became aware of the gap in care for new parents. In 2014, she became a birth and postpartum doula and started serving families in the Chicagoland area.

Giovanna’s approach to doula work emphasizes personalized care and evidence-based practices. She specializes in fitness and nutrition in pregnancy and postpartum, medically complex pregnancies, and supporting non-traditional families. Giovanna is certified through both CAPPA and DONA International as a Birth Doula and Postpartum Doula, and is a certified CAPPA Childbirth Educator and an Evidence Based Birth Professional Member. Her commitment to her clients' well-being and her passion for education make her a trusted resource for families.

Giovanna is committed to continuing education to further develop her expertise. Her trainings include Hypnobabies Doula, Stillbirthday Doula, Spinning Babies, and the Body Ready Method. With a background in Early Childhood education, she also supports parents during the first year with topics that include breast/chest feeding, introducing solids, sleeping challenges, and beyond. Giovanna's comprehensive approach ensures that families receive the guidance and support they need during the critical early stages of parenthood.

When she is not at work, Giovanna can usually be found exploring local parks and trails with her son, training for endurance cycling races, or preparing for the next marathon. She enjoys trying out new recipes, cooking for her family, and incorporating fitness into her daily routine. Giovanna loves working with families during this special time and takes pride in helping them navigate the challenges and joys of parenthood. 

Sydney Gelb is a DONA International certified postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Child Development and Education and received a multicultural certificate. Sydney is also child CPR, AED, and infant CPR certified. Her journey into childcare began as a nanny and an infant teacher at a child development center, where she supervised up to 8 infants, ranging in age from 6 weeks to 15 months old. Sydney's responsibilities included meeting infants’ basic care needs, teaching them sign language, performing baby yoga, and creating developmentally appropriate activities. She became a trusted support system for many families, often babysitting outside of work.

Sydney's background as a nanny earned her the affectionate nicknames "Mary Poppins" and "baby whisperer." She handled all the responsibilities of her teaching days and more, proving adept at managing the many moving parts involved in helping a family raise children. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing environment for families and her ability to connect with infants and their parents make her an invaluable resource.

Sydney's passion for helping families and her natural affinity for infants led her to become a postpartum doula. Families have described her as thoughtful, kind, knowledgeable, organized, with a heart of gold. As a night owl, she is particularly suited for overnight care. Sydney enjoys helping families bond with their newborns and navigate the early days of postpartum. Her approach includes non-judgmental, evidence-based, emotional, and practical support, as well as newborn education and assistance with feeding issues and sleep. She is experienced with multiples and children of all ages.

In her free time, Sydney enjoys spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and exploring the city. She is fully vaccinated and boosted, ensuring the safety and well-being of the families she supports. "I became a doula because I love infants and helping families," says Sydney. "Supporting families as they bond and connect with their little one is critical. One of my favorite things about being a doula is seeing parents find their voices and their ways as parents. I am constantly proud of how far my clients have come and love to see them and their babies thrive."

Sydney Rosenfeld is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, IL, with a wealth of experience supporting both couples and individual birthing individuals. Through her doula practice, she accompanies families on their journey from pregnancy through the postpartum period, offering compassionate guidance, encouragement, and education every step of the way. Sydney's holistic and empowering approach ensures that each family feels supported and confident as they navigate this transformative time.

Beyond her doula work, Sydney is also a Master of Public Health student who believes that generously sharing knowledge with families is key to ensuring they feel informed and supported throughout their journey. Her academic background enhances her ability to provide evidence-based information and resources to her clients, further strengthening her care approach.

Sydney's approach to doula support is both hands-on and empowering. She facilitates open exploration of options without judgment, empowering each individual and couple to find their voice as parents. Sydney provides hands-on support, holding space for the awe-inspiring experience of entering parenthood while uplifting partners and fostering a sense of empowerment for the birthing person. Her dedication to creating a nurturing and supportive environment makes her an invaluable resource for families.

When she's not immersed in her work or studies, Sydney enjoys quality time with her son, embracing the joys of parenthood with a sense of silliness and playfulness. Her other interests and passions typically bring her outdoors, whether farming on her family’s farm or exploring new hiking paths and trails. Sydney's commitment to her clients and her passion for supporting families make her a cherished part of the birthing journey.

Kristin English is a dedicated postpartum care provider based in Chicago, IL. She is a CAPPA-trained postpartum doula (certificate pending), DONA-trained labor doula (certificate pending), and ProDoula certified. Kristin brings a depth of experience, having worked alongside families as a nanny for five years prior to becoming a doula. Her passion for helping new families reach their goals and welcome their newest addition has driven her to pursue professional training and certification in the field.

Kristin uses her compassion, empathy, and strong nurturing spirit to make families feel supported and confident during this amazing transition. She has had a passion for newborn and postpartum care since she can remember and studied infant development biology at Indiana Wesleyan University. This educational background allows her to understand the biological and emotional changes in both mother and baby as they journey through the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods.

Families love that Kristin makes them feel comfortable, heard, and cared for. She has a keen ability to create a calm, organized, and judgment-free zone for both mom and baby, whether during the day or overnight shifts. Her approach is centered on providing a supportive and nurturing environment where families can thrive.

In her free time, Kristin loves to travel, thrift shop, and enjoy the great outdoors. She is passionate about helping families feel supported and confident in their decisions as they bring their baby into the world by serving, guiding, and caring for them.

Heather Bethune is a trained postpartum doula (CAPPA) based in Wicker Park, Chicago. Growing up as the oldest of nine children, she has always loved caring for infants and babies, continually fascinated by the intelligence of little humans. Heather brings a wealth of intuitive wisdom and calm confidence into every home where she has been privileged to be a caregiver.

Heather’s journey into doula work was significantly influenced by her own experiences as a mother, which solidified and broadened her passion for reproductive justice. She envisions a world where mothers and babies are always thriving, and her work as a doula is an expression of this vision. Heather is dedicated to providing nurturing support to families during the postpartum period, ensuring that they feel empowered and cared for.

Heather’s approach to doula work emphasizes the importance of creating a calm and supportive environment for new families. Her intuitive wisdom and calm confidence help parents navigate the challenges of early parenthood with grace and assurance. Heather believes in the power of compassionate care and is committed to advocating for the well-being of both mothers and babies.

Outside of her doula work, Heather enjoys a vibrant life with her partner and children in the city. She loves long walks, riding her bike everywhere, and spending time at city parks with her family and friends. Heather’s dedication to her family and her community enriches her practice, making her a trusted and beloved support for the families she serves.

Danyale Washington is a DONA-trained postpartum doula, certified sleep consultant, and CAPPA-trained new parent educator based in Chicago, IL. With over 10 years of experience as a seasoned childcare worker, she has supported families of all kinds throughout her tenure. Danyale has a special affinity for those who are in their second or subsequent pregnancies, and she loves helping the entire family adjust, including siblings.

Danyale's primary concern is supporting families at the times they need it most and in the ways they need it most. Every parent, whether they’ve been around the block or are just stepping into the parenting stage, deserves unwavering support. Previous families have said she brings a calming and vibrant spirit to a time that can seem quite daunting and chaotic. Danyale strives to help create the balance and peace everyone deserves, especially during the postpartum period.

Danyale became a doula because, while we celebrate the miracle of childbirth, we often overlook life beyond it. She recognizes the need for continuous support and the village that families crave but struggle to find. As a doula, her ultimate goal is to be that village, the missing piece in the puzzle of parenthood. Danyale is dedicated to guiding families through this delicate and precious time, navigating the postpartum waters with grace and expertise.

Danyale loves being a doula because of the privilege of witnessing tender moments and helping families thrive during one of the most extraordinary chapters of their lives. It's about filling those essential gaps and ensuring families have the support they deserve. Being a doula means being an ally, advocate, and rock for the families she serves. There is nothing more rewarding to her than supporting families during this critical time.

Briana Oden is a full spectrum doula located in Chicago, IL, who has a passion for helping new and expecting families. After supporting family and friends throughout their pregnancy and feeding journeys for the past eight years, Briana decided to make it official by certifying as a birth and postpartum doula. She prides herself on being patient, respectful, reliable, and emotionally present for her clients.

Briana’s journey into doula work was deeply influenced by her own experience with pregnancy and birth trauma in 2014. This personal experience fueled her goal to help families gain the appropriate knowledge and support surrounding pregnancy, birth, feeding, and the postpartum period. She is dedicated to ensuring that her clients feel supported and heard in all birthing scenarios, helping them adjust to the changes that newborn life brings with as much rest and confidence as possible.

Briana’s approach to doula work emphasizes providing comprehensive support to her clients, from pregnancy through the postpartum period. She aims to empower families with the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their unique journeys confidently. Her dedication to birth justice drives her to advocate for her clients, ensuring they receive the care and respect they deserve.

When not fighting for birth justice, Briana is busy homeschooling her two young boys, ages 6 and 8, and being a dedicated soccer mom. She also runs her own handmade bath and body business, as well as an event space. Briana’s multifaceted life reflects her commitment to her family, her clients, and her community.

JoLona Martin is an advanced certified Doula based in Chicago, IL. As a devoted wife and mother, she is passionate about supporting new families as they embark on the incredible journey of parenthood. Her journey into Doula work began with a deep-seated fascination with child development, nurtured through years of dedicated study and hands-on experience.

For over a decade, JoLona worked closely with autistic children in Michigan, honing her skills in empathy, communication, and patient advocacy. Upon relocating to Chicago, she embraced the role of a stay-at-home mom while welcoming her third child into the world. During this transformative period, JoLona encountered unexpected challenges following childbirth, which gave her firsthand insight into the invaluable importance of having a supportive advocate by your side during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

As a Doula, JoLona believes that pregnancy and childbirth, while profoundly joyous, can also present significant hurdles, leaving individuals feeling vulnerable and in need of compassionate guidance. She is committed to offering unwavering support, personalized education, and advocacy every step of the way. JoLona’s approach centers on listening to and understanding the unique needs of each family, ensuring that they feel supported and confident throughout their journey.

Clients can expect not only a warm and welcoming presence but also a wealth of knowledge and expertise to navigate this remarkable journey with confidence and peace of mind. JoLona looks forward to embarking on this adventure together, ensuring that the transition into parenthood is as smooth and empowering as possible. Her compassionate approach and dedication to her clients make her an invaluable partner in the journey of parenthood.

Kara Alexander is a Newborn Care Specialist, CAPPA-trained postpartum doula, lactation educator, certified childbirth educator, and baby-wearing educator based in Chicago, IL. With twenty years of experience caring for children, Kara has dedicated her career to supporting families in the first year of life. She enjoys creating a loving environment, providing non-judgmental support and guidance, and leaving families feeling confident on their journey through parenthood.

Kara's extensive professional experience includes working in daycare settings and serving as a nanny for twelve years, primarily with infants and toddlers. Her focus has always been on meeting the needs of each unique family and baby. Kara is a Newborn Care Specialist certified by Newborn Care Solutions, a CAPPA-trained postpartum doula, and a Safe Sleep Ambassador. These credentials reflect her commitment to providing the highest level of care and support.

Kara specializes in newborn care, lactation education, childbirth education, home births, and caring for multiples. Her approach centers on understanding the individual needs of each family and baby, ensuring that parents feel supported and confident. Kara believes in the importance of being part of a team that helps guide families through the exciting and sometimes nerve-wracking journey of new parenthood. Her passion for helping families start their new journey is evident in her dedication and the joy she brings to her work.

"I just really enjoy helping families start their new journey. I can imagine how excited and nervous families are, but I love being part of a team helping to guide you through this experience," Kara says, highlighting her compassionate approach to care. Outside of her professional work, Kara continues to expand her knowledge and skills to better serve the families she works with, always aiming to provide the best possible start for new parents and their babies.

Annika Cowen (they/any) is a Full Spectrum Doula and Birthworker, supporting individuals through the prenatal, birth, postpartum period, abortion, and grief & loss stages. Living and working on occupied Peoria land in the Northwest suburbs of Chicago, Annika provides client-centered care that looks at the whole individual and actively practices being open and aware of the diverse reproductive needs and experiences people have in light of their identity, background, preferences, and lived experiences.

Annika graduated from their training with For the Village, guided by the revolutionary Sabia Wade. Before becoming a doula, they worked extensively with young people in various capacities, from babysitting and nannying to coaching and running after-school programs. This background, combined with their continuous development of healing and spiritual practices, made the transition into doula work a natural progression for Annika.

In their doula practice, Annika centers informational, physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual support. They aim to bring autonomy, safety, and presentness to each interaction, meeting clients exactly where they are. By listening intentionally, Annika collaborates with clients to cultivate a vision and create the experience each individual desires. With over 10 years of experience in healing practices, Annika uses every resource available within their communities to broaden what their clients can access, ensuring knowledge, wisdom, and healing experiences are accessible.

Annika’s areas of expertise include reproductive justice, trauma-informed care, queer and trans birthwork and lactation, culturally respectful practices, babywearing, womb healing, herbalism, somatic movement, meditation, breathwork, shadow work, and holistic living. They also have extensive experience working with young people using restorative practices and serve as a life mentor and mentor for alternative structures of love. In their free time, Annika enjoys juicing, nurturing their plants, reading, learning, long nature walks, and spending time with their energetic orange cat, André Leon Diablo.

Jahlisa Murphy is a certified advanced trained Birth Doula through Gifted Hands International, a community lactation educator, and CPR certified, based in Chicago. At her core, Jahlisa loves to serve, nurture, and hold space for others. Her mission as your doula is to affirm, serve, support, advocate, and empower you and your partner on your birth journey and during your postpartum recovery. She is devoted to minimizing health disparities and optimizing maternal health outcomes for all mothers and birthing individuals.

Jahlisa graduated from Southern Illinois University with both a bachelor's and a master's degree in social work. With over 20 years of advocacy experience within child welfare, she has also worked in crisis intervention, supporting children and adolescents experiencing mental health crises. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to advocating for, empowering, and encouraging others.

As a birth doula, Jahlisa provides emotional and physical support to birthing individuals and their partners and families during labor and delivery. She facilitates communication with care providers to ensure that clients have the information needed to make informed decisions regarding their baby’s birth. Jahlisa offers reassurance and perspective, makes suggestions for labor progress, and helps with relaxation, massage, positioning, and other techniques for comfort.

Jahlisa is a professional aunt to 30+ nieces and nephews, a title she holds most dear. Raised on the south side of Chicago by her “sacred village,” including her beloved maternal grandmother Janie B, Jahlisa strives to honor her legacy in her work caring for mothers and families. When she is not attending to birth work, she finds joy in cooking, crafting, learning about plant care, and spending time with her family.

Mia Whitehead is a birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, Illinois. She is a Chicago native, A Northside College Prep alumna with a Psychology major, Mia is committed to providing a safe and supportive space for her clients. Mia's care philosophy centers on providing personalized, compassionate support to families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. 

Mia's extensive experience as a doula is complemented by her educational background in psychology. This combination allows her to offer unique and supportive care tailored to the individual needs of every family, addressing both the physical and emotional needs of each patient. She strives to empower parents, ensuring they have the resources and support necessary to parent at their best. Mia's approach is characterized by her dedication to providing personalized care, helping families navigate the transformative journey of childbirth and early parenthood with confidence.

Outside of her professional role, Mia enjoys spending time with her family. She is the wife to her amazing husband and the mother to her little ballerina. In her free time, Mia loves creating memories, exploring art, embarking on adventures, and trying new recipes with her family. This balance between her professional dedication and personal life highlights Mia's commitment to living a fulfilling and compassionate life, making her a trusted and invaluable resource for the families she supports.

Shantel Powell is a birth and postpartum doula trained through Doula Training International, based in Chicago, Illinois. Shantel’s care philosophy focuses on empowering birthing individuals to feel safe and in control. While also providing comprehensive and compassionate support tailored to each family’s unique needs, particularly during the postpartum period and in handling specialized areas such as spinning babies techniques, placenta encapsulation, and lactation counseling.

Since 2013, Shantel has gained experience working with children in daycare and camp settings, as well as supporting families as a nanny. Shantel brings a wealth of knowledge and compassion to her birth and postpartum doula practice. She offers both daytime and overnight care, assisting with cooking, cleaning, errands, and breastfeeding support. Her extensive experience with children and families ensures that parents receive reliable and empathetic support. Shantel's doula journey began after recognizing the challenges faced by pregnant individuals in hospitals and being inspired by the widespread use of doulas in Europe during her studies in England. She is committed to elevating the standard of care for families in the US.

Her mission is to help the birthing person feel safe and have full autonomy over their body as they give birth, as well as support pregnant people and parents through their journey welcoming a new baby. She allows families to be heard and will always put the birthing person’s and the baby’s needs first to ensure the birthing and postpartum plans are met.

In addition to her postpartum and labor support, Shantel is knowledgeable in spinning babies techniques, placenta encapsulation, and lactation counseling. She prioritizes the needs of the birthing person and baby, ensuring that families feel heard and supported throughout their journey. Shantel’s warm and professional approach helps families achieve their birthing and postpartum goals, providing a solid foundation for their new chapter.

Rachel Crompton is a Birth and Postpartum Doula in Chicago with a deep love for children and a passion for supporting families. Rachel’s care philosophy centers on empowering parents with the knowledge and skills needed to nurture their children confidently, blending her extensive experience with infants, support for teen moms, and expertise in infant massage and doula services.

Her journey began in 2012 when she moved to Chicago and volunteered at children’s hospitals, engaging with children and holding infants in the NICU. This experience inspired her to become an infant teacher at an early learning center, working with infants aged 6 weeks to 15 months. Rachel’s approach focuses on compassionate and informed support to help families thrive during the early stages of child development.

To enhance her ability to serve families, Rachel earned her Master’s Degree in Child Development with a specialization in Infancy. While in school, she interned with a program supporting teen moms, providing developmental information, home visits, and community resources. She co-facilitated a newborn group alongside a lactation support group and became a certified Infant Massage Educator to facilitate parent-child bonding.

After graduating, Rachel attended a DONA International workshop, starting her journey to become a Postpartum Doula. In 2022, she further expanded her skills by training as a birth doula with DONA. Rachel is committed to equipping parents with the tools they need for healthy familial relationships and child development. Her holistic and continuously evolving approach ensures exceptional care, helping families navigate the challenges of parenthood with confidence and support.

Laura Steiglitz is a CAPPA Certified Postpartum Doula and an Elite Newborn Care Specialist based in Chicago, Illinois. Whether she is helping to establish healthy sleep patterns, assisting with baby gear selection and setup, or managing sets of multiples, her first priority is making sure that the newborns in her care are given the best start in life. Through parent education, she strives to create a sense of calm and confidence for the family, especially for first-time parents who may need additional guidance. 

She finds true joy in empowering new parents with the knowledge and confidence they need to start their journey with their children. Laura believes in being a proactive partner with parents, adapting to the family’s individual needs and applying her many years of training and experience to handle any challenge.

With experience in caring for premature babies, managing orthopedic conditions, special dietary needs, reflux, allergies, feeding challenges, colic, and eczema, Laura brings a wealth of knowledge to her role. Laura is committed to continuous learning, always seeking educational opportunities to expand her skill set and stay up to date on best practices in newborn care. Additionally, Laura is a Child Passenger Safety Technician and can assist families with keeping their little ones as safe as possible during their travels. 

Families appreciate Laura's calming presence, often dubbing her “the baby whisperer.” Her passion for working with newborns and families is evident in every aspect of her work. Laura’s dedication and expertise inspire trust and make her an invaluable resource for new families.

Tamarra Merrick is a Birth and Postpartum Doula, certified by DONA, based in Chicago, Illinois. Since 2019, she is passionate about supporting families as they transition into parenthood. Tamarra focuses on providing attentive and individualized care, ensuring that each family feels supported and well-prepared for the journey ahead. 

Drawing from her training and experience, Tamarra offers emotional and practical support specialized to each family's unique needs during the prenatal, birth, and postpartum periods. Her guidance and care help parents feel supported every step of the way, fostering confidence and well-being in new and expectant families.

Outside of her professional work, Tamarra enjoys homeschooling her children and exploring nature with her family. These personal interests reflect her commitment to nurturing and education in both her professional and personal life. Her passion for birth and postpartum care, combined with her dedication to her family, makes her a trusted and invaluable resource for new and expectant parents.

Daneita Hudson is a Certified Birth Doula through DONA, providing both birth and postpartum doula support since 2016, based in the Chicago-area. Daneita believes that families should be provided the safe-haven and community that empowers, equips, and allows them to thrive. She has developed specializations in supporting birth parents of all ages, families with past infertility challenges, and those navigating substance abuse.

Prior to finding her true passion in birth work, Daneita earned a Certificate in Surgical Technology and worked in customer service in corporate America. Daneita actively serves her community and has been the connection of many community resources. She and her husband were foster parents for over 10 years, which led them to adding to their family by adopting 4 amazing, beautiful, and highly resilient children.

Daneita finds immense joy in witnessing the miracle of life and aiding families in their transition. Her care philosophy centers on empowering families, teaching them that they have a voice and that they are their greatest advocate, not only for themselves but for their baby and future families. Daneita also brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with diverse family dynamics. She emphasizes serving the family as a unit, valuing each member in a way that fosters teamwork and unity. 

When not working, Daneita cherishes time with her five children and husband, creating new memories and stories. She also enjoys shopping and is an avid couponer, a skill that brings her and her family great pride. Daneita’s dedication to her community, her extensive experience, and her passion for empowering families make her a trusted and invaluable support for those navigating the journey of parenthood.

Amanda is a well loved CAPPA postpartum doula on our team. She is a natural caretaker who loves to jump in and support families wherever they need. Prior to becoming a doula, she enjoyed caring for families as a nanny and babysitter.

She believes caring for families and women during pregnancy, birth and postpartum is a calling for her. When she is not supporting families she is dedicated to her studies as she is a Healthcare Leadership graduate who aspires to become a Physician Assistant.

Working with children is part of her ministry. She passionately cares for babies, children, families, and households. As a doula, she provides the family with a sense of peace as she jumps right in and cares for the entire family. She ensures that families feel completely comfortable entrusting their babies and children with her. She values the upkeep and safety of infants and children under her care, she is very experienced with many children as she has had the privilege to take care of many families. She also has a very calm and sweet character which establishes strong bonding with children, babies, and parents.

Amanda works and Volunteers at Church, she works for the children’s ministry and also in the choir, Ministrant songs in Bible teachings to both the congregation and the kids in the children’s ministry have given her the ability to communicate clearly to her audiences. She also loves caring for her nephew, niece, and cousins.

Vasvija Tricic (Vee) is a certified postpartum doula based in Chicago, Illinois. Vee joined the Partum Health team around 2022 with a passion for supporting new families. Her dedication to nurturing and empowering parents is evident in her approach, which blends her extensive hands-on experience with a warm, compassionate touch.

With eight years of experience as a full-time nanny, Vee developed a deep understanding of family dynamics and the needs of newborns and young children. This knowledge was further complemented by her certification as an OBGYN nursing tech at a Swedish hospital, where she has worked for the past three years. In this role, Vee has gained experience in the newborn nursery and delivery rooms, enhancing her skills in providing specialized, attentive care to both mothers and infants.

Vee's sessions are characterized by her personalized care and her commitment to creating a supportive environment for families. Whether she is assisting in the delivery room or offering guidance and support as a doula, Vee’s clients can expect a professional yet warm experience. Outside of her professional commitments, Vee enjoys reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with her two beloved fur babies, reflecting her nurturing nature both at work and in her personal life.

Kalyn Jones is a dedicated birth and postpartum doula based in Chicago, with experience in maternal and child health since 2018. A passionate advocate for improving women and children's health and wellness, Kalyn provides education and resources to encourage a healthy environment in the home for families. Her holistic approach, combined with her expertise and keen attention to detail, ensures an enhanced client experience.

With a strong background in maternal and child health, Kalyn offers comprehensive support to families during the significant moments of birth and postpartum. She leverages her experience and specialized training to deliver personalized care that addresses the unique needs of each family. Kalyn's commitment to empowering families through education and resources translates into practical and emotional support that helps families thrive.

Kalyn Jones looks forward to helping your family navigate this momentous time with confidence and ease. Her warm, professional approach fosters a nurturing environment where families feel supported and empowered. Whether providing hands-on assistance during labor and delivery or offering guidance during the postpartum period, Kalyn is dedicated to ensuring that each family experiences a positive and healthy transition.

Paris Morris is a  birth and postpartum doula and a student midwife based in Chicago, Illinois. Her journey into birth work began with the profound experience of delivering her first child, which inspired her to support and empower other women in their birthing choices. Years later, during her second pregnancy, she discovered the role of doulas and was inspired to become one herself, aiming to provide the same empowering experience she had. 

Professionally trained through Doula Training and DoulA Certification (DONA) International and currently pursuing certification, Paris has gained valuable knowledge and experience from both DONA and Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD). She is also trained in placenta encapsulation and CPR/NRP. Her approach is grounded in the belief that every family deserves a supportive and empowering birth experience. She is committed to providing personalized care that respects each family's unique needs and preferences.

As a student midwife, Paris Morris is expanding her skills and knowledge to further support families during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Her goal is to become a midwife, using her extensive doula experience to enhance her midwifery practice. She finds immense joy in being part of the birth and postpartum journey, and her dedication to empowering women and supporting families shines through in every aspect of her work. With a deep commitment to helping others, she looks forward to continuing her journey in birth work and making a positive impact on the lives of the families she serves.

Kyla Conner, a dedicated doula based in Chicago, Illinois, is committed to providing unwavering support to families throughout their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. With a warm heart and wealth of knowledge, Kyla empowers parents to make informed decisions and advocate for their needs and desires. Her compassionate and gentle demeanor creates a safe and supportive environment where families feel heard, valued, and respected. 

Driven by her passion for women’s health, Kyla is furthering her education in nurse midwifery. Her extensive training and experience as a doula have equipped her to deliver comprehensive and empathetic care. Kyla’s professional journey is marked by continuous learning and a commitment to excellence, in order to provide the best possible support to her clients. Her approach to care is both professional and heartfelt, making her a trusted ally for families navigating the complexities of parenthood.

In her sessions, Kyla develops personalized support plans that address each family's unique needs. Kyla’s supportive presence and expertise make her an invaluable resource during the transformative period of pregnancy and postpartum. She tailors her support to meet the unique needs of each family, offering emotional guidance, physical comfort measures, and practical assistance. As Kyla remains dedicated to guiding families with compassion and respect, she wants to ensure they embark on their journey to parenthood with confidence and peace of mind.

Marneshia Hiner is a full-spectrum doula specializing in birth and postpartum support based in Chicago, Illinois. With a passion for empowering and nurturing birthing parents and their families, she provides comprehensive care for both physical and emotional needs. Her approach is supported by over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, with a special dedication to supporting diverse families and advocating for pregnant teen mothers.

Marneshia began her journey working in a childcare program, which sparked her passion for education and support. Since 2013, she has held roles as a childcare teacher, trainer, director, education specialist, and advocate. She is certified and trained through Sokana Collective, blending her technical knowledge with genuine care. Her background displays personalized and well-rounded care for each family she supports.

In her doula practice, Marneshia aims to create a nurturing environment where parents feel safe and empowered to advocate for the birthing experience they envision. Her sessions focus on holistic support, offering guidance and reassurance. As a Quality Assessor for a nationally accredited Early Childhood Education organization, Marneshia applies her attentive approach to enhance the quality of her doula services. When not supporting families, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and watching engaging series on Netflix.

Marneshia is excited to work with you and your family, helping to create a beautiful and empowering birthing experience. Her commitment is to be of service to her community, providing the best possible support during this transformative time.