Vallen Webb

Island Lake, Illinois

Vallen Webb

7 years of experience

As a Certified Bereavement Doula, I approach each family I serve with deep compassion, respect, and commitment to their healing journey. I believe that every family’s grief is unique, and my role is to provide a safe, empathetic space for them to process, honor, and navigate the profound loss of their baby. My philosophy centers around offering individualized, non-judgmental support that honors each family’s emotions, choices, and cultural or spiritual beliefs. I am here to listen, to hold space, and to guide gently through the moments that feel overwhelming, offering practical resources and heartfelt care along the way. My goal is to help families find small steps toward healing, to feel seen in their grief, and to know they are not alone in their journey. Together, we honor both the loss and the enduring love that remains.

Naadirah Shapley-Wells

Skokie, Illinois

Naadirah Shapley-Wells

12 years of experience

Naadirah is professionally trained full spectrum doula with over a decade of experience in birth work. She has worked with families throughout Chicago and area suburbs. Naadirah comes to birthwork with a background in child development, family studies, social services, education and nursing. Naadirah is trained and certified in first aid, domestic violence support, CPR for healthcare workers, and mental health first aid.

Jen Mills

Chicago, Illinois

Jen Mills

4 years of experience

Hello! I'm Jenny, a certified and experienced Childbirth and Bereavement Doula based in Chicago. I am also available to support your journey virtually. My passion is pregnancy and childbirth, and I'm especially in love with creating exactly the space and mood that my clients want for their labor and delivery. I am a judgment-free zone, so whether you want a med-free birth or one with an epidural, a home birth or one on the labor & delivery floor, I'm equally thrilled to be part of it. Providing informational, emotional, and physical support is what I do, and what I love. I'd love to talk with you more about it!

Danyale Washington

Bloomingdale, Illinois

5.0 (4 reviews)

Danyale Washington

5 years of experience

My name is Danyale Washington. I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology from Concordia University Chicago. After working for over a decade in various facets of childcare and education —as well as having two children of my own— I have seen countless times, as well as witnessed myself as a parent, the lack of support and resources. My passion for helping others and dedication to children and their families reaching their full potential has always been a big part of who I am. It has continuously fueled me to pursue a career in doing just that–offering my insight and expertise to help those I serve feel confident and well-equipped to foster healthy development in children. My philosophy is rooted in empowerment, positivism, and compassion. It is at the core of all my services. My approach is strength-based and client-centered. It focuses on being an aid to those I provide support to in using the tools and skills they already possess to foster optimal growth and development in children. I believe in empowering individuals as they navigate the more challenging components of childrearing. My role is to be in your corner—cheering you on—guiding and supporting you while utilizing your strengths to achieve your goals. You are the driver; I am simply the map!

Recent review

We started working with Danyale when our son was about 8 weeks old, and we’re so glad that we started so early! We learned ways to instill healthy sleep habits for our baby right from the start. We were amazed at how quickly he learned to put himself to sleep, and sleep through the night! Danyale was absolutely wonderful and it was extremely helpful to have someone to ask questions to weekly and guide us through the process. We are so thankful to have such a happy and well rested baby - thank you so much Danyale! You are amazing, and we are so grateful for you and Sweet Piece!

- Mariana C.

Eileen Joyce

Bartlett, Illinois

Eileen Joyce

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

For as long as I can remember, I yearned to be a mother. Unfortunately, when faced with multiple medical conditions, I realized that getting pregnant was not going to be easy—even though it seemed like everyone around me was having babies. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to become pregnant-- but why didn’t I feel the effortless joy that seemed to encompass all the mothers on my social media feed? Why was this so hard? It’s often said that no one really prepares you for becoming a parent, but I feel passionately that our society could do a better job. I hold a feminist perspective and challenge societal expectations of how things “should be.” You don’t need to do it all and you don’t need to do it alone. I’ve worked in multiple different settings including crisis home based work with children and their families, partial hospitalization programs with adults, and most recently in a pediatric medical clinic supporting families with children with medical conditions. I have been trained in perinatal mood disorders by Postpartum Support International (PSI).

Abby Johnsen

Lakemoor, Illinois

Abby Johnsen

7 years of experience

--Continuing my training with BADT for Full Spectrum Doula work-- I started Doula work after my first child was born, when I realized how much I didn't know and how much I wanted to know. I want to help other parents, especially first timers and queer families, feel confident and supported during their journey to parenthood. I'm passionate for advocacy as well and will stand for your choices during birth, whatever those may be. I'm bisexual and love to support LGBTQIA+ families in their parenting journey. I'm learning Anti-Racism and will always stand against discrimination and racism, especially when it comes to the medical field. I believe birthwork is activism and strive to include that in every aspect of my work. I offer free consultations, birth education and support, body/breastfeeding education and postpartum education. I am open to last minute bookings. I offer sliding scale/discounts for lower income families.

Natalie Miller

Elgin, Illinois

Natalie Miller

4 years of experience

My name is Natalie Miller, and I’m thrilled to have you here! Allow me to share a bit about myself. I’m a Christian, a devoted wife, a mother of four, a nurse, a photographer, and a certified doula. With 10 years of experience in obstetric nursing and my own personal journey through childbirth, I bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to the care I provide. Since 2014, I’ve also worked as a professional photographer, capturing cherished memories ranging from weddings and family portraits to maternity, birth, and newborn photography. My passion lies in supporting women during one of the most transformative times in their lives. That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to providing comprehensive prenatal, birth, and postpartum care, paired with the opportunity to document these unforgettable moments for families to treasure forever. My mission is to empower women and their partners throughout pregnancy, labor, and early parenthood. I aim to equip you with the resources, education, and confidence you need to navigate these life-changing experiences while celebrating the incredible capabilities of your body. I am honored to walk alongside you on this amazing journey, providing guidance, support, and encouragement every step of the way.

Angel Prabhat

Crystal Lake, Illinois

Angel Prabhat

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a board-certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I’m dedicated to supporting families through the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood. With over 500 clinical hours under my belt, I've had the privilege of working with clients in their homes, virtually, and within hospital settings. My experience ranges from tackling oral ties and low weight gain to navigating colic, allergies, and even tandem feeding and breastfeeding through pregnancy. As a mother of four, I’ve been in the trenches myself. I've navigated the ups and downs of infant feeding, from supplementing and bottle feeding to addressing breastfeeding aversions. My personal journey gives me a unique perspective that complements my professional expertise. I’m passionate about providing evidence-based information and supporting families in making informed decisions that best suit their needs. My approach is grounded in compassion and non-judgment, believing that all family's choices are valid. Whether you're seeking guidance on a specific issue or just need a supportive ear, I’m here to help you find the path that works for you and your little ones. Let’s navigate this infant feeding journey together!

Carly Ann Marshall-Braun

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (23 reviews)

Carly Ann Marshall-Braun

8 years of experience

I am Chicago based childbirth educator, doula, and soon-to-be midwife. I am passionate about supporting undisturbed physiologic birth. I believe in healthy-at-any-size. I've been teaching Evidence Based Birth for two years and I recently finished Midwifery school (to be licensed in 2026). I adore working with queer families, trans folks, and families who have used fertility support. My expertise spans home birth, birth centers, and hospital birth. Most people who take my class are at a birth center or hospital. Many want an empowered low-intervention birth, but most also want information about the benefits of epidurals, and when is the best time to get one. I am passionate about you having the birth YOU want, and having agency over your body and birth, no matter what this journey brings. I provide evidence based information, grounded energy, and listening ear.

Recent review

Carly Ann was our doula for the birth of my second child and she was so incredibly supportive, knowledgeable, and her presence was deeply grounding for me. Having her guidance in the hospital room was incredible for my husband and me both, and it just felt like we didn't need to worry about anything with Carly Ann there to remind us of anything or prompt us in important moments! She also came by to support after the baby was born and I appreciated feeling like I could just relax and be cared for by her. Super grateful that we got to work with her and I highly recommend her to anyone interested in working with her!! x

- Nic Strack

Amanda Nelson

Chicago, Illinois

Amanda Nelson

3 years of experience

Hi! My name is Amanda, I am a DONA trained birth doula, and I am ready to support you on your journey to parenthood! Whether you're planning a home birth, a hospital birth, or anything in between, my goal is to empower you with information, encouragement, and advocacy every step of the way. I believe in honoring your unique journey and preferences, offering non-judgmental support that respects your decisions and desires. I would love to connect with you for a complimentary consultation! Let me buy you a cup of coffee/tea or we can schedule a zoom/phone call.Booking with me will include one in person pre-birth meeting around 36 weeks, on call birth support, and one in person postpartum visit. Text and phone support available starting at time of booking through postpartum visit.

Annette Yen

Holiday Hills, Illinois

Annette Yen

7 years of experience

I’m a Christian bereavement and birth doula in the Northwest suburbs area of Chicago and Southeastern Wisconsin.

Sarah Baker

Chicago, Illinois

Sarah Baker

15 years of experience

Sarah Baker is a mom of two little boys (one being a hypnobirthing baby), Hypnobirthing Childbirth Educator, Internationally Accredited Meditation Teacher, Postpartum Doula and Holistic Health Specialist. Similar to you, Sarah wanted to feel prepared, confident and calm during her labor, no matter what twist or turn took place. Finding a childbirth education class that provided not only in-depth knowledge on everything that goes down during labor, but proven methods that help you feel calm, confident and empowered (that did not consist of just pain management interventions that hospitals offer), was something that Sarah had a hard time finding in the Chicagoland area. Sarah started Asana Mama to provide parents in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs an incredibly engaged, premier Childbirth classes, both private sessions and group classes: (currently being held completely remotely). Sarah brings almost a decade of practicing as a Holistic Health and meditation specialist with a heavy emphasis on helping women navigating preconception, pregnancy and postpartum.

Elle Mercado

Oak Park, Illinois

Elle Mercado

5 years of experience

hello birthing persons, i’m elle, a DONA certified birth doula, yoga instructor and social worker based in oak park, IL. I became a doula after four years of working in childhood education and fully understanding the impact birth has on everything—my pedagogies are rooted in epigenetics.

Stefanie Waldorf

Chicago, Illinois

Stefanie Waldorf

2 years of experience

Focused on spiritual and physical support that follows evidence-based guidelines and empowers self-advocacy in hospital births.

Kate Brooks

Chicago, Illinois

Kate Brooks

Trained postpartum doula with experience in supporting and caring for newborns. Previously nannied for five years and worked at an early childhood center in the enfant room for four years. Love to support and care for parents postpartum and find best ways to create systems of support for parents postpartum.

Carolyn Andrew

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Carolyn Andrew

9 years of experience

Since 2016, I have been a doula, childbirth educator and maternal child health specialist supporting families in their journeys to growing their families. I am a care giver and a learner at my core and I strive to provide each family that I work with access to all the support and knowledge they need to become empowered, confident parents.

Recent review

Carolyn was a pivotal person during our entire pregnancy and birthing experience. Carolyn was able to help me talk through a difficult experience with a care provider. Carolyn was able to provide with an open space for venting and helped to ultimately navigate away from a provider who was not the best fit for us. She was a calm force who was able to help us maintain our composure and think outside the box when our labor was not progressing. Carolyn was able to help us digest information about our birth and labor, so we could find our joy and love , even if the labor did not go as planned. I cannot begin to image our birth without Carolyn. We will be forever grateful and thankful for her helping us to bring our son into this world safely.

- Rachel Y.

Amy Patel

Village Of Lakewood, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Amy Patel

3 years of experience

I am a DONA certifying birth doula who is passionate about changing the birthing experience for expectant parents by providing emotional and physical comfort and presence during your sacred transition.

Recent review

I am grateful for Amy Patel beyond words. Despite being unable to provide her with the compensation she deserved, she still agreed to be our doula. This shows her love and care for her clients. She took the time to listen to my story, understand my needs, and advocate for me as a soon-to-be mother of two. Amy respected my family by asking questions and getting to know us before the birth experience. She was attentive and took notes, ensuring she remembered our shared information. Amy helped me plan for my C-section when it was confirmed that my daughter was not turning. As I was occupied with my doctoral program, she even helped me write a birth plan and pack my hospital bag. On the day of the C-section, she arrived on time and stayed with me throughout, except for the surgery itself. She even remembered to bring chapstick and rubbed my feet while we waited for the surgery room. She held my hand as the nurse tried to insert my IV and post-surgery, she hugged me and rubbed my shoulders as I cried after a pediatrician disrespected me. She even stayed overnight so my husband could care for our daughter at home. Amy continued to check up on me via text in the weeks following my hospital discharge and even visited us one last time. I highly recommend Amy Patel as a doula. She is empathetic, respectful, and genuinely caring towards her clients.

- Lydia D.

Brittany Hourston

Broadview, Illinois

Brittany Hourston

2 years of experience

Hello Friend, my name is Brittany Hourston. I am a Postpartum Doula located in the Chicagoland area. The facets of encouraging, educating, and caring for newborns and their moms. I'm always curious to learn more about how I can be a great asset to the pair. Coming from an educational and nonprofit background, I believe the growth of a child starts at the beginning stages of early childhood, and establishing a positive atmosphere with great strategies will help to get there. My agency works to establish a judgment-free zone for all parents seeking informational and emotional support.

Kelsey Haliti

Wheaton, Illinois

Kelsey Haliti

12 years of experience

I am a childbirth educator, birth and postpartum doula and Owner of Cloud Nine Birth Services. My experience level (10 years and over 800 families supported) meets my level of passion and enthusiasm for this important work. I believe that every client and every birth is unique, that our bodies were made to welcome new life and that each family deserves true informed consent and proper physical and emotional care prenatally, during birth and in the postpartum period. My support is unwavering and unbiased. I am a calm presence, a wealth of knowledge on labor and birth, and not afraid to get my hands “dirty” by being physically active with every comfort measure you could dream of! ♥️

Clare VanderWeele

Wheaton, Illinois

Clare VanderWeele

Hi, I’m Clare VanderWeele, an ICEA-trained birth doula in Chicagoland's western suburbs. I believe in the beauty of birth and supporting families with calm, connected care. As your doula, I’m here to support you from pregnancy through postpartum with calm, encouraging care. I believe in your body’s wisdom and advocate for the birth experience you want, whether that’s at home, in a birth center, or hospital.