Darnicia Holt

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Darnicia Holt

9 years of experience

Hey! I’m Darnicia, a full-spectrum doula, birth mindset educator, and reproductive justice advocate. TL;DR From organizing protests and fighting for social justice to shutting down systemic abuse, violence, and oppression in the medicalized perinatal care system. My passion? Teaching incredible birthing people — like you — how to trust your intuition❤️‍🔥 and advocate for your autonomy,🗣️ so you feel ✨empowered to be the authority of all your reproductive experiences✨ — fertility to postpartum (or not being pregnant at all). 👀 A little more info… To me, birthwork is inherently linked to social justice and activism. Birthwork is advocacy, and advocacy follows you through every aspect of your life. Therefore, advocacy isn’t something you learn; it’s who you are. I’ve taken what I’ve learned in my years as a social justice organizer and have applied it to birthwork. Sometimes, the fight for my clients to have the reproductive outcomes they desire mirrors the intensity I’ve seen when organizing for human rights. When necessary, I use the same energy it takes to shut down streets and apply it to protect my clients’ experience. What does this mean for you? I have the heart and the skills to fight for your dream birth or whatever support you need. But no worries, I’ll only fight to whatever extent you need or are comfortable with. ☺️ The foundation of the doula role is about the person you are. I am an advocate. Fun facts: I’m a wife and Mom of two. I’m a HUGE Marvel/MCU fan. I L😍VE Thai Iced Tea and mushroom coffee 🍄☕.

Recent review

Darnicia helped us with postpartum care for our newborn and we are grateful beyond measure for her support and expertise. She is very kind, calming, and has a high degree of knowledge. She is such a warm person and we felt well cared for alongside our baby. In the matter of a few weeks, we went from frazzled new parents to having a baby who sleeps through the night multiple nights per week. I highly recommend Darnicia for postpartum care for anyone who is looking to establish healthy routines for their baby and wants to feel very supported in the process.

- Katie J.

KARA ALEXANDER

Chicago, Illinois

KARA ALEXANDER

9 years of experience

My name is Kara, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as an Advanced Newborn Care Specialist, CAPPA trained Labor and Postpartum Doula, Lactation Educator, Baby-wearing Educator, and Certified Childbirth Educator. With over two decades of dedicated experience nurturing children, I've found immense joy in providing exceptional care to families like yours. My approach revolves around delivering not just outstanding care, but also fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment. My goal is to empower and guide parents, ensuring they feel refreshed and confident as they embark on the early stages of parenthood. Knowing your newborn is in safe hands allows for a sense of ease and security during this precious time. Before specializing in newborn care, I spent thirteen years in daycares and as a nanny, caring for infants to school-age children. This diverse background has equipped me to handle a wide spectrum of needs, including preemies, singletons, and multiples. It's a privilege to support families as they navigate the exciting journey of new parenthood, always tailoring my approach to meet individual needs and expectations.

Chrissie Demarais

Chicago, Illinois

Chrissie Demarais

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi there! I’m Chrissie, a Chicago based birth and postpartum doula, certified lactation counselor, and certified sleep consultant. I’m here to support you through the messy, beautiful, exhausting, and powerful parts of early parenthood. My approach is practical, non-judgmental, and deeply personalized. I don’t believe in one “right” way. I believe in your way, and my job is to help make that feel doable.

Kemeera Nimahat

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Kemeera Nimahat

10 years of experience

Hi Friends! I'm Kemeera, a radiant guide in maternal wellness. My brilliance lies in guiding mothers through practical steps toward their birth goals, fostering a deep self-trust that enables them to envision their pregnancy and birth in a new light and make confident choices aligned with their birth plans while gracefully surrendering to the unknown. My doula style seamlessly integrates mental and physical birth preparation and empowerment techniques and blends ancient principles with modern innovation to help moms claim their right to a dignified birth and avoid a W.T.F. birth story. I was called to birthwork before I ever heard the word “doula” and have nearly 10 years in the game and over 15 years as a dance instructor. I love learning and expanding my knowledge and training so that I can best serve you. Additionally, my own four births have taught me things that no doula training ever could and I bring my complete self to you while also honoring the fact that this is your journey, not mine. Your body, your baby, your choices. It is always an honor to support a family through one of life’s most precious and sacred transformations and I do not take that lightly. I look forward to meeting you.

Recent review

I gave birth to my beautiful now little toddler girl back in December of 2021. I had not been pregnant for 13 years and I knew for this pregnancy I wanted to hire a doula for pre and post-natal support. With this birth I was determined to have a natural, unmedicated birth. I knew this was going to be a big commitment, but I was so determined to do it with proper preparation and care. This is one of the main reasons I hired Kemeera to be my doula. I wanted a birthing experience where I could exhibit control over my experience and feel alert and connected to my body in ways I never felt before during labor. Kemeera helped me achieve these goals, helping me feel totally empowered about my ability to give birth naturally and overall feel strong and confident about the challenges in birth and becoming a mother again. From the moment I interviewed with Kemeera I felt a warm instant connection. She was welcoming, allowed me to talk about my prior birth experience and was attentive to my goals/needs. When I hired her, I did not think I would gain a permanent friend/ally in the birthing community, but I did. She helped me throughout my pregnancy with prenatal visits where we strategized about natural birth scenarios, pain techniques etc. We even had a dance session that was so fun, unique, and made me feel sexy 8 months pregnant big as ever lol! She incorporated my entire family, strategizing with my husband and older son about how they were going to support me during and after birth. It really felt like she cared and became committed to my entire family. She helped me create a birth plan that I was comfortable with and after birth she remained a constant. She helped provide lactation support when my milk was a little delayed in coming in and honestly, we still check in to this day from time to time. Not to mention she was my unofficial birth photographer and took the most memorable photos of myself, baby, and husband right after birth. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking to hire a doula. She is really committed and passionate about this work. She cares immeasurably about her clients!

- Lesley D.

Zoe Nelson

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Zoe Nelson

2 years of experience

Hi! I’m a responsible and nurturing nanny with a background in Art Education and five years of experience as an elementary art teacher. For the past year, I’ve cared for a newborn and a four-year-old, supporting daily routines and early development. I’m now transitioning into overnight care, bringing a calm, attentive approach to help families get the rest they need. I’m CPR certified, comfortable with infant care and sleep routines, and open to additional training. References available upon request.

Recent review

I’m pleased to recommend Zoe Nelson as a night nanny. Over several months she cared for our newborn and three‑year‑old, allowing my husband and me to sleep soundly. Each morning we awoke refreshed to happy, well‑rested children. Zoe is caring, responsible, and knowledgeable in both infant and toddler routines. She maintained clear logs, anticipated needs, and communicated thoughtfully about each night’s events. Our kids quickly came to trust her gentle approach, and we always felt at ease. Any family would be lucky to have Zoe’s dependable support.

- Suzanne C.

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.

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.

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.

Sarah Macaraeg

Chicago, Illinois

Sarah Macaraeg

14 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I'm a board certified pelvic and orthopaedic physical therapist specializing in prenatal and post-partum recovery for patients regardless of gender identity. I am also a certified doula which provides a unique perspective on labor and delivery for clients.

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.

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.

Hephzibah Egoro

Chicago, Illinois

Hephzibah Egoro

10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Hephzibah Egoro, and I am a caring, reliable, and patient childcare provider based in Chicago with 9 years of childcare experience. I am also a mother of three, which has given me strong hands-on experience caring for children of different ages and understanding their needs, routines, and emotional development. I am CPR certified and place a strong focus on safety, comfort, and attentive care—especially during overnight and night-time hours. I am calm, responsible, and dependable, and I am comfortable with bedtime routines, overnight supervision, feeding support, diaper changes, and providing reassurance throughout the night. As a parent and experienced caregiver, I understand how important trust, communication, and consistency are. I treat every child with patience, respect, and the same level of care I give my own children. My goal is to provide families with peace of mind while ensuring their children are safe, secure, and well cared for. I would be happy to support your family with overnight or night-time childcare needs.

Sherica Blakey

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Sherica Blakey

11 years of experience

Welcome to RBLL DOULA SERVICES RICA B'S LABOR OF LOVE LLC WHERE PASSION&PURPOSE INTERTWINES B. RBLL offers compassionate support to expectant families, regardless of whether it is their first or tenth child, Rica provides personalized care tailored to individual needs, including prenatal consultations, labor support, and postpartum guidance once you are back home with your newborn. Rica B. is committed to ensuring that every birth is a positive and empowering experience. NOW OFFERING FULL SPECTRUM DOULA SERVICES.SELF PAY & PRIVATE PAY ASK ME ABOUT MEDICAID ELGIBILITY!! PHONE: (708)477-2227 RICABLABOROFLOVE@GMAIL.COM

Recent review

Rica B the Doula was amazing She was there for me my entire birthing experience and made this journey so much easier for me to navigate. I Would hire her again and I recommend her 10 out of 10

- Briana Y.

Deshaunna Washington

Chicago, Illinois

Deshaunna Washington

3 years of experience

My name is Deshaunna Washington and I am A certified Birth and Postpartum Doula based in Chicago, Illinois. As a mother to a teenager born in 2011, my journey into motherhood ignited a deep passion for supporting families, particularly mothers and their babies, propelling me to pursue a degree in social work. This academic path has opened doors for me to provide valuable support to families as a home visitor, ultimately leading me to specialize in Birth Work. My unwavering commitment to aiding others is exemplified in the dedication and effort I invest in each family from the prenatal to postnatal stage. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to guide and support you during this pivotal and exciting journey.

Tymeka Branch

Forest View, Illinois

Tymeka Branch

12 years of experience

I have been a nanny/ ncs for the last 12 years. During my career I have worked with all ages of children. To families I am known as the perfect helping hand. I have worked with children on the spectrum which has helped me further my education to help parents. Recently I have been working with newborns. With my experience with working with many children, I have compassion, empathy, respect and I am very responsible. From helping the mother breast feed to cleaning pump parts. I am a well rounded nanny.

Kristen Walles

Riverside, Illinois

Kristen Walles

12 years of experience

Hi! I'm Kristen. I am a graduate of Chamberlain University, where I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. My nursing degree has taken me down a path I was destined to be on. I always knew I wanted to work with mothers and babies, and after graduation, I began working as a private nurse for postpartum families. I would be their support system during their personal postpartum journey while educating their entire family on how to navigate the new territory of bringing their baby (or babies!) home. It was during this time I learned how motherhood is such a beautiful experience, yet also one of the most difficult without the proper support system. I began to specialize in infant sleep and obtained my Pediatric Sleep Consultant certification through the Family Sleep Institute. I have worked with countless families in Chicago, as well as virtually, to help them find the rest their whole family needs in a way that works for them. I had a baby of my own last year, and being a mother myself has brought even more empathy and compassion into my work.

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!

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.