Nkanyezi Star Mngadi

Chicago, Illinois

Nkanyezi Star Mngadi

24 years of experience

Certified Infant Sleep Specialist | Professional Night Nanny Nkanyezi (“Star”) | 23 Years of Experience | Chicago & Surrounding Suburbs My Philosophy: Helping infants sleep safely and soundly is both a science and an art. With 23 years of experience and certifications in Safe Sleep Infant Training and Child Development: Sleep Training, I bring a structured, nurturing approach to overnight care—ensuring babies rest well and parents wake up reassured. My methods are lasting, gentle, and tailored to each baby’s unique rhythm. How I Support Your Family Overnight: For Your Baby: • Certified Safe Sleep Practices: My training in Safe Sleep Infant Training focuses on SIDS/SUID prevention, ensuring every detail of your baby’s sleep environment aligns with medical safety guidelines. • Developmentally Sound Sleep Plans: My Child Development: Sleep Training certification equips me to understand infant sleep from birth to age 4—including behavioral, medical, and emotional factors that disrupt it—and how to gently correct them. • Consistency & Comfort: Babies thrive with structure and consistency. I maintain and support your baby’s existing routine, so the day flows smoothly after a restful night. From feeding intervals to soothing techniques, I ensure each night supports developmental milestones. • Hands-On Monitoring: I never sleep while the baby sleeps. I observe sleep patterns closely throughout the night, helping identify disruptions and reinforce healthy, lasting sleep habits. • Prepared for the Day Ahead: I prepare bottles for the next day and keep detailed written notes on sleep, feeding, and behavior so parents wake up informed and at ease. If mom is pumping overnight, I label, store, and wash the parts—so she can rest and wake up to clean, ready-to-use equipment. Why Families Trust Me: • Proven Results: My methods are effective through regressions, teething, and transitions—building strong sleep foundations that last. • Trusted by Parents: I have an extensive list of references from families whose babies now sleep soundly thanks to my support. • Professional & Personable: I collaborate closely with parents, respect household values, and always bring a calm, caring presence to the home. Let’s Chat! If you’re seeking a knowledgeable, highly experienced night nanny and Infant Sleep Specialist who leads with care and precision, I’d be honored to support your family. Warmly, Nkanyezi (“Star”)

Kerri Honeywood

Chicago, Illinois

Kerri Honeywood

7 years of experience

Hello Everyone, My name is Kerri Honeywood. I am a Holistic Practitioner, Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula located in Chicago, IL. I want to take the time to learn who you are and what will help you and your family to feel comfortable, informed and prepared, through the ever-changing moments of the birthing process from conception to postpartum. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my fab five (kids), Meditating under a new moon and learning more by staying up to date with maternal health.

Seyi Akinwale

Chicago, Illinois

Seyi Akinwale

3 years of experience

I’m Seyi. I have over 15 years of childcare experience in a variety of settings such as a babysitter, nanny, teacher, and now birth and postpartum doula. I am passionate about the field of birth work. After witnessing and hearing about many of the difficulties and abuse of power in hospital settings, my passion for helping people navigate these settings was ignited. It is impossible to guarantee a “perfect birth” but I believe that you should have the opportunity to be prepared for whatever may or may not happen. This includes being aware of medical interventions, having the best people for you in your birthing space, establishing and enforcing necessary boundaries, and ultimately doing the best for you! Childbirth is a beautiful process that is both natural and spiritual.

Dede Ajavon

Chicago, Illinois

Dede Ajavon

6 years of experience

My name is Dede Ajavon, I am 24 years old and I am currently a Montessori assistant infant teacher. I am a compassionate and experienced childcare provider with over 5 years of hands-on experience caring for infants in daycare and private home settings. I recently completed a Newborn Care Specialist Training Workshop(NCTA), strengthening knowledge in newborn development, feeding, sleep conditioning, and family support. I am dedicated to creating a nurturing, safe, and structured environment that promotes healthy growth and development. I am passionate about helping families transition confidently into parenthood while providing the highest level of newborn care.

Maggie Guindon

Chicago, Illinois

Maggie Guindon

3 years of experience

Hi I am Maggie, a registered nurse with NICU experience for last two years! I love working with newborns and their families to help them with their journey in parenthood!

Kendall Lucero

Chicago, Illinois

Kendall Lucero

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a Chicago-based full spectrum doula and lactation counselor. I have a Master’s in Public Health and have a focus on prevention and evidence-based practice. I strive to provide compassionate care that honors the autonomy and dignity of my clients. Together, in an environment free of judgment, I work with my clients to help ease the transition into different phases of their reproductive lives. I specialize in LGBTQ+ and non-traditional families.

Tatiana  Wells

Westchester, Illinois

Tatiana Wells

5 years of experience

My goal is to support mama in feeling rested, confident, and cared for during the postpartum season. I take my role as a caregiver seriously, providing attentive, nurturing support for both baby and mama. From newborn care and feeding support to light household help and intentional care for you, my services are designed to create more space for rest, balance, and meaningful me time.

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.

Colette Semenas

Chicago, Illinois

Colette Semenas

8 years of experience

I’ve been in the world of nannying, infant night nursing, and extended stays for the previous 7 years. I have a passion for the early newborn stages, helping create healthy sleep routines that create easy night time transitions for baby, mom, and family! I have advanced training in SIDS Prevention, Infant Safe Sleep, CPR, and Basic First Aid. I use my degree in Childhood Psychology and my experience working on Labor and Delivery as well as volunteering in the NICU at Children’s Hospital to guide my approach to provide research based care. Excited to meet you and your little!

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.

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.

Hamdi Hersi

Chicago Ridge, Illinois

Hamdi Hersi

27 years of experience

Doula Service, Newborn Care Specialist & Breastfeeding Consultant and Sleep training. With over 25 years of experience in newborn care, I am a British educated maternity nurse recently relocated to Chicago, Illinois. My career spans both medical settings and private households, including 20 years in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), two years of midwifery training, and extensive work across hospitals on multiple continents. As a certified newborn care specialist and breastfeeding consultant, I offer expertise in: • Doula support, birth support, and postpartum care. • Sleep training for babies as young as six weeks, helping parents establish healthy routines. • Supporting families with newborn care, including feeding challenges, reflux, intolerances, and tongue-tie management. • Providing hands-on assistance or virtual consultations tailored to your family’s needs. I specialize in teaching foundational parenting skills to ensure a confident and positive start to your parenting journey. While I have worked with agencies in London, I am currently seeking local families in Chicago to support directly as I establish my business in the area. If you are preparing for delivery, navigating early newborn care, or facing challenges with your little one, I’d be delighted to assist.

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.

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.

Elisha Mason

Alsip, Illinois

Elisha Mason

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Lissah is the Co-Founder of (Re)Birth Society. She serves as a Full Spectrum Doula, specializing in Home Birthing, Spontaneous Physiological Birthing and Afro-Indigenous Birth Practices. Lissah completed the Doula Training International (DTI) program in 2018 and has since trained under elder and with peer midwives, doulas, and birth assistants, receiving traditional hands-on trainings and skills. Lissah is an initiated Root Worker of the Ingram-Seay & Lipscomb/Pruitt-Williams lineages of North & Central Alabama and is on the path of Grand Midwifery & Root Doctoring within the Hoodoo Tradition. With over 7 years of education and experience in the field of plant-spirit medicine, she is a certified herbalist and current student at Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. In addition to her wellness work, Lissah is a scholar, educator & journalist with a focus on African-Indigenous cultural history and heritage. Over the past 10 years she has been active in community service and social justice work, volunteering for grassroots orgs in North Alabama, Tuskegee, Chicago and San Diego. In extension of her role within the (Re)Birth Society, she serves on the board of Nature's Garden for Victory & Peace. Lissah is a devoted Mama, family member, teacher, friend, and #ancestorsbaby, committed to total liberation for the Earth, the Spirits, and the People.

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.

Tiffany Gorman

Chicago, Illinois

Tiffany Gorman

6 years of experience

Meet Tiffany Evidence Based Birth© Instructor, SMC Certified Doula, Certified Lactation Specialist, 200hr Registered Yoga Teacher in Kemetic and Vinyasa yoga, 100 hr Certified Meditation Teacher and a French Intensive aromatherapy practitioner. Since getting her Master in Early Childhood Development degree in 2020, Tiffany has been to several births during the pandemic and serviced scores of families as a postpartum doula. In her capacity as a doula, she believes in providing families with evidence-based answers to their questions. She offers meditations and affirmations for parents to build confidence in their abilities. Along with her book Mindful Minutes for Mothers, she uses tonics and oils to aid in healing. Tiffany is President of the Board of Directors for the Chicago South Side Birth Center. A center helping address inequities in birth outcomes by providing culturally centered midwifery care alongside families and within the community to promote wellness and abundance in whole health. She is also an active member of the Chicago Black Doula Alliance Becoming an Evidence Based Birth© Instructor was the next logical step for Tiffany. Wanting to get information into parents' hands so they can make informed decisions, Tiffany utilizes group and private workshops to get this message out.

Kenya Foster

Blue Island, Illinois

Kenya Foster

37 years of experience

Hi I am a very experienced newborn night specialist with over 30 years of experience. I am covid vaccinated, have received all vaccinations also the TDAP and flu shot. I have several references available upon request and I am also a Healthcare worker of 30 years. I am very prompt, knowledgeable and very professional at what I do. I can guarantee you excellent care from me at all times.

Nefertia Jones

Glenview, Illinois

Nefertia Jones

6 years of experience

Hi! My name is Nefertia Jones and I am a Newborn Care Specialist and Postpartum Doula serving families in the Chicago North Shore area. I am passionate about supporting parents as they adjust to life with a newborn, providing both practical guidance and compassionate care to help make the transition smoother and more joyful. With a background in medical training, I bring a strong foundation of clinical knowledge alongside years of hands-on caregiving experience with infants, toddlers, and families. My approach is centered on creating a calm, supportive, and judgment-free environment where parents feel empowered, confident, and well cared for. Outside of my work, I enjoy fostering kittens, visiting new restaurants, and spending time with my husband and our cat.