Parul Patel

Oak Park, Illinois

5.0 (6 reviews)

Parul Patel

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Illinois Medicaid–Approved Provider (Self-Pay Also Accepted) My name is Parul Patel, and I am an Illinois Medicaid–approved Birth and Postpartum Doula, nurse, and holistic practitioner devoted to transformative, whole-person care. My work is grounded in the belief that healing occurs when the mind, body, and spirit are supported together, especially during life’s most pivotal transitions. Drawing from my professional background in nursing, mental health, and naturopathic alternative medicine, I bring a balanced and integrative approach to doula care—one that honors both evidence-based practice and ancestral, intuitive wisdom. My lived experience and years of hands-on support allow me to meet clients where they are, offering care that is compassionate, informed, and deeply respectful. Birth Doula Support As a Birth Doula, I support individuals and families throughout pregnancy and labor by providing continuous physical, emotional, and informational support. My care is rooted in non-judgment, advocacy, and presence. I utilize a holistic toolkit that may include:     •    Comfort measures and therapeutic touch     •    Labor positioning and movement     •    Breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness     •    Non-pharmacological pain management techniques     •    Informed decision-making support My goal is to help clients feel safe, empowered, and heard, while honoring the body’s natural birthing process and the family’s unique vision for birth. Postpartum Doula Support In the postpartum period, I provide nurturing, practical, and emotionally attuned support as families adjust to life with a newborn. My postpartum services include:     •    Newborn care education and support     •    Emotional and mental health check-ins     •    Support with postpartum mood disorders     •    Guidance through identity shifts and family dynamics     •    Gentle nutritional and holistic wellness support I understand that postpartum healing is not linear, and I hold space for families with patience, compassion, and care. Life Doula & Transitional Support As a Life Doula, I support individuals through major life transitions beyond birth. I serve as a grounded, neutral space holder, offering presence without judgment and support without agenda. Whether navigating singlehood, relationships, career changes, grief, or personal transformation, I walk alongside clients as they move through change with clarity and resilience. My Commitment I am deeply committed to serving underserved and marginalized communities and addressing disparities in maternal and mental health. Through Divine Wellness, my mission is to create safe, supportive spaces where individuals feel empowered, informed, and connected to their inner wisdom. Why I Accept Medicaid I believe access to compassionate, high-quality doula care should not be limited by income or circumstance. Accepting Illinois Medicaid allows me to serve families who are often overlooked while helping reduce disparities in maternal outcomes. My Philosophy of Care Birth, healing, and life transitions are sacred experiences. My role is not to direct, but to support—offering knowledge, presence, and advocacy so clients can move forward feeling confident and supported. Who I Serve I support first-time parents, experienced parents, single parents, blended families, and individuals seeking holistic and culturally responsive care.

Recent review

Where do I start… Parul has been one of the most caring, compassionate, insightful, knowledgeable, and reliable PERSON I ever met. Not just as a doula. You feel that she loves what she do and the people she do it for. she has been there to answer every single question no matter at the time of day or night. she listens, make sure you’re heard and gives comfort and straightforward knowledge, tips, and encouragement. She’ll make sure everything goes as planned in your birth plan and be your biggest cheerleader and advocate. Talking to her is like talking to an old friend! I have learned so much from her. As a first time mom, I do not believe my experience could’ve been better.

- Aaliyah S.

Rachel Bolin

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Rachel Bolin

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi, I’m Rachel — a doula, birth photographer, and placenta encapsulation specialist proudly serving the Chicagoland area. I grew up in small-town Kentucky and moved to Chicago five years ago. Since then, I’ve been deeply rooted in the birth world, supporting families through every stage of their journey. I’m a full-spectrum certified doula through Sokana’s Full Spectrum Birth Justice Training, with extensive education in lactation and over four years of personal breastfeeding experience. I’m also certified in First Aid and CPR. I accept Carrot clients and will soon be accepting Medicaid, because I believe everyone deserves access to compassionate, personalized support. That’s also why I offer sliding scale payment options for those in need. My approach blends evidence-based care with a holistic touch, holding space for whatever birth looks like for you. Outside of birth work, I’m chasing around my two toddlers, trying new recipes, camping, fishing, and checking out new restaurants — I never say no to a good steakhouse. Let’s schedule a consult and see if I am a great fit for your birth team!

Recent review

Having Rachel on my birth team was the best decision I could have made. She was a rock for me throughout, and was such a source of peace and calm for me. Rachel valued my preferences for my birth plan without judgment and held true to advocating for me at all times. My birth story had many unexpected turns, and Rachel stayed by my side, along with my husband, for the wild ride. I had Rachel with me in the birth center and at the hospital after a transfer was needed. She never missed a beat and took care of me so thoughtfully. From the first interview to prenatal appointments to the actual birth of my first baby, Rachel kept looking out for me and helped me feel empowered throughout my birth journey. She even took pictures and helped transport my placenta for encapsulation, which was so helpful because we remained at the hospital for longer than expected. I felt like Rachel was one of the best parts of my birth story, and I know she would be a wonderful addition to any birth team!

- Harmony Z.

Samantha Exner

Oswego, Illinois

Samantha Exner

2 years of experience

I have a BA in pre-medicine and I am currently working towards a master's degree in reproductive science and medicine, which I expect to complete in June 2025. I am planning to apply for physician's assistant programs next, with the goal of working as an OB/Gyn provider. Being a doula allows me to connect with and support the women in my community while I am in school to become a medical provider. Because of my background in science and medicine, my practice as a doula is research-based. I provide clients with personalized, accurate information to help facilitate conversations with their doctors so they can make the best decisions for their birth plan. I support hospital-birth clients, and I aim to eliminate the stigma surrounding medicated births.

Jenna Fitzgerald

Rockford, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Jenna Fitzgerald

11 years of experience

At Stateline Birth Keepers, our goal is to support and empower families through life's most transformative experiences. Founded in 2024, we combine our unique experiences and expertise to provide compassionate, personalized care. We recognize that pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are deeply personal and emotional journeys, not just medical events. By pooling our skills, we offer holistic care that addresses the physical, emotional, and informational needs of the families we serve in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. My journey into birth work began in 2015 when I was supported during my son's birth by a doula. Inspired, I pursued certification and have since worked with diverse families in various settings across four states. As a mom of two earth side kids, one angel baby, I have personal experience with breastfeeding, cloth diapering, babywearing, and baby-led weaning. My son was born in a hospital with a failed epidural, and my daughter had a dramatic, unassisted yet absolutely beautiful home birth. Passionate about self care, my specialty and focus space is overnight newborn care support. I work with non-traditional families, and assist with trauma healing, I support single parents, LGBTQIA+, many different families with a variety of spiritual beliefs, supporting families through pregnancy losses, terminal diagnoses, stillbirths, and chosen losses. An adoptee myself, I also support adoption processes. Outside of Stateline Birth Keepers, I advocate for local foster youth, coach youth sports, and engage in the public educational system. I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and paddle boarding, and I also enjoy crafting and thrifting during colder weather. Life’s an adventure, and I embrace every moment with a big smile and an open heart. I look forward to being a part of your unique and beautiful journey.

Recent review

Jenna has been fantastic in the work she provides. I have had wonderful experiences with her and highly recommend her to others as well. Her postpartum work is phenomenal.

- Mikala B.

Peggy Yeboah

Chicago, Illinois

Peggy Yeboah

26 years of experience

My name is Peggy Yeboah. I have been a nanny and newborn specialist with 27 years of experience. I love educating parents whether its your first time or third. I am dependable, responsible and love babies.

Rebecca Iverson

Rockford, Illinois

Rebecca Iverson

21 years of experience

Hello, I'm Rebecca, and I have nurtured and helped children aged six weeks through school-age succeed in learning for the past 20+ years. While working with infants exclusively for the past 13 years, I have found my passion. After raising two children, I am following my dream of caring for infants, newborns, and their parents. I'm also passionate about helping parents successfully return to work while breastfeeding. As a result, I created and implemented a training for daycare teachers entitled “Supporting Breastfeeding Parents in a Daycare Setting.” I believe empowering parents to be their child’s first teacher is essential for keeping children happy and healthy. I am a trained Newborn Care Specialist and a Postpartum Doula. I have taken a “Lactation for Doulas” class, a sleep conditioning class, and have attended a training on perinatal mood disorders. I look forward to supporting parents and other family members as they care for their new charges. Outside of work, I am a published author, and I enjoy writing about everything from infant care to Science Fiction. I love reading and have an extensive library of children’s books.

Megan Winfrey

Bolingbrook, Illinois

Megan Winfrey

5 years of experience

Hi, I’m Megan Winfrey – and I’m here to support you through one of life’s most powerful moments. As a certified birth doula with over four years of hands-on experience, I’ve had the honor of walking alongside many families through a variety of birth experiences—natural births, cesarean births, and even NICU stays. I understand that every birth is unique, and my mission is to help you feel empowered, informed, and deeply supported every step of the way. My approach is compassionate, calm, and grounded in evidence-based care. I offer emotional, physical, and informational support to help you navigate your options and make decisions that feel right for you and your baby. Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or something in between, I’m here to advocate for your wishes and create a space of peace, confidence, and joy. I’m also currently pursuing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Chamberlain University, further deepening my understanding of maternal and newborn care. And beyond my professional journey, I’m a proud mom to a vibrant one-year-old boy who inspires me every single day. Becoming a mother myself has given me an even greater appreciation for the strength, beauty, and vulnerability of this sacred season of life. You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s create a birth experience that reflects your values, honors your strength, and welcomes your baby with love. Warmly, Megan Winfrey Birth Doula | Student Nurse | Mother & Advocate

Rebecca Stiglitz

Bolingbrook, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Rebecca Stiglitz

11 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi! I am Rebecca Stiglitz from Bolingbook, IL. I started my postpartum doula journey when I lost my teaching job due to my school closing. As a postpartum doula, I am blessed to mother the mother. My job is to take care of you first, the baby second, and then the rest of the family. Think of me as your best friend that comes in and gets right to work. I believe that mom needs rest and if mom is well rested, the family will be at peace.

Recent review

I honestly cannot say enough good things about Rebecca. I found her after posting in the Plainfield Moms Facebook group a few months before my delivery, when I was desperately trying to find reliable care for my 3 year old during my delivery. Rebecca came highly recommended by several commenters on the page. My husband and family live too far away or were unable to be primary caregivers during my delivery, and I was feeling incredibly anxious about how we would manage. Rebecca provides sibling care as part of helping as a doula and from the moment we connected, she put me at ease. When the time came for my C-section, she cared for our daughter and supported us through the aftercare process. She was calm, attentive, and so loving with our daughter. Rebecca also helped with household chores so it was less things for my husband and I to need to worry about. Knowing my daughter was safe, happy, and well cared for allowed me to focus on my surgery and recovery without worry. Her presence was truly invaluable, and I don’t know how we would have gotten through that experience without her. I would recommend her wholeheartedly to any family looking for compassionate, dependable, and genuinely wonderful support.

- Hayley P.

Mikala Books

Rockford, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Mikala Books

9 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Meet Mikala: Your Dedicated Birth Worker With five years of experience as a certified birth worker, Mikala has supported over 100 clients, guiding them through their unique birthing journeys. Her passion for this work shines through in every interaction, ensuring that you feel supported and heard every step of the way. Mikala believes in the importance of inclusivity and makes it a priority to involve everyone you wish to have as part of your birthing experience. She respects and advocates for your desires, helping to create a personalized and empowering birth environment. Mikala is well-versed in attending all types of births, bringing a wealth of knowledge and a calm presence to each situation. She understands the significance of listening to moms and honoring their individual needs and preferences. A Little About Mikala: Mikala is a mother of four, with children ranging in age from 4 to 13. Her personal birthing experiences include two medical hospital births and two free births, giving her a well-rounded perspective on different birthing options. This diverse background fuels her mission to ensure every mother feels validated in her choices and confident in their body’s capabilities. She has breastfed all of her children for a combined total of 9.5 years, an impressive milestone that speaks to her commitment and expertise. Mikala has navigated various parenting approaches, from using disposable and cloth diapers to using premade canned baby food to practicing baby-led weaning. When she's not supporting families, Mikala enjoys homeschooling her children and managing her homestead, embodying a holistic and nurturing lifestyle. Mikala’s Expertise Includes: Thriving in all birth settings Baby-Wearing Cloth Diapering Breastfeeding PLC Childbirth Education Postpartum Care Placenta Specialist Rebozo Techniques Bereavement PAILAdvocate LGBT+ Friendly Some Spanish Speaking Blessingway / MotherBlessing Neurodivergent Support Mikala is dedicated to providing comprehensive care and support, ensuring that every family she works with feels empowered and understood throughout their birthing and parenting journeys.

Recent review

Mikala was the doula for my induction. She was amazing. She was really encouraging, always available over text to answer my questions, and came at 2:00am. She was so helpful throughout the whole journey and she is really knowledgeable. She’s passionate about her work and very caring. I highly recommend her!

- Stefanie W.

Marlene Evers

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (7 reviews)

Marlene Evers

9 years of experience

Hi, I’m Marlene, a certified postpartum doula based in Chicago. With over 15 years of experience supporting children and families, my background spans early education, professional nannying, international au pair work, and specialized newborn care. These diverse experiences have shaped my holistic, compassionate approach to supporting new parents as they navigate the early days of life with their baby. I was DONA-trained and certified through Birth and Baby University’s cross-training program and am pursuing a Holistic Infant Sleep Certification to better serve families in the early weeks. Raised in Mexico, where caring for new mothers is a shared community responsibility, I bring that same compassion and reassurance to my practice. I’m CPR and First Aid certified and NICU-trained, supporting each family with warmth, expertise, and heart.

Recent review

Marlene is simply the best! We spoke to a number of post-partum doulas and Marlene was a breath of fresh air. From the moment we talked, we knew that we, and our little one, would be in great hands. Marlene is as kind as can be, steps in to support in every way that she can, balances professionalism with wamrth in a way that made us excited every time she came over. If you are looking for someone to help with day-time or night-time support, we can’t reccomend Marlene enough. We guarantee that you’ll be singing her praises, like we are, and be sad to say goodbye!

- Michael P.

Malika Crosbie

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Malika Crosbie

12 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I’m a Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) night and day and Newborn nanny, Birth Doula and Certified Postpartum Doula with over 10 years of experience taking care of newborns and toddlers, I also have experience with twins and triplets. I have experience with assisting moms with breast feeding, transitioning from breast to bottle, colic, fussing babies, reflux, sleep conditioning and sleep training. I’m a mom to my awesome 3 year and half year old son, in my spare time I enjoy taking my son to amusement parks and sporting activities. I also volunteer at HPNClub in Hyde Park.

Recent review

We are incredibly fortunate to have had Malika as our nanny during our child's first year. Her kindness, patience, and genuine love for our son gave us peace of mind every day. Her calming presence, professionalism, and dependability made our transition back to work seamless. We couldn’t have asked for a better caregiver and highly recommend Malika to anyone seeking a loving, thoughtful, and experienced professional.

- Leah K.

ashley Robinson

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

ashley Robinson

2 years of experience

Hi, I’m Ashley Robinson, a certified birth and postpartum doula passionate about supporting families through one of the most powerful transitions in life—welcoming a new baby. My goal is to create a calm, informed, and empowering experience for every family I serve. I offer emotional, physical, and educational support throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum journey. When I’m not assisting new moms, I enjoy learning new ways to nurture wellness and strengthen family bonds. I believe every parent deserves a positive and supported birth experience—and I’m honored to be part of that journey. 💕

Recent review

I don’t even have the words to express how thankful I am for Ashley. From the very beginning, she made me feel safe, supported, and seen. During my labor, she was my calm in the storm — reminding me to breathe, holding my hand, and speaking life into me when I wanted to give up. She made sure I felt heard and respected every step of the way. I truly believe my birth went the way it did because of her presence and care. Ashley, thank you for being my angel through one of the most powerful moments of my life. I’ll never forget it.

- Margaret M.

Jnai Truitt

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Jnai Truitt

11 years of experience

I’m a Full Spectrum Doula, newborn care specialist, and boy mom. My infant care journey, trainings, and previous role as a nanny has allowed me to gain a plethora of knowledge about caring for both mothers and their newborns. It has also given me the privilege of supporting moms through the sleepless but undoubtedly euphoric times of the postpartum and newborn stages. I accomplish this by educating and encouraging my families while also providing evidence based care and comfort to their newborn. I know this is an immensely delicate time for every family but its my delight to help transition from womb to room.

Recent review

Jnai is absolutely wonderful! She did overnights with my baby a few nights per week from the time my baby was 10 days old, and I am so thankful for her. She is a baby whisperer and could calm and soothe my newborn with ease every evening. I knew my baby was in good hands with Jnai. I wish I knew Jnai when I had my first baby!

- Sarah M.

Jessica D'Angelo

Chicago, Illinois

Jessica D'Angelo

14 years of experience

Hi! I'm Jessica and I'm a pediatric nurse practitioner. I founded HUDDLE to connect with families for pediatric and postpartum support. We offer in-home night nurses (all Registered Nurses), in-home and virtual lactation support, virtual pediatric telehealth, and virtual postpartum and family mental health counseling. I love connecting with families and supporting them through all of the ups and downs of parenthood. My company is small, and I will be your first point of contact from your discovery call to all of your 2am baby questions.

Annamarie Rodney

Chicago, Illinois

Annamarie Rodney

20 years of experience

Anna Rodney, Owner and Founder of Chicago Family Doulas Anna has supported families as a doula since 2009 and is committed to providing families with professional, compassionate, and personal support. Anna gives 200% in all she does in life and brings this commitment and passion to every aspect of her work as a doula. Anna has had the reputation of being a kind, calm, and loving person for as long as she can remember. She has always cared deeply for people and strives to support and care for all around her. She has worked with children and families since she was a teen and later on has supported families in the role of a nanny, preschool teacher, Americorps worker, respite worker, special education teacher, and finally as a birth and postpartum doula. Anna was a special educator for ten years prior to becoming a doula and owner of Chicago Family Doulas. Being a life long learner, Anna earned her Master’s degree in Education as well as multiple degrees in Special Education. She is certified as a labor doula through DONA and CAPPA, as a postpartum doula through ProDoula and CAPPA, certified to teach Hypnobirthing, a CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and is a certified Happiest Baby on the Block instructor. Anna is committed to sharing her vast knowledge with the families she works with. She is also committed to training doulas as a labor and postpartum doula trainer through CAPPA and also as a certified CAPPA Childbirth Educator Trainer. As an agency owner, Anna is committed to handpicking the most amazing doulas that the Chicagoland area has to offer. The doulas that work with Chicago Family Doulas are kind, caring, informed, non-judgmental, professional, and 100% committed to the families that they have the honor of supporting. Anna and her team will be an incredible addition to your birth team and postpartum team.

Jennifer Moore-Curtis

Rockford, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Jennifer Moore-Curtis

17 years of experience

Hi, I'm Jennifer! I am thrilled to be a Co-Founder of Stateline BirthKeepers. I am a mother of 4 children, a certified EMT, a yoga instructor, and a homesteader. I have been working in the birthing world for the past 15 years as a birth doula since I received my training through DONA International in Chicago, IL, from some of the most amazing women. I am also our facilitator of the Closing of the Bones Ceremonies, a certified dancing for birth instructor, and a placenta encapsulation specialist. I provide other services such as Belly Casting, Rebozo techniques, Birth Photography and blessing way ceremonies. I accept no more than 2 birth doula clients each month, so you can rest easy. I can't wait to meet you and I look forward to assisting you on this journey to meeting your baby!

Recent review

Jennifer was amazing and an essential part of my labor. I was becoming a new mom, and very nervous about what labor would bring. I was committed to an unmedicated labor and my goal was a water birth. With Jennifer by my side, I felt safe and secure despite the arduous task I was facing. My husband was there beside me, but he was as fearful as I was, if not more. Thankfully Jennifer knew how to keep me calm, but help me progress along. When my laboring slowed in the warm water, she had me exit the tub and got my husband involved with supporting my weight to sway back and forth in a squatting position and lower the baby into the birth canal. Jennifer knows how to manage various challenging circumstances that arise. My midwife was great, but I learned with a few labors that they are not very participatory throughout the labor. For this reason, having a doula in the process is extremely important, and Jennifer is well equipped to properly support a woman on her birthing journey.

- Jenna V.

Tracee Sharrieff

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (7 reviews)

Tracee Sharrieff

37 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am a dedicated doula, passionate about providing compassionate support to expectant parents. My philosophy centers on empowering Individuals through personalized care and informed decision making during childbirth

Recent review

Tracee was great! My birth didn’t go as planned but she was by my side and took all my request into consideration. She informed me of the options I had when my labor wasn’t progressing and guided me in a great way. She was super helpful from pregnancy all the way to postpartum

- Tashi E.

Kaleigh Herter

Chicago, Illinois

Kaleigh Herter

7 years of experience

As an infant to early childhood nanny, it has been my complete joy to witness parents blossom fully into their roles as loving, foundational caregivers for their children. In my time as a doula, that joy has increased tenfold as I have been able to witness the exact moment that this unconditional love and care is born. The birth of a new human is remarkable, but the birth of parents should be held and cherished just as thoughtfully and deeply. My philosophy as a doula is whole-family care; we got us, we take care of us by taking care of each other. I'd love to be a part of your journey whether you're adding your first or your tenth to your family. Sliding scale rates available: Birth $800-$1200 Postpartum $30-$35/hr

312Doulas Chicagoland

Chicago, Illinois

312Doulas Chicagoland

18 years of experience

312Doulas: passionate about helping families have healthy and happy births! We loves to help create a unique roadmap to baby (and beyond) with clients by instilling confidence thru education, evidence based information and with support. Philosophy: “Each birthing parent’s body, pregnancy, birth path, values, and labor are different and with empathy and compassion she loves to help prepare, support and honor the birthing parents and their process while teaching savvy strategies to cope and to navigate maternity care.”

Carrie Sobel

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Carrie Sobel

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hi everyone! I'm LGBTQ+ friendly and I believe all families deserve love and support. I'm a certified postpartum doula and I provide daytime support in the city of Chicago. Not only can I provide excellent care of your newborn, but I'm there to provide support for the whole family by assisting with breastfeeding or bottle feeding, making meals and snacks, answering questions about newborn development or postpartum recovery, and generally providing emotional support during a time that can be both joyful and stressful. I take your family's health seriously, which is why I'm fully vaccinated and boosted, and I've received the Tdap vaccine. I get a yearly flu shot and I keep my CPR certification updated.

Recent review

Carrie is amazing. She brings a sense of calm wherever she goes, and has an incredible supportive energy. She’s wonderful at anticipating needs without being asked, and an expert in all things postpartum. Whether it’s making a warm meal or snack, holding a hand (or baby!), or troubleshooting the highs and lows of this very special time - Carrie is my first choice. Thank you for everything you do!

- Alexa D.