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.

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.

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 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.

Angie Runyan

Brookfield, Illinois

Angie Runyan

22 years of experience

As a mother myself, I know first hand the value of kind and informed assistant in the days following the birth of a baby. I was blessed to have experienced support following the births of my now grown three children and know how valuable it is. I have provided support as a lactation consultant, doula and postpartum doula to many families. It is an honor to provide new parents with the help they need while adjusting to parenting a new born.

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.

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.

Becca Tilton

New Lenox, Illinois

Becca Tilton

3 years of experience

Hi there! I'm Becca, your new postpartum sister wishing to support all moms in their blooming season of motherhood. I am a proud girl momma x3 with over ten years of community health experience. A postpartum doula in training who 's primary focus is on: resiliency strategies, nourishment, movement, and finding your village. Let's bloom together!🌸

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.

Melanie Chervinko

Lockport, Illinois

Melanie Chervinko

4 years of experience

Hi! I’m Melanie Chervinko, a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls. I started my interest in birth work and holistic prenatal and postnatal care long before I was pregnant, but having my girls changed that interest into a passion. I read many birth books, attended hypnobirthing classes , and the most eye opening- watched the documentary The Business of Being Born. I took midwives brew to start both of my labors , 1st @ 42 weeks 2nd at 41. I had my first baby naturally after 23hrs labor and pitocin, my husband catching her. My second came naturally after 7 hours labor, my dream water birth in a birth center , into my arms . Both times I was completely amazed at what my body was capable of. The strength we find in birth and continue to find postpartum is so empowering and unbelievable. I saw my placenta , the perfect tree of life pattern on it- and fell in love. Only encapsulating after my second , I could feel such a difference in my mood and the speed of my healing process , which was much needed having a 1 and a half year old toddler while being postpartum. I love the relationships I form with expecting mothers and I am always available for any questions or advice I can lend ! I believe all women should feel support and warmth during their postpartum journey, and I’m here to provide that.

Bria Williams-Roby

Downers Grove, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Bria Williams-Roby

3 years of experience

Not hiring me as your doula is a disservice to you. I wear two hats with pride: doula and mental health professional. This unique combination allows me to support moms on a deeply personal level, throughout their pregnancy journey and beyond. I love supporting, and empowering people, I have extensive experience working with families from all different backgrounds. I believe that every woman should have a voice in their pregnancy. My job as a doula is to honor and advocate that. I am extremely passionate about this, and work closely with moms and families! I am reliable and will show up for mom! You want me during your birth 😊

Recent review

My services were superb!! I would recommend Bria for all of my children! She’s reliable, informed, patient, & loves what she does!! Would highly recommend.

- Justice W.

Paula Acuña

Wilmette, Illinois

Paula Acuña

12 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Paula Acuña, M.A., CCC-SLP, known as Ms. Paula by her clients, offers customized speech, language, and feeding intervention for children and adults with a wide range of abilities to promote independence and improve their quality of life. While her expertise is in working with pediatric populations, her interests and dedication to the field extend across the lifespan. As a bilingual/multicultural provider, she is committed to providing specialized, therapeutic support among culturally and linguistically diverse families in her community.

Andria Smith

Bourbonnais, Illinois

Andria Smith

15 years of experience

I am a dedicated and caring newborn care specialist with over 14 years of experience. I have provided exceptional care from newborns to teens in home settings, vacations, church outings, mission trips, and extracurricular activities. Skilled in creating a safe and nurturing environment, implementing educational activities and fostering positive relationships. I will care for your kids as if they were my own and give them my full divided attention.

Stefanie McMillin

Naperville, Illinois

Stefanie McMillin

12 years of experience

I support women full circle, from conception and fertility to pregnancy, birth, postpartum and beyond.

Katherine  Dimond

Glenview, Illinois

Katherine Dimond

19 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Crossroads Speech Therapy provides pediatric speech and language and occupational therapy. Each session is individualized and provided by a therapist who is experienced, licensed, and who holds their American Speech Language and Hearing Association (ASHA) Certificate of Clinical Competence or National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). Crossroads Speech Therapy serves children from their first year of life through adulthood. Katie, owner and Director of Crossroads Speech Therapy, is passionate about providing the highest quality speech therapy and occupational therapy to each child the practice sees. She is also a mother of three young children and one of her children has childhood apraxia of speech (CAS,) he has now overcome it. Katie has been licensed and practicing since 2008 and has extensive experience treating children and adults with speech and language delays and disorders. Since that time her services have been in high demand and many schools, daycares, and doctor’s offices refer to her and her expertise in the field. In 2016 Katie opened Crossroads Speech Therapy. Since then, Katie has hired a wonderful team to serve the Chicago and suburban Chicago community. Each team member is handpicked by Katie and has a caring, personable, and engaging personality, is from an incredible program, has great experience, and is knowledgeable as well as skilled, and loves to communicate about your child. Katie received her Bachelor’s degree in Speech and hearing Science at the University of Illinois in 2006 and her Master’s degree in Communication Science and Disorders from Saint Louis University in 2008. Katie is a certified speech and language pathologist in the state of Illinois and Maine, a member of the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association, Advanced PROMPT trained and hold her Level 2 certification in PROMPT, is on the Apraxia Kids website as a provider for childhood apraxia of speech, holds her PEL license for Illinois, and owns Crossroads Speech Therapy in Chicago. She specializes in childhood apraxia of speech, articulation and phonological disorders, feeding/swallowing, and expressive and receptive language disorders. She is energetic, fun, and kids love working with her! Children enjoy sessions with her and meet their goals quickly when working with her. Katie loves being a part of the community and is always there to help and support clients and their families.

Joanna Russin

Des Plaines, Illinois

Joanna Russin

5 years of experience

Hi! I'm Joanna but everyone calls me Jo (she/her/hers). I am a Birth Doula, as well as a Children and Families Social Worker. I am also a wife and mother. I have ways been passionate about working with people and after having my son I was inspired to empower families during pregnancy and birth. I believe everyone should have a doula. Things I enjoy are drinking a good hot cup of tea, a good book, the smell of the fresh outdoors, finding new adventures to get lost in and just doing things that give me pure joy and adrenaline in life. In my free time you will find me learning new things, cooking, crafting, helping others out, dancing with my toddler and spending time with those I love.

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.