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Found 131 Childbirth Educators in Illinois

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

Damiana Andonova

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (18 reviews)

Damiana Andonova

14 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Damiana Andonova, MHA, CD(DONA), PAIL Advocate, Healthy Materials Advocate is an experienced, second-generation doula with over a dozen years of experience. Damiana is experienced with high-risk and medically complex births and is the the co-curriculum developer of the international Megi High Risk Doula Certification Program. She is also the founder of J’adore Mon Bébé, a mother-daughter doula practice bringing a combined 45 years of experience. J'adore provides services across the care continuum, including preconception care, fertility doula services, childbirth education, high-risk birth doula care for medically and socially complex birthing people, perinatal loss doula services, and a full suite of postpartum care such as daytime and overnight care, lactation support, and healthy sleep rituals training. Our care approach is highly collaborative, and we empower our patients to develop deep, strong, honest relationships with their medical care providers (OBs and midwives) . We believe that we all need to work together in aid of birthing people and their families to make births safer, more respectful, and empowerful. We are also proud to provide a selection of concierge care services including healthy materials nursery design, baby event planning, travel doula services, healthy home consults, and babymoon planning. Many of our families have leveraged these services and found our proprietary GOTS-certified organic cotton swaddles, sustainable wallpaper, nursery art, and baby carriers to be very helpful as well. Our team have supported clients in three cities and have worked in a variety of birth settings. We hold certifications from Birthing from Within, DONA International, PAILAdvocate, Healthy Material Lab, and many others. Some of us have master’s degrees, are CNAs, IBCLCs, and more. We invite you to explore your wellness in our care at www.jadoremonbebe.com.

Recent review

We interviewed a few doulas before choosing Damiana, and she immediately stood out as someone who really understood us and made us feel comfortable. She was warm, thoughtful, and even offered a reference, which was really helpful in making our decision. We started working with her about 2.5months before the birth, and she was incredibly supportive throughout. She met with us weekly, helped us put together a solid birth plan, and really took the time to make sure we felt emotionally ready (not just prepared for labor, but ready for the whole experience). Also, she met us at the hospital shortly after we arrived at the hospital when I went into labor and was incredibly supportive. It was our 1st birth, and having her there to guide both me and my husband through everything made a huge difference. She was so reassuring and helpful. I honestly can’t imagine doing it without her. So grateful to have had Damiana as part of our birth team. Highly recommend her to anyone looking for a thoughtful and truly supportive birth doula.

- Sherry Yang

Tonya Schieler

Antioch, Illinois

5.0 (13 reviews)

Tonya Schieler

8 years of experience
Accepts insurance

I've been married for more than 26 years, and my greatest joy in life is being a mom to my three wonderful children. When I'm not spending time with my family, you'll most likely find me cooking for the people I love, curled up with a good book, going for a run or walk (on a good day!), or finding ways to encourage and support young families. Home-cooked meals and great big hugs are definitely my love languages or at least the way I most naturally show people they're cared for. I've always been a "baby person." For more than 30 years, I've had the privilege of working with children and families in one way or another. But it wasn't until I became a mother myself that my heart truly opened to what new parents experience. I remember so clearly what those early days felt like, the questions, the exhaustion, the joy, and the tenderness of it all. That experience grew my love for babies into a deep compassion for moms and dads as they navigate the beautiful and often overwhelming transition into parenthood. For more than eight years, I've had the joy and honor of serving families as a birth doula, and for over seven years as a postpartum doula. I'm also a Hypnobabies Hypno-Doula and a pediatric sleep consultant, which allows me to support families not only through birth but throughout those precious early weeks and months when everything feels so new.

Recent review

If you would have told me two weeks ago that my little boy would be sleeping independently tonight, I dont think I would have believed it. We were doing all the things that are antithetical to independent sleep - bedsharing, nursing to sleep, contact napping. Initially, sleep training sounded like this impossible hurdle. Around 5 months, it became clear that my son wasn't getting the sleep he needed. His naps were short and it was so hard to get him to sleep, even with all the aids we were giving him. My sweet, cuddly contact naps had quickly changed from relaxing to exhausting for both me and my baby. My mom recommended that I reach out to Tonya and thank goodness that I did!! She answered right away and put a plan and some tips together for us within just a couple of days. She gave us some strategies that we could try and helped us choose which one was right for us. When the day came to sleep train, she was so responsive and supportive. With her encouragement, we made it through the first (very difficult) night. After that first night, things completely changed for us. With Tonyas continued guidance, we were able to get my son not only night trained, but nap trained as well. All in less than two weeks! Sleep training has been so difficult but beyond rewarding. I also know without a doubt that it would have been so much harder without Tonyas wisdom and guidance. If you need assistance with your little ones sleep, I highly (HIGHLY) recommend reaching out! She is so attentive, so caring, and so supportive of whatever is right for your family.

- Sara Richards

Parul Patel

Oak Park, Illinois

5.0 (12 reviews)

Parul Patel

7 years of experience
Accepts insurance

•Illinois Medicaid Accepted -BCBS Community -Meridian -Molina -County Care -Aetna •Cash / Self Pay 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. Certified in High Risk Pregnancy

Recent review

Parul was absolutely amazing and a vid send for me during my pregnancy. She was always quick to answer her phone whenever I had a question or concern, she was incredibly supportive especially when it came to giving me questions to help me be more assertive in my questions and dealings with my doctors where before I was frustrated constantly, and never made me feel like my emotions or concerns were too much. She truly listened and took everything I was feeling seriously. What meant the most to me was how she held space for our son we previously lost the year prior and understood that bringing another baby into our lives came with a lot of anxiety, fear, and emotions. She has been such a comforting and reassuring presence throughout this journey. We are so grateful we had Parul by our side and would recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who genuinely cares and makes you feel supported every step of the way!

- Lela C.

Natasha Bardsley

Glen Carbon, Illinois

5.0 (12 reviews)

Natasha Bardsley

5 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Hi! I'm Natasha, a mother of 2 daughters and a birth doula serving the St. Louis, Missouri area and the Metro East area in Southern Illinois since 2021. I like to have a holistic approach to the pregnancy and birth experience. I like to focus on nutrition and positioning techniques during pregnancy to help minimize end-of-pregnancy concerns and labor challenges. I started my doula journey shortly after my first born because I wanted to help other families to know that they do have a voice that matters. Having a cesarean myself, then a HBAC, I have a unique perspective on the difference of each of those experiences. I learned the importance of having the proper support, the right to informed choice and the resources to have a positive pregnancy, birth and postpartum experience. That is what I hope I can provide to my community.

Recent review

Natasha rocks! What a Godsend!! She was so incredible to work with, and I really can't recommend her enough. From the beginning, she was super respectful about our desires for birth. And she was always easy to get a hold of with any questions I had. Her prenatal visits really helped us prepare for the mental and physical aspects of birth. She gave us so much good information, even for postpartum. Natasha was great tor showing my husband how to support me too! When labor started, Natasha was so loving and helpful with all my first-time momma nerves. She met me at my house during early labor and followed us to the hospital when I was ready. Before I could be admitted, the hospital required me to consent to a cervical check. I did, but the check was not done well and I refused getting another. The doctor kept pressing me to do another while I was bawling in pain, working through hard contractions every minute by that time. Natasha very respectfully and tactfully stood up for me, and I'll never forget that. As I was admitted and continued to labor, Natasha supported me so well. I seriously couldn't have asked for a more amazing doula. The whole time, I felt as though she genuinely cared for us and supported our goals for birth. I'm so glad she was by my side!

- Kellie J.

Sarah Palmer

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (12 reviews)

Sarah Palmer

8 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Sarah was thrown into birth work in 2015 when her best friend went into preterm labor while her support team was out of town. Sarah sprung into action, supported her friend, and discovered that birth work is where she belongs! She subsequently trained with Prodoula and DONA International, certified through DONA, and is now honored to join families in this life changing process and support them within a health system that can be hard to navigate. She is even more invested in birth work after giving birth to her daughter in 2021. Her compassion, calm presence, and flexible personality add to her skills as a doula. Originally trained as an artist, Sarah’s creativity and observation skills help her attune to her clients’ needs and work well alongside their care providers. She lives in Hyde Park and loves yoga, ceramics, and taking advantage of great live music in Chicago.

Recent review

I can't recommend Sarah enough. She was a calm and steady presence in the midst of a very long birth (my first). She was an incredible support and advocate - before labor began and through to the birth. Not only was she a support for me, she was also a support for my husband - she held both of us emotionally (and me literally!) Just recently, I attended one of her birth art workshops. I'm still processing everything she led us through in the best way. It was a powerful way to work through my own fertility journey, pregnancy, and birth. She is an incredible facilitator and support. I am so grateful she has been on this journey with me and our family will absolutely be working with Sarah again when the next time comes.

- Julia Labow

Shauna Davis

Woodstock, Illinois

5.0 (9 reviews)

Shauna Davis

2 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Hi! My name is Shauna and I am a DONA International Certified Birth Doula, as well as a Bradley Method® Provisional Affiliate Instructor located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. It is truly an honor to support growing families that are giving birth in home, birth center and hospital settings. I transitioned to doula work in 2024 after spending five years clinically in the obstetrics and gynecology field. What I learned is - all women deserve not only to be supported and have the right to birth as they want, whatever that looks like for them, but they should also have access to information - not just from their chosen provider, but evidence based information to assist them in making decisions regarding their body, their baby and their labor/birth experience. I believe women's bodies are remarkable and amazing. As a mom of three myself, I know first hand the power a woman's body has, from growing a baby, to giving birth to that baby, and then to be able to provide nourishment to that baby. In 2025, I completed rigorous training with The Bradley Method® and became a provisional affiliate instructor. I teach Bradley Method childbirth classes in Lakewood, IL. Now in 2026, I am completing my Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) education through the ALPP, and will be a CLC by the end of the year. In my free time, I enjoy going on walks with my husband and our two dogs. I also enjoy reading and staying up-to-date on all things pregnancy, birth and lactation related.

Recent review

Shauna will be with me for every birth! As a FTM I don’t think I could have done it without her. Her care transformed my birth story. During pregnancy she was constantly checking in on me. During labor, her support got me through the toughest back contractions and 54 hours of labor. The best part of having Shauna on my team was the postpartum support. She again was constantly checking in on me and baby. She answered all of my questions with care and love. You want Shauna on your side!

- Taylor Hawrysko

Mari Rangel

Romeoville, Illinois

5.0 (7 reviews)

Mari Rangel

3 years of experience
Accepts insurance

Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula | Childbirth Educator | Lactation Specialist As a Certified Birth and Postpartum Doula, I provide calm, nurturing, and evidence-based support for families through pregnancy, birth, and the newborn stage. My goal is to help parents feel informed, confident, and cared for every step of the way. Grant + Leah 2/20/2026 "Mari was assigned to us as a replacement doula when our original doula had a conflicting delivery. Mari immediately reached out and was flexible to our needs in early labor. My wife was laboring hard in triage for 7 hours (there was a major rush at the hospital, we couldn't get a room or her planned epidural for that long) and doesn't know how she would have coped without Mari. She immediately brought a calm presence to our situation while also helping us get the situation under control and manage contractions with various techniques. Mari also helped us execute on our birth plan and encouraged us to get rest whenever possible. We would recommend Mari to anybody seeking a doula." Safe With Me Doula Services – Loving, professional care for growing families. 🌐 www.safewithmelovingcare.org 📧 safewithmedoulaservices@outlook.com | 📞 (331) 328-1459 Instagram: @birth_doula | Facebook: Safe with Me Doula Services

Recent review

I truly cannot recommend my doula enough. She was by my side throughout my entire pregnancy journey, always there whenever I needed her—and often before I even realized I did. No question, concern, or doubt was ever too small. She patiently answered everything, reassured me, and helped prepare me both physically and mentally for a natural birth. She even provided monthly massages and other techniques that helped me feel more comfortable throughout my pregnancy. But my greatest gratitude is for everything she did during my labor. When my contractions started in the middle of the night, she came to my home at 2 a.m. without hesitation. She stayed with me through every single contraction, helping me cope with hip squeezes, lower back pressure, massage, acupuncture, labor combs, and a TENS machine. She continuously adjusted her techniques to help ease my pain and keep me focused. Around 9 a.m., we went to the hospital together, and she remained by my side for the entire labor until my baby was born. She stayed with me until 11 p.m., never leaving me alone. She advocated for me, made sure my birth preferences were respected, and did everything she could to make the experience as calm, positive, and empowering as possible. What makes her truly exceptional is her compassion. She doesn’t treat this as just a job—you can genuinely feel how deeply she cares about the mothers she supports. She gives her whole heart to making your pregnancy, labor, and birth experience as beautiful and comfortable as possible. Hiring her was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy, and I honestly can’t imagine going through labor without her. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, dedicated, and incredibly caring doula, I recommend her with all my heart.

- Nina N.

Elly Hernandez

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (5 reviews)

Elly Hernandez

4 years of experience

I am a Birth Doula and Lactation Specialist serving the Chicagoland area. I have three kiddos ages 3, 6, and 7, and I have been married to my wonderful husband Eli for 8 years. I am a native Chicagoan and call the Northwest side of the city my home. I have a Bachelor’s in Health Science, hold two Birth Doula certifications from accredited certifying organizations, and have received specialized training in Lactation, Spinning Babies, and High-risk Pregnancy Support. Additionally, I am CPR certified and an Evidence-Based Birth® Professional. With hundreds of hours of prenatal, birth, and postpartum support I have walked alongside over 100 families throughout the Chicagoland area preparing them for their birth and postpartum experience. My experience spans a wide variety of birth settings and situations. This includes unmedicated home births, medicated hospital births, elective inductions, medically necessary inductions (for preE, choleostasis, GDM, IUGR, etc.), planned cesareans, VBACs, and high-risk pregnancy births. I frequently attends births at Prentice, Evanston, Rush, Hinsdale, Masonic, and many other Chicago hospitals. My heart is to meet each family exactly where they are, offering personalized resources, thoughtful guidance, and steady support through every ebb and flow of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. I bring warmth, compassion, and evidence-based care to every family I serve. When I’m not at a birth or meeting families for a prenatal visit, you can find me outdoors bopping around at the nearest forest preserve with my troops, visiting local farmers market on a Sunday morning, rollerskating not-so-gracefully around my neighborhood, or cozying up with a good read

Recent review

First time pregnancy and I will NEVER deliver without her! 💟 The support, encouragement and knowledge that is given by Elly is beyond reassuring! Her assistance with exercises and stretches to alleviate pelvic pain and/or hip pain was such a relief! She not only told/demonstrated which ones would help best, but she also involved my partner and assisted teaching him on how to help me when I was in pain. Most importantly, in the delivery room she was SUCH a help in advocating what I wanted my birth to look like. Which took a huge weight off of mine & my partner’s shoulders and allowed us to really be present in that beautiful moment. I am forever grateful to her. She has checked up on me multiple times during my postpartum and offered resources for any further assistance I felt I needed (lactation consulting, etc.).

- Topanga Z.

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