Parul Patel

Oak Park, Illinois

5.0 (5 reviews)

Parul Patel

7 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Illinois Medicaid Approved Provider I am Parul, a dedicated advocate of transformative healing, committed to guiding individuals towards elevated states of consciousness. Drawing from my extensive life experiences and profound expertise as a Doula, I bring a unique blend of skills rooted in my nursing background, with a specific emphasis on naturopathic alternative medicine and mental health. This comprehensive foundation allows me to offer holistic support tailored to the well-being of my clients. As a Birth Doula, my mission extends to providing invaluable support to families navigating the realms of pregnancy and birth. I offer a holistic approach encompassing physical, emotional, and informational sustenance. Radiating compassion and devoid of judgment, my methods incorporate massage, precise positioning, meditation, mindfulness, and various pain management techniques. Additionally, in my role as a postpartum doula, I bring forth expertise in newborn care, postpartum mood disorders, and guiding families through the intricate transition to parenthood. In my role as a Life Doula, I serve as a guiding light during significant life transitions. Embodying the essence of a space holder, I extend love, neutrality, and non-judgment, offering unwavering support regardless of the challenges faced by others. From embracing singlehood to navigating relationships or career shifts, I stand committed to supporting clients through life's diverse phases. In my capacity as a Death Doula, or End of Life Doula, I walk alongside individuals and their families during the profound journey towards life's conclusion. Meticulously trained, I strengthen the bond between medical teams and non-medical caregivers, ensuring a holistic support system. My comprehensive services aim to guide and comfort individuals and their families through the transformative processes marking life's inevitable conclusion.

Recent review

Parul has been by my side for the birth of both of my daughters, and I truly can’t imagine going through those experiences without her. She is incredibly knowledgeable and always took the time to answer our questions with care and clarity. Beyond her medical expertise, she was my emotional rock—always checking in, offering encouragement, and making me feel seen and supported. During labor, she never left my side and even helped me push when I needed the extra strength. Her presence was grounding and powerful. During postpartum, she was absolutely essential—helping me stay on track nutritionally and making sure I was fueling my body for breastfeeding and recovery. I’m so grateful for her unwavering support through both births and everything in between. Thank you, Parul!

- Natalie J.

Heather Bethune

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (4 reviews)

Heather Bethune

21 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Hello! I'm Heather Joy, oldest of nine kids, and mother of four. Caregiving on every level is my life's calling-- mentally, emotionally, logistically, and physically! I am dedicated to healthy boundaries that empower the caregivers I work with so we can do sustainable work that truly nurtures the nurturers. I love brainstorming with new families when challenges arise-- I excel at developing systems, routines, and rituals that work best for each unique family. I also stay up to date on evidence-based care, melding my knowledge with the power of intuition to meet new families personalized needs. When I'm not working, learning, or caregiving, I spend time walking in Chicago's prolific nature, cooking with my kids, and socializing in my neighborhood. (LGBTQIA+ ally, religiously inclusive, and generally grateful to walk alongside any and all types of family units where love and peace are the priority!)

Recent review

I met Heather when my baby girl was just three days old. As a first-time mom with no family around, I needed support during my postpartum period, and Heather's exceptional care was truly invaluable from day one. She taught me everything from changing diapers to bathing my baby. Heather approached parenting as a trial and error process, guiding me through different methods, such as finding the best way to swaddle my baby, understanding that every baby is unique. Her calming presence was instrumental in helping me cope with the significant identity shift and potential postpartum depression that new moms often face. I wholeheartedly recommend Heather for her expertise, compassion, and unwavering support

- Shahrzad

Danyale Washington

Bloomingdale, Illinois

5.0 (4 reviews)

Danyale Washington

5 years of experience

My name is Danyale Washington. I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology from Concordia University Chicago. After working for over a decade in various facets of childcare and education —as well as having two children of my own— I have seen countless times, as well as witnessed myself as a parent, the lack of support and resources. My passion for helping others and dedication to children and their families reaching their full potential has always been a big part of who I am. It has continuously fueled me to pursue a career in doing just that–offering my insight and expertise to help those I serve feel confident and well-equipped to foster healthy development in children. My philosophy is rooted in empowerment, positivism, and compassion. It is at the core of all my services. My approach is strength-based and client-centered. It focuses on being an aid to those I provide support to in using the tools and skills they already possess to foster optimal growth and development in children. I believe in empowering individuals as they navigate the more challenging components of childrearing. My role is to be in your corner—cheering you on—guiding and supporting you while utilizing your strengths to achieve your goals. You are the driver; I am simply the map!

Recent review

We started working with Danyale when our son was about 8 weeks old, and we’re so glad that we started so early! We learned ways to instill healthy sleep habits for our baby right from the start. We were amazed at how quickly he learned to put himself to sleep, and sleep through the night! Danyale was absolutely wonderful and it was extremely helpful to have someone to ask questions to weekly and guide us through the process. We are so thankful to have such a happy and well rested baby - thank you so much Danyale! You are amazing, and we are so grateful for you and Sweet Piece!

- Mariana C.

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.

Mari Rangel

Romeoville, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Mari Rangel

3 years of experience
Accepts insurances

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. 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

My experience with Mari Rangel has been wonderful. She is warm, patient, and truly listens, which made me feel understood and supported. Her guidance was clear and reassuring, helping me build confidence in my parenting journey. I’m grateful for her dedication and would happily recommend her to other parents.

- Afiya B.

Celeste Rosario

Shorewood, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Celeste Rosario

6 years of experience

Hello! My name is Celeste. My desire to become a doula started when I felt called to help and support women through their journey of birth before, during, and after. To this day, I believe my own experience of childbirth with my daughter would have been positively different if I had the opportunity of having a doula. Creating life and bringing it into this world is a superpower women have, and I want to empower other women from all walks of life through this physical, emotional, and spiritual process. Everyone’s childbirth story is different, and I enjoy hearing and learning from their experiences. I love working with babies and have many years of experience, as I worked at a daycare before, during, and after my daughter was born. I am naturally an empathetic and nurturing woman and find joy in making sure everyone around me is well and healthy. My partner and I have big families and we enjoy spending lots of quality time with everyone and creating new memories for my 5 year old daughter, Alayna. Although I love being surrounded by my family and friends, I also enjoy my alone time occasionally. I believe it is important to spend time with yourself to recharge and fill your own cup, so you can then help fill other’s cups. Dancing, reading, and enjoying a nice cup of coffee in the sun are some of my favorite things to do.

Recent review

I had my first born at a young age. I was afraid to go through the process alone and with a little research I came across blooming birth service by Celeste. One of the best decisions I ever made. She was amazing, anytime I needed her assistance she was present. Celeste would apply to my emails and messages quickly, I knew I was her priority at all times. My son will now be 4 months old and I still reach out with any questions, Celeste never fails to show her amazing commitment to all clients. I highly recommend all expecting Mommy's to service with blooming birth, as the experience is one of a kind.

- Lexxie P.

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.

Alexa Buikema

Rockford, Illinois

5.0 (3 reviews)

Alexa Buikema

12 years of experience
Accepts insurances

I am Alexa, the founder and owner of Brighter Days Breastfeeding! 💛 As a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and Certified NICU nurse, I’ve helped many moms feel confident and empowered in their breastfeeding journey. But my passion for this work comes from my own experience… the grief of undiagnosed tongue ties and exclusive pumping with my first son, the barriers out of my control leaving me feel completely unsupported with my second son (hello global pandemic) and the sweet healing my third baby brought of a successful breastfeeding journey. My goal is to make sure no mom feels alone, overwhelmed, or unsupported. I am here to empower you to feel confident in feeding your baby and encourage you there are still brighter days ahead ☀️💛

Recent review

I don’t have the “typical” testimonial…. Alexa was incredible for me postpartum, I unfortunately experienced a stillbirth of my son, Dallin at 37 wks. Alexa, helped me walk through the process of drying up my milk safely and making sure I was doing my best to care for myself and drinking plenty of water to avoid any problems in the process of drying up my milk. I will never forget her kindness in my darkest days & weeks. HIGHLY recommend Brighter Days Breastfeeding.

- Savannah B.

Devorah Gross

Chicago, Illinois

5.0 (2 reviews)

Devorah Gross

4 years of experience

Hello. I am an experienced and qualified Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) who is dedicated to nurturing and caring for newborns while providing education and support to parents. I am committed to following the latest recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) while creating a safe and nurturing environment for infants that aligns with each family’s values and preferences. As a qualified NCS, I possess comprehensive training and experience in newborn care. I am well versed in the most effective techniques. I provide expertise, guidance, support, hands on assistance, allowing parents to catch up on much needed sleep while their baby is safe and well cared for. My goal is to ensure parents feel confident and connected with their baby. As a mother myself I believe in the importance of a supportive community and would be honored to be a part of your parenting journey.

Recent review

Devorah is absolutely AMAZING! The best compliment that I can pay her is that we would hire her again in a heartbeat if we have another baby. She is punctual, communicates exceptionally well, and is fantastic with my son. She was my son's newborn care specialist from the time we got home from the hospital until he was 8 months old, when he was ready to sleep through the night on his own. When my son was 5 weeks old, he developed a cough. It got worse into the night and Devorah knew exactly what to do and then spent the night with us in the peds emergency room until he got moved into a hospital room on the peds floor. She is exactly who you would want on your team in that situation.

- Jen K.

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.

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.

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.