Mari Rangel

About me

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

Education

Nursing (1997)

Certification and training

Certified Birth Doula (2025)

Certified Lactation Specialist (2025)

Childbirth Educator (2025)

Certified Postpartum doula (2025)

Certified Doula for Medicaid Illinois (2025)

Memberships and affiliations

Evidence Based Birth

Childbirth International

Chicago Family Doulas

DONA International

Carrot's Doula Directory

Illinois Medicaid Certified Doula

Credentials

CBD CD (BEST) CPD CLSC

Specialties

Abortion Doula Care Acupressure During Labor Advanced Maternal Age Anxiety and Depression Birth and Lactation Birth Assistant Birth Doula Birth Support Breastfeeding Assistance and Support Breastfeeding Consultation Breastfeeding Support Breech Birth Cesarean, Episiotomy and Scar Pain Childbirth Education Childhood Growth and Development Contraception and Family Planning Evidence-Based Care Family Planning Grief and Loss Home Birth Hospital Birth Infant Care Labor Doula Lactation Consultation Lactation Home Visits Latch Issues LGBTQ+ Loss and Bereavement Doula Low Milk Supply/Over Supply Massage Natural Birth Natural Childbirth Newborn Care Nipple and Breast Pain Overnight Newborn Care Pain Management Parenting Parenting Support Perinatal and Infant Loss Positive Thinking Postpartum Adjustment Postpartum Care Postpartum Doula Care Postpartum Life Pregnancy Complications Pregnancy Loss Prenatal Care Prenatal Lactation Education Prenatal Life Relaxation Techniques Stress Management Support during Labor, Birth, and Postpartum Telehealth Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC)

Languages

English, Spanish

Accepted insurance

Carrot Aetna Anthem Blue Cross Molina Healthcare UnitedHealthcare Community Plan Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois Medicaid Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Cigna CountyCare (Cook County) Progyny Public Aid (Illinois Medicaid) UnitedHealthcare

Service introduction

I offer prenatal classes, childbirth classes and newborn care basics. Lactation education and breastfeeding support. Physical and emotional support services during pregnancy, labor, birth and postnatal care. Newborn care so you can rest and catch up on sleep.

Packages

Third trimester

Prenatal, labor and birth support, one prenatal visit, to create birth plan, childbirth education classes, about newborn care, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, 24/7 support from the moment contract is signed until labor and birth. Also includes phone/text/email support, virtual meet and one postpartum visit, that include newborn care, light meal prep, breastfeeding support.

$1,800.00

USD Flat rate

4th Trimester

Postpartum care. Meal preparation. Light household care. Newborn care.

$45.00

USD Per hour

Essential Birth Support + Lactation

Birth doula support provides continuous non-medical, emotional, physical, and informational support to the birthing person and their partner from the onset of active labor through the birth of the baby. During labor and birth, doula support may include: Continuous emotional reassurance and presence to support confidence, calm, and coping throughout labor Physical comfort measures, such as breathing techniques, positioning, movement, counter-pressure, massage, use of comfort tools, and relaxation strategies Guidance and education to help the birthing person understand the normal progression of labor and available options, supporting informed decision-making Support for the birth partner, including encouragement, guidance on hands-on comfort techniques, and reassurance Advocacy support, helping the birthing person communicate preferences and questions to the care team (without speaking on their behalf or providing medical advice) Environmental support, including creating a calming, supportive birth space when possible Emotional support during transitions, medical discussions, and unexpected changes to the birth plan Birth doula support is continuous and individualized, adapting to the needs of the birthing person as labor progresses. All services are non-medical and do not replace clinical care provided by licensed healthcare professionals. Typical Length of Birth Doula Support On-call availability: Begins prior to the due date, typically starting around 38 weeks of pregnancy Labor support duration: Commonly ranges from 8 to 24 hours, though labor support may be shorter or longer depending on the individual labor Support continues from active labor through the birth of the baby The length of support varies based on the course of labor, medical circumstances, and individual needs.

$1,000.00

USD Flat rate

Show all

Ratings and reviews

Average

5.0

# of Reviews

7

5.0

July 25, 2026

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.

5.0

April 7, 2026

I recommend Mari for everyone who is giving birth. The amount of pressure relieved knowing that there is a person who is the expert is huge, and she is on your side ready to voice any concerns that you may have. My husband and I felt so relieved and taken care of these magical yet difficult time. Mari supported us during birth and postpartum. Even stayed with me at night in the hospital so my husband can take care of elder one. Helped with lactation and all million question that I have about the baby and recovery.

- Aijan A.

5.0

April 7, 2026

Mari is such a competent & flexible doula! I would hire her for all of my births! Even though my birth was 2 months early, she was truly on call for me & was there when I needed her. She was amazing at providing physical & emotional support, advocacy with medical staff, and best of all laughter! Mari also showed us generosity & grace after the birth when it came to our payment plan. My husband and I are so grateful for Mari and all she is and the lengths she goes to ensure her clients are taken care of. Much love, Mari!!

- Nicole S.

5.0

February 19, 2026

Working with Mari was one of the best decisions I made for my birth experience. From the very beginning, she was an incredible source of knowledge and resources — always sharing up-to date information and continuously educating herself so I felt confident in the guidance I was receiving. She truly made my birthing experience feel safer, calmer, and more supported. She was a strong advocate for me, helping me voice my preferences and ensuring I felt heard every step of the way. I never felt alone in the process. She was always responsive, approachable, and genuinely kind — no question was ever too small. Knowing she was on call and available whenever I needed her brought such peace of mind. Her steady presence, encouragement, and reassurance made all the difference. I’m so grateful for her support and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a doula who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and deeply committed to her clients.

- Adi

5.0

September 20, 2025

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.

5.0

September 17, 2025

I had a wonderful consultation with Mari. She immediately made me feel comfortable, listened to all of my concerns, and provided so much valuable information. I left our meeting feeling supported, confident, and excited for the journey ahead. I would highly recommend her to anyone considering doula services.

- Teresita M.

5.0

September 16, 2025

Mari created a safe and supportive space where I felt truly heard and respected. Her warmth, patience, and empathy made every interaction feel natural and reassuring. I really appreciated how she could seamlessly switch between English and Spanish, ensuring that every detail was understood not only by me but also by my family. Her strong cultural awareness and sensitivity made me feel seen and cared for on a deeper level. She approaches her work with open-mindedness and understanding, always honoring my unique needs and choices. Her guidance was never pushy—always nurturing, respectful, and encouraging. She gave me confidence and peace of mind in moments that felt overwhelming. I look forward to reaching out again in the future.

- Frida G.

Frequently asked questions

Do you offer sliding scale pay?

I offer payment plan with no late fees to accommodate clients like Klarna and Afterpay.

Are you a member of DONA International?

“I am a certified doula and an active member of DONA International, the world’s leading doula organization. This membership reflects my commitment to upholding DONA’s standards of professional conduct, continuing education, and evidence-based perinatal support.”

Are you a member of the Carrot Fertility Directory?

“As a certified doula, I am an approved provider in the Carrot Fertility Directory, allowing eligible clients to use their Carrot benefits toward my services. This helps make doula support more accessible during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.”

Are you up to date with your vaccinations, TDap, Flu and Covid

“I want you to feel as safe and supported as possible, so I keep my vaccinations current. My TDAP, flu, and COVID vaccines are all up to date.”

What are Carrot fertility doula benefits in Illinois?

Carrot may reimburse for birth-doula services (prenatal support, labor & delivery support, birth-planning consultations, continuous labor support). Carrot also covers postpartum doula services for many plans — including daytime support, overnight or night-doula support, newborn care help, lactation support (non-clinical), postpartum parent support, newborn education/consultations. The reimbursement often extends to a defined postpartum period (e.g. first 6 weeks after birth) — so clients can get support during the early postpartum phase. The doula must be certified and meet Carrot’s eligibility criteria (valid certification, proper training, liability insurance where required, up-to-date credentials) to be “Carrot-approved.” Some documentation is required: after services are rendered, a detailed invoice or “superbill” listing services, dates, and doula credentials may need to be submitted to Carrot for reimbursement. Clients (or families) usually pay the doula directly, then use Carrot to get reimbursed (i.e. the doula doesn’t bill Carrot). Because Carrot plans vary by employer, clients need to check their individual plan details — including total benefit amount, any caps or limits, whether both birth and postpartum services are included, and how many hours or weeks postpartum support is eligible. Carrot typically covers doula support — but not “extra” services: for example, postpartum coverage generally excludes housecleaning, meal prep, sibling care, live-in care, or services beyond typical birth/postpartum doula support (non-clinical care, newborn support, lactation guidance, education, etc.) Because coverage varies, “how much is covered” (full, partial, dollar limits, hours/days, postpartum duration) depends on the employer’s Carrot plan.

What This Means for You as a Doula in Illinois Offering “Safe with Me Doula Services"

“If you have Carrot Fertility benefits through your employer, I qualify as a Carrot-approved doula — which means you might be able to use those funds toward my birth or postpartum doula services. I would provide you with the detailed invoice you’ll need for reimbursement.”

Do you offer placenta encapsulation?

Placenta Encapsulation Investment Advanced Methods | Sacred Handling | Professional Standards Safe with Me Doula Services BASIC RECOVERY PACKAGE Starting at $350 Designed for essential postpartum nourishment and recovery support. Includes: ✔ Full placenta encapsulation (100–200 capsules depending on size) ✔ Choice of Traditional Chinese Method (steamed) or Raw Method ✔ Basic placenta tincture preparation ✔ Dosage & storage instructions ✔ 48–72-hour turnaround ✔ Sanitary, food-safe preparation protocols Investment: Starting at $350 (Travel outside service radius may incur additional fee) DELUXE RESTORE PACKAGE $475 A restorative and keepsake-centered offering blending nourishment and remembrance. Includes Everything in Basic PLUS: ✔ Umbilical cord shaped into a heart ✔ Hand-painted umbilical cord keepsake (soft blush, gold, or neutral finish) ✔ Placenta art print on archival paper ✔ 30-minute gentle postnatal recovery massage ✔ Personalized recovery check-in Investment: $475 VIP SACRED RESTORATION PACKAGE $650 Our most elevated and luxury postpartum recovery experience. Includes Everything in Deluxe PLUS: ✔ Priority on-call scheduling during birth window ✔ Expedited 24–48 hour turnaround ✔ Premium glass apothecary jar presentation ✔ Extended placenta tincture for long-term hormonal transitions ✔ 30-minute luxury in-home postnatal massage ✔ Private 1:1 postpartum integration call ✔ VIP postpartum recovery guide Investment: $650 Payment Terms • $150 non-refundable retainer required to reserve on-call availability • Remaining balance due by 36 weeks' gestation • Accepted methods: Zelle, Apple Pay, credit/debit, HSA/FSA (if applicable) • Payment plans available upon request Legal Protection & Illinois-Specific Language You can include the following in your service agreement: Placenta Release & Ownership The Client acknowledges that the placenta is their personal biological property. The Client assumes full responsibility for requesting release of the placenta from their place of birth in accordance with hospital or birth center policies. Safe With Me Doula Services is not responsible for hospital refusal or delay in release. Food Safety & Preparation Disclaimer Placenta encapsulation is a complementary wellness service and is not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Safe With Me Doula Services is not a medical provider and does not diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All preparation is conducted using food-safe handling protocols, sanitation procedures, and temperature-controlled dehydration standards consistent with general food safety guidelines. The Client acknowledges that consumption of placenta capsules is voluntary and assumes all risks associated with ingestion. Medical Contraindications Encapsulation may not be recommended in cases including but not limited to: • Maternal infection (including chorioamnionitis) • Certain blood-borne infections • Heavy meconium staining • Placental pathology requiring laboratory retention • Other provider-advised contraindications Client agrees to disclose any relevant medical conditions. Safe With Me Doula Services reserves the right to decline encapsulation if safety concerns arise. Limitation of Liability Client agrees to release and hold harmless Safe With Me Doula Services, Mari Rangel, and any representatives from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses arising from the preparation or ingestion of placenta products. Liability shall not exceed the amount paid for services. Storage & Consumption Responsibility Once capsules are delivered, the Client assumes full responsibility for: • Proper storage • Adherence to dosage guidance • Monitoring personal health response