Jasmine Sassack

Barrington, Illinois

Jasmine Sassack

23 years of experience

I combine education, evidence-based research, and hands-on support to help you have an entirely different kind of labor and birth. Whatever kind of birth you are planning, I am here to support your choices. I work at hospital births, home births, and birth centers. Some of my clients choose an epidural for pain management, and others choose to go med-free: I'm here to support whatever YOU choose. I serve many high-anxiety clients, as well as high-risk pregnancies and VBACs (vaginal birth after cesarean). Many of my clients are international, and English is often their second language. My team and I value diversity and inclusivity.

Lauren Fallon

Barrington, Illinois

Lauren Fallon

21 years of experience

I am a photographer who strives to catch the heart-warming moments of life with every click of the shutter. My goal is to capture those milestone moments for you and your family: the unexpected gurgling smile of your breast feeding newborn, the somewhat spicy over the shoulder glance in a boudoir shoot, the joy invoking smile of seeing your beloved for the first time on your wedding day, the fierce concentration it takes to breathe through contractions, or the crazy fun that can ensue with a toddler at a family photo shoot. I love what I do and I feel strongly about photographing families who want to remember important phases in their lives. Time flies by; as any mother knows, therefore my mission is to offer my clients something concrete to look at and remember the times that are most important to them.

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.

Kelly Sijapati

Mount Prospect, Illinois

Kelly Sijapati

15 years of experience
Accepts insurances

My name is Kelly Sijapati, and I am an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) located in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. I was certified in 2015, and I have served as a volunteer peer breastfeeding counselor since 2011. I have a degree in Psychology and believe that the most important aspect of lactation care is listening closely to the new parent so I can understand their individual situation and feeding goals before working together with them to create a personalized care plan. Having been part of the lactation field for over ten years, my goal is that every new parent feels fully supported during their feeding journey. I provide care in home visits, telehealth, and office visits. I specialize in latch and positioning adjustments for greater comfort in breastfeeding and have expertise in all areas of lactation including pumping, bottle-feeding, tongue tie, weaning, induced lactation, and more. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, being outdoors, and spending time with my husband, two children, and our cockapoo puppy, Maple.

Monica Deumic

Des Plaines, Illinois

Monica Deumic

5 years of experience

Hi my name is Monica and I am a sleep coach! I help parents teach their little ones independent sleep skills to get them sleeping through the night and taking solid naps ASAP. Book a free 15 minute call to see if I would be a good fit for your family.

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.

Annette Yen

Holiday Hills, Illinois

Annette Yen

7 years of experience

I’m a Christian bereavement and birth doula in the Northwest suburbs area of Chicago and Southeastern Wisconsin.

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.

Rebekkah Carney

Hoffman Estates, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Rebekkah Carney

7 years of experience

Hello! I’m a birth doula serving Chicago and surrounding areas. I specify in supporting clients through unmedicated births at birth centers, home births, and midwife-led hospital births. I am also a VBAC certified doula.

Recent review

I cannot recommend Rebekkah enough. She was my doula for my 2019 baby, and I knew that I had to rehire her for my second birth. My goal with my second was to have an unmedicated birth and knowing that is something Rebekkah specializes in helped give me the confidence that I could do it. When my labor started, she was readily available to answer any questions and confirm when it was time to head to the hospital. She had techniques to help ease the pain such as the use of her TENS unit (which helped tremendously) and using counter pressure. She coached me and encouraged me the entire time, even when I was completely ready to give up, which I completely believe helped me achieve my unmedicated birth goal. After going through PPA/PPD with my first, I knew that I wanted to have my placenta encapsulated, which Rebekkah was able to do and made the entire process seamless. She worked with the hospital to make sure that my placenta was stored and ready to take home, and once she finished encapsulating it, she delivered it to my home (along with a keepsake from the cord). I truly believe that it made a huge difference in my recovery. Rebekkah was an asset to my family during my pregnancy, delivery, and post partum. She is a wealth of knowledge and truly helped me reach my goals and deliver a healthy and happy baby exactly how I wanted to.

- Amber D.

Ashley Lakin

Hoffman Estates, Illinois

Ashley Lakin

6 years of experience

I am an integrative nutritionist helping women in the Chicagoland area address hormones balances to feel their best! As a Certified Nutrition Specialist®, Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist, and RYT-200 certified yoga instructor, I use my blended education to address the root cause of your symptoms from various angles. I focus on utilizing whole foods, not just nutrients, to heal the body. My area of focus includes assisting women through all stages of life, including prenatal, pregnancy, and postpartum.

Angel Prabhat

Crystal Lake, Illinois

Angel Prabhat

6 years of experience
Accepts insurances

As a board-certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), I’m dedicated to supporting families through the beautiful yet challenging journey of parenthood. With over 500 clinical hours under my belt, I've had the privilege of working with clients in their homes, virtually, and within hospital settings. My experience ranges from tackling oral ties and low weight gain to navigating colic, allergies, and even tandem feeding and breastfeeding through pregnancy. As a mother of four, I’ve been in the trenches myself. I've navigated the ups and downs of infant feeding, from supplementing and bottle feeding to addressing breastfeeding aversions. My personal journey gives me a unique perspective that complements my professional expertise. I’m passionate about providing evidence-based information and supporting families in making informed decisions that best suit their needs. My approach is grounded in compassion and non-judgment, believing that all family's choices are valid. Whether you're seeking guidance on a specific issue or just need a supportive ear, I’m here to help you find the path that works for you and your little ones. Let’s navigate this infant feeding journey together!

Jaime McNamara

Bull Valley, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Jaime McNamara

14 years of experience

Doula-Birthkeeper of 13 years and infant and prenatal massage therapist for 19. I attend births in all spaces for all families with love and consent .

Recent review

Jaime McNamara was my doula for son in 2023 and she was absolutely amazing helped me through my labor with lots of swaying and counter pressure to work through the contractions even with things went differently then we all planned she stayed and made sure my husband was okay and that me and baby were okay as well. Then after baby came she continued to help myself and baby by preforming Craniosacral therapy and baby massage as well. Then now in 2025 she is still working with me as my doula again and she is also doing some much needed prenatal message that has been a life safer for me this pregnancy. She has such a layed back personality but will do exactly what you want to help you get the best outcomes possible and she will stand up for want you labor to be . She an awesome person to be standing in your corner during the beautiful process of labor and birth

- Amber W.

Jenny Mills

Chicago, Illinois

Jenny Mills

4 years of experience

I help women navigate every season of life — from infertility to pregnancy and childbirth to postpartum parenting to peri-menopause and menopause — with compassionate and personalized support. I am a Bebo Mia Certified Maternal Support Practitioner who's a fierce advocate for a woman's right to decide what they want for their body. That includes deciding what's right for you regarding your birth plan.

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.

Amy Patel

Village Of Lakewood, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Amy Patel

3 years of experience

I am a DONA certifying birth doula who is passionate about changing the birthing experience for expectant parents by providing emotional and physical comfort and presence during your sacred transition.

Recent review

I am grateful for Amy Patel beyond words. Despite being unable to provide her with the compensation she deserved, she still agreed to be our doula. This shows her love and care for her clients. She took the time to listen to my story, understand my needs, and advocate for me as a soon-to-be mother of two. Amy respected my family by asking questions and getting to know us before the birth experience. She was attentive and took notes, ensuring she remembered our shared information. Amy helped me plan for my C-section when it was confirmed that my daughter was not turning. As I was occupied with my doctoral program, she even helped me write a birth plan and pack my hospital bag. On the day of the C-section, she arrived on time and stayed with me throughout, except for the surgery itself. She even remembered to bring chapstick and rubbed my feet while we waited for the surgery room. She held my hand as the nurse tried to insert my IV and post-surgery, she hugged me and rubbed my shoulders as I cried after a pediatrician disrespected me. She even stayed overnight so my husband could care for our daughter at home. Amy continued to check up on me via text in the weeks following my hospital discharge and even visited us one last time. I highly recommend Amy Patel as a doula. She is empathetic, respectful, and genuinely caring towards her clients.

- Lydia D.

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.

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.

Eileen Joyce

Bartlett, Illinois

Eileen Joyce

16 years of experience
Accepts insurances

For as long as I can remember, I yearned to be a mother. Unfortunately, when faced with multiple medical conditions, I realized that getting pregnant was not going to be easy—even though it seemed like everyone around me was having babies. Eventually, I was fortunate enough to become pregnant-- but why didn’t I feel the effortless joy that seemed to encompass all the mothers on my social media feed? Why was this so hard? It’s often said that no one really prepares you for becoming a parent, but I feel passionately that our society could do a better job. I hold a feminist perspective and challenge societal expectations of how things “should be.” You don’t need to do it all and you don’t need to do it alone. I’ve worked in multiple different settings including crisis home based work with children and their families, partial hospitalization programs with adults, and most recently in a pediatric medical clinic supporting families with children with medical conditions. I have been trained in perinatal mood disorders by Postpartum Support International (PSI).