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.

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.

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.

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.

Jasmine Sassack

Barrington, Illinois

Jasmine Sassack

10 years of experience

The Birth Zone is an agency serving families from Chicago through Milwaukee with childbirth education and birth doula services. We specialize in providing non-judgmental support for all families. We serve all kinds of births including hospital, home, medication-free, epidural, water birth, and land births.

Hamdi Hersi

Chicago Ridge, Illinois

Hamdi Hersi

27 years of experience

Doula Service, Newborn Care Specialist & Breastfeeding Consultant and Sleep training. With over 25 years of experience in newborn care, I am a British educated maternity nurse recently relocated to Chicago, Illinois. My career spans both medical settings and private households, including 20 years in the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), two years of midwifery training, and extensive work across hospitals on multiple continents. As a certified newborn care specialist and breastfeeding consultant, I offer expertise in: • Doula support, birth support, and postpartum care. • Sleep training for babies as young as six weeks, helping parents establish healthy routines. • Supporting families with newborn care, including feeding challenges, reflux, intolerances, and tongue-tie management. • Providing hands-on assistance or virtual consultations tailored to your family’s needs. I specialize in teaching foundational parenting skills to ensure a confident and positive start to your parenting journey. While I have worked with agencies in London, I am currently seeking local families in Chicago to support directly as I establish my business in the area. If you are preparing for delivery, navigating early newborn care, or facing challenges with your little one, I’d be delighted to assist.

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.

Destiny McGee

Plainfield, Illinois

5.0 (1 review)

Destiny McGee

2 years of experience

Hi, I’m Destiny, your nurturing and down-to-earth doula ✨ I support families with emotional, physical, and spiritual care during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. My goal? To help you feel seen, safe, and completely supported during your journey into motherhood. 💗 Reach out for a consult — I’d love to connect with you.

Recent review

My experience with Destiny as my doula was absolutely wonderful. She is caring, loving, and incredibly thoughtful. Throughout my pregnancy, she created a safe and nurturing space where I felt truly seen and heard—not just as an expectant mother, but as a whole person. She guided me through yoga poses to help with my baby’s positioning and ease hip tightness, while also teaching me how to listen to and communicate with my body. Destiny educated me on pregnancy, labor, delivery, and even the benefits of placenta encapsulation, which has helped me avoid postpartum depression. She supported me in healing past traumas so I could better bond with my baby, and she was a strong advocate for me both during pregnancy and at my bedside while giving birth. Destiny’s kindness, attentiveness, and wisdom made this journey so much smoother and more empowering. I am beyond grateful for her services as both a healer and a doula, and I would recommend her to anyone without hesitation—10 out of 10.

- Ashley J.

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

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.

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.

KARA ALEXANDER

Chicago, Illinois

KARA ALEXANDER

9 years of experience

My name is Kara, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as an Advanced Newborn Care Specialist, CAPPA trained Labor and Postpartum Doula, Lactation Educator, Baby-wearing Educator, and Certified Childbirth Educator. With over two decades of dedicated experience nurturing children, I've found immense joy in providing exceptional care to families like yours. My approach revolves around delivering not just outstanding care, but also fostering a supportive, judgment-free environment. My goal is to empower and guide parents, ensuring they feel refreshed and confident as they embark on the early stages of parenthood. Knowing your newborn is in safe hands allows for a sense of ease and security during this precious time. Before specializing in newborn care, I spent thirteen years in daycares and as a nanny, caring for infants to school-age children. This diverse background has equipped me to handle a wide spectrum of needs, including preemies, singletons, and multiples. It's a privilege to support families as they navigate the exciting journey of new parenthood, always tailoring my approach to meet individual needs and expectations.

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.

Sara Duran

Yorkville, Illinois

Sara Duran

5 years of experience

I am a Certified Birth Doula, a Pre and Post Natal Fitness Coach, and a Body Ready Birth Pro. I always knew that my calling would be to help people, but found my way to birth work through the birth of my first baby. I was uninsured and uncertain but found a midwife and doula team who made me feel completely at ease. Despite that birth not going anywhere near to plan, I felt supported, safe, and empowered through my entire pregnancy and delivery. This is the kind of consistent and well-informed support that I brings to my practice. Every baby will come into this world differently and every delivery will be different. I am here to help parents navigate their choices and help them bring about the positive experience that they envision. Sara received her coaching certification so she can combine her own passion for fitness with her passion for birth work. It is important to her that pregnant bodies be recognized as strong and capable. She helps to direct her clients on how best to move safely and with strength throughout pregnancy so that the body is ready for birth and beyond. Acquiring her Certified Birth Pro status with the Body Ready Method allows her to take that one step further by addressing movement patterns with gentle exercises to help alleviate the aches and pains that come with pregnancy. Sara is currently working on the path to become a Midwife.

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.

Mia Willis, CMA

Chicago, Illinois

Mia Willis, CMA

5 years of experience

It’s great to have you here. Let me introduce myself. My name is Mia Willis, CMA and I have served as a Prenatal and Postnatal Doula and Childbirth and Infancy Care Educator. I am a Chicago native and Northside College Preparatory High School Alumna. Like most, I stumbled into my role. Enduring the gestational hardships of my pregnancy led to my passion for wanting to empower and educate others during this delicate transition into parenthood. This passion led me to pursue a comprehensive education in the field of maternal support. I hold a certification in Medical Assisting with a background in Obstetrics and Gynecology. In 2021, I became a Certified Doula through the Black Womban Doula Course, ensuring that all of my sprouts receive the highest level of care and expertise. I am dedicated to continually expanding my knowledge and staying current with the latest evidence-based practices in maternal health and care.

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.

Elisha Mason

Alsip, Illinois

Elisha Mason

8 years of experience
Accepts insurances

Lissah is the Co-Founder of (Re)Birth Society. She serves as a Full Spectrum Doula, specializing in Home Birthing, Spontaneous Physiological Birthing and Afro-Indigenous Birth Practices. Lissah completed the Doula Training International (DTI) program in 2018 and has since trained under elder and with peer midwives, doulas, and birth assistants, receiving traditional hands-on trainings and skills. Lissah is an initiated Root Worker of the Ingram-Seay & Lipscomb/Pruitt-Williams lineages of North & Central Alabama and is on the path of Grand Midwifery & Root Doctoring within the Hoodoo Tradition. With over 7 years of education and experience in the field of plant-spirit medicine, she is a certified herbalist and current student at Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine. In addition to her wellness work, Lissah is a scholar, educator & journalist with a focus on African-Indigenous cultural history and heritage. Over the past 10 years she has been active in community service and social justice work, volunteering for grassroots orgs in North Alabama, Tuskegee, Chicago and San Diego. In extension of her role within the (Re)Birth Society, she serves on the board of Nature's Garden for Victory & Peace. Lissah is a devoted Mama, family member, teacher, friend, and #ancestorsbaby, committed to total liberation for the Earth, the Spirits, and the People.

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.

Seyi Akinwale

Chicago, Illinois

Seyi Akinwale

3 years of experience

I’m Seyi. I have over 15 years of childcare experience in a variety of settings such as a babysitter, nanny, teacher, and now birth and postpartum doula. I am passionate about the field of birth work. After witnessing and hearing about many of the difficulties and abuse of power in hospital settings, my passion for helping people navigate these settings was ignited. It is impossible to guarantee a “perfect birth” but I believe that you should have the opportunity to be prepared for whatever may or may not happen. This includes being aware of medical interventions, having the best people for you in your birthing space, establishing and enforcing necessary boundaries, and ultimately doing the best for you! Childbirth is a beautiful process that is both natural and spiritual.