BirthLink Providers
Click a category:
- Home Birth Practitioners - Midwives and Doctors
- Home Health Skilled Nursing
- Hypnotherapists
- Infant and Child Massage
- Labor Monitrice
- Massage and Bodywork Therapists
- Midwives - Hospital Based
- Naprapaths
- Naturopathic Doctor
- Nursery Design and Set-up
Birth Doulas
Whether you are planning a home or hospital birth, hiring a professional labor support companion is one of your most important considerations. In our opinion, all parents need the continuous support of a trained and experienced professional.
Doulas are hired in addition to, not instead of, a primary care practitioner (midwife, physician, certified nurse midwife, etc.). Doulas provide emotional support, information, pain management and comfort measures as well as facilitating the participation of the father or partner. While some partners feel threatened by this idea, it's usually because they don't understand the doula's role in a birth. Most men have scant if any experience with the birthing process. One of the intentions of the doula is to include partners in meaningful ways so the mother can benefit from his support and love. Emerging fathers need support too, and having a doula there to help him know what helps and when to do it usually makes a tremendous difference.
The birth of a child should be as enjoyable as possible for both parents. If you are choosing to give birth in a hospital there will be literally hundreds of procedures for you to be aware of and knowledgeable about. If you are interested in having an advocate with you, some doulas provide this function as well. While the doula is there to support you in making decisions for yourselves, it often helps to have a knowledgeable and informative perspective. Avoiding unnecessary interventions is much easier if you feel fully informed on the available options. The doula will also go to your home in early labor so that you can stay calm and relaxed within your process. You can often avoid unnecessary interventions just by staying at home for most of your labor.
Choosing the person you are going to work with makes a big difference. This will be a somewhat involved relationship as you will meet beforehand and plan together in addition to being together during the birthing event. You can call them if you have questions. Often parents feel rushed or intimidated during their primary care practitioner visits and a doula can be a helpful alternative source for your questions and concerns. The doula should also have a back-up to cover for her just in case she can't make it to your birth.
In the Chicagoland area, doulas usually charge a flat fee ranging from approximately $500 - $1000 per birth (for middle to very experienced doulas). Rates are based on levels of experience and knowledge and most have payment plans available. While insurance usually does not cover this service, it is recommended that you still submit a claim as some clients have successfully sought reimbursement. There is a national certification process from Doulas Of North America (DONA) but keep in mind that not all doulas are certified and levels of experience and expertise vary irrespective of certification.
See alphabetical listings below. Please contact the practitioner directly to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions. Be sure to let them know BirthLink sent you! Also see: Labor Monitrice.
SPOTLIGHT:
"When women are cared for, respected, and nurtured during this vulnerable and demanding time, they are more ready and able to greet their babies with joy, meet their child’s needs willingly and with love, and to foster the growth of gentle caring adults. "
- A Celebration of DONA’s Growth by Penny Simkin
International Doula - Winter 2000
NEIDA - BirthLink Members
BirthLink has a special partnership with the Northeast Illinois Doula Association Members (NEIDA). Birth instructors who are members with both organizations are identified by 
.
You can rent this space to gain extra exposure for your business.
Call 847-733-8050 for more information.
