Acupuncturists - Birth Instructors Provider
Menu last updated 03/10/09 |
Acupuncturists - Birth Instructors
West Suburban Hospital
Oak Park IL
Phone: 877-WEST SUB
web site: www.westsub.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: The Alternative Birthing Center (ABC), located within Irvin & Margaret
Houck Family Birthing Centre at West Suburban Hospital, is the only
Center of its kind in the western suburbs. It offers all the comforts of
home to help expectant mothers, and their families, feel at ease. In
addition to the water-birthing tub for labor and delivery, each
alternative birthing room includes a queen size bed for family bonding;
full bath; TV and stereo; refrigerator; and microwave.
The ABC illustrates West Suburban innovation spirit at its best. The
Center allows women with low-risk pregnancies to choose the birthing
option that's best for them and their babies. Our Community rates West
Suburban Health Care as the best place to have a baby and best place for
women's health services. Community Perception Survey Dec 1999 Ingram
Research. There are two midwife practices that work out of the ABC.
Nancy Derrig CNM
Shirley Moore CNM
Greta Gulezian CNM
Mary Saracco CNM
Midwifery & Women's Health West Sub Med Ctr
River Forest IL
708-386-2400
Training & Background: For more information see Midwives Hospital Based
Gayle Riedmann CNM
Hillary Kieser CNM
West Suburban Midwife Associates
Oak Park IL
Phone: 708-848-3800
web site: www.westsubmidwives.com
e-mail: info@westsubmidwives.com
Area Served: Northern IL & NW Indiana
Training & Background: Read further information under Midwives section
.... Sorting through all the available
information in just nine short months is a major challenge. You need to think about so many different things. Researching your insurance coverage, choosing
a place and primary practitioner, knowing what the implications of those choices
are and who else you might want to include in your birth team can be a daunting
task. One way to save time and effort is to work with a birth consultant. They
will help you clarify your goals and direct you to resources that will be compatible
with them. Parents find out that they have more options than they thought. They
then can have safer, more satisfying births. We suggest that you consider doing
preconception planning but any time before birth would benefit any family.
Kay Furey CNM
Retired Home Birth Midwife
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-764-6869
e-mail: kaycfurey@yahoo.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: MSN - UIC, BSN - Loyola, MA in learning disabilities - Northwestern University, physicians assistant for over fifteen years. Home birth midwife for 30 years. Home birth consultations.
Rhonda Kantor RN BSN HNC RYT-500
Global Yoga Center
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-719-6227
web site: www.globalyogacenter.com
Area Served: Chicago
Training & Background: Yoga Instructor (since 1996) and Registered Nurse (since 1991): Yoga Teacher Training completed from the Temple of Kriya Yoga. Owner-
Director of the Global Yoga Center specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Mom and Baby yoga, Couples Birth classes, Hatha /Vinyasa yoga and Teacher Trainings.
Jo Anne Lindberg
BirthLink
Evanston IL
Phone: 847-733-8050
web site: www.birthlink.com
e-mail: bestbirth@birthlink.com
Area Served: Entire Chicago Area
Training & Background: MAed, teacher 15 yrs, birth counselor since 1996, guidance
with hospital or home birth decisions
Judith Elaine Halek
Birth Balance
New York City NY
Phone: 212-222-4349
web site: www.BirthBalance.com
e-mail: judith@birthbalance.com
Area Served: Phone Consults Only
Training & Background: Resource center started 1987. One of the first doulas. Massage & fitness therapist, writer, educator, speaker, photographer, videographer and
producer of 13 part weekly series on waterbirth.
....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 and 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 available. 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 also makes a big difference. This will be a somewhat involved
relationship as you will meet and plan together beforehand in addition to the
birthing event. You can also 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 they usually charge a flat fee
ranging from approximately $500 - $1000 per birth. 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.
BirthLink Members:
Please be aware that Neida - BirthLink members are listed first in this category.
Neida - BirthLink Members
Northeast Illinois Doula Association Members are listed first in this category. We have a special partnership with Neida. To find out about membership discounts please visit our home page.
Holly Barhamand CD (DONA) CCE(BWI)
Chicago IL
Phone: 312-613-1734
web site: www.hollyhelps.us
e-mail: holly@hollyhelps.us
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA-certified labor doula and homebirth midwife's assistant. She's certified to teach Childbirth Education through Birth Works (www.birthworks.com), a process of discovering strengths and confidence. Classes last 8 weeks and include Pelvic Bodywork, a workbook and emotional processing.
Peyton Callahan
Birthnest
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-230-2442
web site: www.birthnest.info
e-mail: peyton@birthnest.info
Area Served: Chicago Area
Training & Background: ALACE and DONA trained Birth Doula obtaining ALACE Childbirth Educator certification. BS in Psychology. Strong focus on building emotional strength and trust in oneself to surrender to the natural process of birth. Attend home and hospital births. Proud mother of three precious children.
Katie Cole DC
Woman 2 Woman Birth Doulas
Des Plaines IL
Phone: 847-296-2322
web site: www.woman2womandoulas.com
e-mail: drcole@lifecarewellness.com
Area Served: Northwest Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA trained birth doula with experience in home and hospital births. Extensive background in healthcare and alternative medicine.
Natalie Evans
Mama Belly Birth Services
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-510-6230
web site: www.mamabellybirth.com
e-mail: mamabellybirth@yahoo.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: ALACE childbirth education classes focus on dealing with fear, providing comfort measures, and exploring emotions surrounding pregnancy and birth. Experience with hospital and homebirths of all types, as a doula. Please visit my web site for a detailed description.
Lori Beth Geils CD
Dove Doula Services
Bensenville IL
Phone: 800-801-5652
e-mail: dovedoula@yahoo.com
Area Served: Northwest & Western Suburbs
Training & Background: "Mothering the Mother" prenatally throughout her postpartum period and beyond is our specialty with a Christian Focus. Labor and Postpartum Doula, Bradley Method Childbirth Educator, Lactation Educator, Certified Nursing Assistant. Practicing since 1993. Extensive experience in Postpartum Doula Care with MULTIPLES and Professional Labor Support at home or hospital.
Susan Gottschall CD (DONA) MED
Comfort and Care Doula
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-259-2543
web site: www.comfortandcaredoula.vpweb.com
e-mail: suebruce5760@sbcglobal.net
Area Served: Chicago & Near Suburbs
Training & Background:Trained in labor and delivery; postpartum period; breast feeding; childbirth education; early development. Experienced in helping women have the kind of childbirth they want at a cost they can afford. Let me assist you in having a beautiful birth.
Leah Koop CMT
MAMAssage
Evanston IL
Phone: 847-989-5591
e-mail: lekoop@yahoo.com
Area served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA trained labor doula, also offering Postpartum Doula services. Chicago School of Massage Therapy Grad. State licensed & Nationally Certified massage therapist, specializing in prenatal, postpartum and infant massage. Certified in Core Synchronism. Offers house calls to Chicago and surrounding suburbs.
Debra Lawrence AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Magic Hands Doula Services
Streamwood IL
Phone: 630-483-7378
e-mail: dlawrence1@juno.com
Area Served: Dupage County & Northwest Suburbs
Training & Background: Teaching Bradley Method natural childbirth classes since Jan 1995. Supporting birth as a labor doula since June 1998. I bring knowledge, skills and courage to the birth process, enhancing it for couples in many positive ways.
Kimberly McCarty CD
Inner Birth Doula Service
Brookfield IL
Phone: 708-255-5311, 773-793-8836
web site: www.innerbirth.com
e-mail: innerbirth@aol.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA certified Doula. Providing Local Waterbirth Tub Rentals & Monitrice services. Home and hospital experience,including waterbirth. With good support and trust in our bodies we can do the amazing work it takes to birth our babies.
Jacque Shannon McNulty
Blissful Birth
Grayslake IL
Phone: 708-305-3114
web site: www.blissfulbirth.com
e-mail: blissfulbirth@smacie.com
Area Served: Chicago, N Suburbs, SE Wisc
Training & Background:
DONA trained doula, childbirth educator, homebirth mother. Joyfully, skillfully, compassionately supporting you through the profound transition of pregnancy and birth. Homebirth, hospital birth, waterbirth. I trust birth and have absolute confidence in your ability to birth your baby! Visit our web site for more information.
Julia B Roth CD DONA
Birth Companions Guild
Skokie IL
Phone: 847-207-5413, 847-677-8480
web site: www.birthcompanionsguild.com
e-mail: ljulia.doula@comcast.net
Area Served: Chicago & North Suburbs
Training & Background: Doula since 1994. Served over a hundred clients as primary birth support. Have only attended two c-sections. Try to make my services available to all individuals on a sliding fee scale basis. I support the goals of each client including the choice of having an epidural.
Susan Tokarz
Cary IL
Phone: 847-514-4504
e-mail: susanjoy88@yahoo.com
Area Served: Chicago & NW Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA birth and postpartum doula, apprentice midwife, massage therapist and lactation consultant. Experience with premature, NICU, hospice, cesarean, home birth and VBAC. Offering childcare and couples education. Comfortable with GLBT individuals and families and single mothers.
....You may want to take classes
offered by your hospital or birth center. These are usually taught by a nurse
that works there. Keep in mind that with this option they will be teaching the "this is how we do birth here" method. There are also some independent
instructors who have complete autonomy. You can find out which you're talking
to by asking them. You also need to find out what their philosophy is regarding
interventions. If they are teaching Bradley the focus will be natural childbirth.
Lamaze is still available but the term has been adopted by the hospitals and
is used as the generic term for birth classes. Birthing From Within is a realtive
newcomer to the birth community. It is a multi-sensory holistic approach. Eclectic
teachers use a variety of techniques borrowed from a variety of teaching methods.
For more information on these styles go to the internet. If you can, it's a
good idea to interview the teacher by phone before signing up for the class.
BirthLink Members: Please be aware that Neida - BirthLink members are listed first in this category.
Neida - BirthLink Members
Northeast Illinois Doula Association Members are listed first in this category. We have a special partnership with Neida. To find out about membership discounts please visit our home page.
Holly Barhamand CD (DONA) CCE(BWI)
Chicago IL
Phone: 312-613-1734
web site: www.hollyhelps.us
e-mail: holly@hollyhelps.us
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: DONA-certified labor doula and homebirth midwife's assistant. She's certified to teach Childbirth Education through Birth Works (www.birthworks.com), a process of discovering strengths and confidence. Classes last 8 weeks and include Pelvic Bodywork, a workbook and emotional processing.
Ami Burns LCCE CD (DONA)
Birth Talk
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-275-7725
web site: www.birthtalk.com
e-mail: birthtalk@mac.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: Ami’s warm, nonjudgmental style has helped countless women make informed choices regarding their birth experiences. Known for her fun, engaging classes and caring support, Ami is well-respected by medical providers as well as parents favoring an alternative approach to birth.
Peyton Callahan
Birthnest
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-230-2442
web site: www.birthnest.info
e-mail: peyton@birthnest.info
Area Served: Chicago Area
Training & Background: ALACE and DONA trained Birth Doula obtaining ALACE Childbirth Educator certification. BS in Psychology. Strong focus on building emotional strength and trust in oneself to surrender to the natural process of birth. Attend home and hospital births. Proud mother of three precious children.
Natalie Evans
Mama Belly Birth Services
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-510-6230
web site: www.mamabellybirth.com
e-mail: mamabellybirth@yahoo.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: ALACE childbirth education classes focus on dealing with fear, providing comfort measures, and exploring emotions surrounding pregnancy and birth. Experience with hospital and homebirths of all types, as a doula. Please visit my web site for a detailed description.
Debra Lawrence AAHCC, CD(DONA)
Magic Hands Doula Services
Streamwood IL
Phone: 630-483-7378
e-mail: dlawrence1@juno.com
Area Served: Dupage County & Northwest Suburbs
Training & Background: Teaching Bradley Method natural childbirth classes since Jan 1995. Supporting birth as a labor doula since June 1998. I bring knowledge, skills and courage to the birth process, enhancing it for couples in many positive ways.
Jacque Shannon McNulty
Blissful Birth
Grayslake IL
Phone: 708-305-3114
web site: www.blissfulbirth.com
e-mail: blissfulbirth@smacie.com
Area Served: Chicago, N Suburbs, SE Wisc
Training & Background:
DONA trained doula, childbirth educator, homebirth mother. Joyfully, skillfully, compassionately supporting you through the profound transition of pregnancy and birth. Homebirth, hospital birth, waterbirth. I trust birth and have absolute confidence in your ability to birth your baby! Visit our web site for more information.
Julia B Roth CD DONA
Birth Companions Guild
Skokie IL
Phone: 847-207-5413, 847-677-8480
Area Served: Chicago & North Suburbs
website: www.birthcompanionsguild.com
email: julia.doula@comcast.net
Training & Background: Doula since 1994. Served over a hundred clients as primary birth support. Have only attended two c-sections. Try to make my services available to all individuals on a sliding fee scale basis. I support the goals of each client including the choice of having an epidural.
Chicago Women's Health Center
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-935-6126
web site: www.chicagowomenshealthcenter.org
e-mail: godnabb@prodigy.net
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: Nonprofit, gyne services, fertility awareness classes, alternative insemination, public aid & sliding fee scale & insurance. Childbirth education and breastfeeeding classes. Emergency contraception also available.
Rita DiRito-Surgal CMT CIMI CLA
Mother Me
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-588-8440
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
website: www.mothermeinc.com
e-mail: info@mothermeinc.com
Training & Background: A family oriented holistic center devoted to empowerment, knowledge and nurturing before, during and after childbirth. Offering classes,
workshops, doula, massage, support groups, hypnosis, breastfeeding support and much more. A warm and welcoming place.
Rhonda Kantor RN BSN HNC RYT-500
Global Yoga Center
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-719-6227
web site: www.globalyogacenter.com
Area Served: Chicago
Training & Background: Yoga Instructor (since 1996) and Registered Nurse (since 1991): Yoga Teacher Training completed from the Temple of Kriya Yoga. Owner-
Director of the Global Yoga Center specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Mom and Baby yoga, Couples Birth classes, Hatha /Vinyasa yoga and Teacher Trainings.
Sue O'Malley CD AAHCC
New Lenox IL
Phone: 815-462-3500
Area Served: South Suburbs & Will County
Training & Background: Natural childbirth education certified with Bradley. Birth doula certified with DONA. Le Leche League peer counselor. Also offering birth photography and hypnobirthing.
Eileen Fredrick RN MS LCCE FACCE
Lamaze of Libertyville
Libertyville IL
Phone: 847-362-8598
e-mail: lamazeinstructor@yahoo.com
Area Served: North Suburbs, SE Wisc
Training & Background:
As Chicagoland's most experienced certified Lamaze teacher, Eileen has helps thousands of parents prepare for the joyful journey to birth and early parenthood. For decades she has been an advocate for normal birth, inspiring and empowering women as they actively
participate in this wondrous process.
M Pat Schmidt RN BSN LCCE
Breastfeeding Support of Evanston
Evanston IL
Phone: 847-323-5831
e-mail: MPtSchmidt@comcast.net
Area Served: Lake & North Cook County
Training & Background: APrivate Childbirth Ed, Certified Lamaze 1979, 1999 ICEA Certified Doula, 1970 BSN, 1985 - 1998 Labor & Delivery, 1999 Lactation
Educator & Medela rental & sales.
Sarah Simmons CNM
New Life Midwifery
Chicago IL
Phone: 773-588-MAMA (6262)
e-mail: sadiejane58@sbcglobal.net
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background:
Since 1990 CNM, 1995 Birth Instructor Birthing From Within, small intimate class, sliding fee scale. Private Practice - continuity of care with one midwife & assistant, w medical backup.
Mary Sommers CBE, IBCLC, CPM
Birthways/Celebrate Birth
Chicago IL
Phone: 888-506-0607
web site: www.birthwaysinc.com
e-mail: info@birthwaysinc.com
Area Served: Cook County
Training & Background: Unique model offered only at Birthways. We honor birth with a woman-centered (versus "coached") approach. You will learn about normal progress of birth and management of complication, comfort measures that REALLY work, and empower yourself to birth with confidence and joy.
Nancy Stermer MPH IBCLC
Saint Francis Hospital
Phone: 847-316-6242
web site: www.sfh.reshealth.org
e-mail: nstermer@reshealthcare.org
Area Served: Chicago & North Suburbs
Training & Background: Saint Francis Hospital offers prepared childbirth classes in both a six week course and an intensive weekend format throughout the year.
To register for a session call 1-877-RES-INFO (1-877-737- 4636).
Cindy Unger CH HBCE LMT NCTMB
Nurture & Relax Holistic Therapies
Chicago IL
Phone: 847-894-7737
web site: www.comfortablebirthing.com
or www.nurtureandrelax.com
e-mail: nurtureandrelax@yahoo.com
Area Served: Chicago & Suburbs
Training & Background: Massage Therapist since 2001, Hypnotherapist, HypnoBirthing® Instructor & Doula. Offering HypnoBirthing® Classes (Group & Private), Prenatal Massage Therapy, Induction Massage, Fear release work, Breech-turning techniques, Couples Massage & Infant Massage Instruction.
Ellen Winick MA Ed CBE LMT FEM
A Healthy Birth
Grayslake IL
Phone: 847-721-9465
e-mail: ahealthybirth@comcast.net
Area Served: North & NW Suburbs
Training & Background : Inspiring you to be conscious and active participants in your pregnancy and birth by focusing on physical, emotional, mental, spiritual preparation. Pregnancy, fertility & “Bouncing Back from Baby” massage. Childbirth instructor trained in Bradley Natural Childbirth. Practicing since 1995.