We love Heather and Victoria. We worked with 312Doulas as we prepared for the arrival of our first…read morechild. They were fantastic. We engaged them at about 18/20 weeks in the pregnancy and were able to take advantage of the pregnant person weekly zoom meeting (which provided a wonderful support system through the pregnancy), the birth classes (which were more evidence-based and intimate than what my hospital offered), and they were available for any questions (which gave us another opinion outside of our OB). On the day of our birth, my husband was able to engage with them via text and let them know how things were going. Heather arrived at the hospital and was able to offer comfort measures, support, and coaching that helped both my husband and I feel that we could do THIS! :) In addition, they were able to relieve my husband and let him get some sleep and they got me ice and food, etc. Just so kind. Once I started to push, Heather was there to coach us and encourage us and then take pictures of our new family when our baby girl came. Heather had to leave (they work 12-hour shifts) and Victoria slid in, so quickly I didn't realize it was happening and never felt alone. Victoria then stayed to help us breastfeed and get settled in. After our birth, we had a postpartum call to ask any questions and now participate in the new parents' weekly zoom which already has been super valuable. We'd highly recommend working with 312Doulas.

312 Doulas was recommended by a friend, and I'm so glad I listened! My review focuses on my doula…read more(Marie Weiss) and a course my partner and I took as part of our doula package. I delivered 12/19/21, and our little one is just over 2 weeks old. My doula was supportive, knowledgeable, and responsive. I expected a slow labor (first child) but had the opposite. My water broke around 4pm, and contractions came on quick and strong. All Marie needed to see was a screenshot of the app I was using to time my contractions to say, "time to go to the hospital" (my partner and I would have probably held off--so glad we listened!). I arrived 6cm dilated, and she helped me navigate an unmedicated birth (consistent with my birth plan). She offered excellent labor support (breathing reminders, holding my leg, walking me through decisions) and advocating (e.g., anytime someone walked in the room, she immediately approached them and asked who they were, why they were there, etc.). As part of our package, we took the 6-week Evidenced Based Birth course (founder: Rebecca Dekker; teacher: Heather McCullough), and we both loved it. The course meets weekly for 2 hours to discuss material presented in asynchronous modules. The material is informative, clear, and helped us make many perinatal decisions. There were many topics my partner and I would not have discussed if it wasn't for the course, and they were so important. Thank you so much 312!

When I was on the Bowmanville Garden Walk last year, before I even got pregnant, I noticed Family…read morePicnic in the neighborhood as I was walking around. I made note of it in hopes that I'd successfully achieve a pregnancy and might check out the programs here, and once I was pregnant signed up for their mailing list. They offer a variety of services from doula and lactation support, childbirth and early childhood classes, to various parent & baby groups. I was here because I attended a music program for babies that was held here and hosted by a partner organization. The space is really lovely and welcoming to parents and children; there are gathering spaces, chairs, pillows, and whatnot. You'll need to take your shoes off when you enter so don't wear lace up thigh high boots! There are great east facing windows that let in enough light that I think when I was here we didn't even have the lights on. I'd like to attend a group that they have here (and as of September 2023 they have a check-in offer for just that, so I hope to use it soon!). The other two parent/baby groups at the music class we went to have been in attendance here because they knew one another, and it would be great to have a community closer to my neighborhood. Parking is ample--it's not a permit zone on Damen itself, though I'm not sure about the side streets. I'd encourage any new parent to see what they have to offer.

My husband and I recently took the 5 week labor class, a breastfeeding class, and a new parent…read moreclass, and it was a wonderful experience all around. The owners/class facilitators are so welcoming and kind, and we learned so much as soon to be first time parents. I really liked the small group feel and that there was no judgment, they really encourage everyone to make choices that work best for them and their baby. It is also very affordable compared to some other classes I looked at. I would highly recommend all of the classes, especially the 5 week series, to any new parents in Chicagoland that want to understand the labor and delivery process better and learn about all the potential choices you'll be making together,

I couldn't say better things about Rebekkah, if I did it would come off like a stalker. I love her,…read moreI have had her for both of my son's births. One with an epidural and one without. Her comfort of knowing what I needed and when I needed it was unmatched. Her knowledge about birth and positioning was amazing. She held what I valued and needed to a standard. And she was the strength I needed to continue on.

I found Rebekkah (supported serenity) through the Birth Center of Chicago's referral list, who…read moreworks in tandem with Amber (Lorelei Lu Doula), and after browsing many doula websites, I knew right away that they were the team I wanted by my side. They supported me through my entire prenatal, birth, and postpartum journey with such steady care.When the Birth Center of Chicago temporarily closed due to a staffing shortage, I had to transfer to Burr Ridge Birth Center (also wonderful!). Amber and Rebekkah ensured the transition was completely seamless, and I still felt fully supported during such a major change at seven months pregnant. Throughout my pregnancy, they offered calm reassurance and evidence-based guidance that truly prepared me for birth. I felt confident, grounded, and ready. Rebekkah attended my birth and later encapsulated my placenta--she even delivered the capsules with homemade cookies. During labor, her clear explanations of what was happening helped me stay present, focused, and connected to what my body was capable of. I'm endlessly grateful that I found them. I cannot recommend this doula team enough!

: Not a nice person. Be sure to check her return policies…read morefor any items you consider purchasing as the belly binder a is ripped up sheet (muslin) that you can purchase at your local Joann's . This is the video I was given for the technique. I can't include it due to Yelp rules, but it is a regular person's YouTube account, not even one of the doulas or Maura. Search Bengkung Belly Binding on YouTube and a ton of videos will come up. The binder did not help me feel held in. I asked for a refund and was told the price was mainly for the doula coming to my house--which was unnecessary because the YouTube video was the guide. After continued times trying to reach a reasonable resolution, Maura told me that I was harassing her. (What the heck weirdo woman?) What doula worth anything speaks to a mom of a 2 week old that way. Beware!!!!!!!!! This doula is unstable and no new mom needs that. Get a Bellefit binder. It helps without dealing with a psycho doula.

Maura was a joy to work with before, during, and after the birth of my little one…read more She obviously approaches her work with a great deal of professionalism that isn't always present in the birthing world. For example, her email communication is clear and prompt, she is obviously very well organized, and she gave me sweet little new-mama-related gifts at our first meeting, as well as after Baby's birth. But all that is not reason enough to hire a doula, right? When I first met Maura, I must confess I was a bit dismayed by her youth. Although I knew she had lots of experience supporting births and more medical training than most doulas, there was a part of me that wanted an older presence on my birth team. Well, thankfully the rational part of me won out over this other, ageist part, because Maura was wonderful and everything we (my husband and I) could have wanted. And I'm sure she's probably not quite as young as she seemed that first day ;) My labor and birth were pretty quick, uncomplicated, and relatively painless. I don't think I actually noticed Maura much during the process. However, when I watched the video of my baby's birth (which Maura was happy to film and photograph for us), I noticed Maura was the one who'd pick up on how I was feeling and cheer me on when I seemed to need it, and my husband and mom (who I wanted hands-on with me) would follow her lead. She just seemed to have this way of fitting in and being exactly what we needed her to be at the time, even though we ourselves didn't know what that was. After Baby's birth, she provided encouraging support and a postpartum visit to see that all was going well for our family. She was pretty awesome answering my questions via text, about all things from newborn poop to homeopathic remedies. I know that she will soon begin to study midwifery, but if you find her still offering doula services, I would highly recommend adding her to your list of doulas to consider.

Leah Lemelin helped me trust my body more, feel calmer, and more present with what I was…read moreexperiencing. I felt more in command and confident throughout. I thought I wanted a doula just for the day of delivery but what I found was that the work we did together before delivery is what altered the whole experience. It was deeply supportive and prepared me in a way I didn't even know I needed or was possible. So, even if you are an experienced mom, you are having a traditional medical birth, having Leah as your doula will deepen your experience and give it back to you as truly yours in a profound way. I can't thank her enough for walking with me through it and guiding me into myself so I could remember my own agency and power and strength in it all.

Mary has been our lactation consultant for 1 year. She had been part of my support network since we…read moresaw her during an at-home visit when my daughter was 1 month old. I'd count her as one of the women that I've most leaned on as a first-time mother. She is a walking book of knowledge on everything child related. She is kind and passionate and always available. I'm not sure where we'd be without her. We are so grateful to have her in our lives.

Submitting a new review (I deleted my 2018 one because it was just a bit too lengthy and personal),…read morebut Cloud nine was the best decision I made for my birth. They were more helpful than even the actual midwives, even with an unexpected transfer to the hospital. I felt empowered, educated and cared for. My doula (Laura) was absolutely amazing with physical and emotional supports for both me and my husband, and she helped me make informed decisions throughout my labor even when we had difficulties and a very long labor. Honestly my birth was a million times better because of her, and an experience that likely would have been pretty terrifying ended up being beautiful and safe for me and my family. The class was a bit too introductory for me. I do wish they had maybe a harder class or one that covers post birth things like baby wearing, breastfeeding and postpartum anxiety and depression. But it's a good overview if you aren't familiar with birth. Overall - definitely give them a call and speak with Kelsey. I'm so glad I did.

I can't say enough great things about cloud nine! We worked with the Kelsey/Valerie team and their…read moresupport was unmatched. Valerie came to our house first to talk about physical support and labor prep. She could not have been more kind, understanding and knowledgable about birth prep. Both continued to check in weekly towards the end and we're always willing to answer questions. When it got to be birth day, Kelsey knew exactly when to come before I had to ask and was the best support. She was intuitive, comforting and even in the midst of the unexpected kept things calm and gave me exactly what I needed. I cannot recommend this team enough! They truly care about making sure clients have the birth they desire and are able to support both the birthing person and support person.

As soon-to-be first-time parents, my husband and I (well, mostly I) have done lots of research on…read morewhat to expect as parents of multiples. Even so, attending this two-part class was certainly worth the money! Julie, a parent of twins herself, is a great teacher/presenter and really knows her stuff. Her attitude was welcoming, and she answered all of our questions--or told us that she'd get back to us with answers (and then did!). After each class, she sent us a follow-up email with a review of the previous night's class; the email included TONS of helpful links! The goodie bag given out on the second night plus the prizes at each class (and the delicious dinners!) were probably nearly equal in value to the cost of the class. As we walked out after the second class, my husband told me that he was so glad we attended the course and that he feels much more prepared now. Thank you, Julie!

This was a great class, I'd suggest it to anyone facing multiples. We'd read the books, but having…read morereal instruction and conversation from someone who has been there and done that was invaluable. As an instructor, Julie brought great energy and caring to the course. It was also great to get to meet other parents going through the same thing. Then there was the copious swag we got along the way that made the class price seem more negligible.

100% recommend. All I can say is WOW. This was a service I never knew I wanted or needed so…read moregreatly. Robin was an angel and a confidant. Real and trustworthy. She was there for me, my son, and my husband before, during, and after birth. Having her as part of my birth story will be something I'm forever grateful for and if I'm blessed enough to have another child, I'll want her on my team again. Ps: She offered to snap photos of when I gave birth, capturing moments I would never have had without her. What a gift.

I really wanted a great doula for a complicated pregnancy. But Robin slept through my son's birth,…read moreeven after I told her at 5 pm I was checking into the hospital the week of my due date. When I talked to Robin, she said she was at an event and didn't have a car with her so she couldn't leave to come to the hospital at that time, because she was dependant on someone else for a ride. She assured me she would come and said she'd never slept through a birth. She also told me most mothers labor for 12+ hours and not to worry since I wasn't dilated at all. I was given Cervidil. In the middle of the night my son's heart rate started dropping. Cervidil was removed, my son's heart rate stabilized and I was given two options: Do a more controlled C-section or try to labor longer and then likely have an emergency C-section. I tried to get ahold of Robin. She slept through the text and phone call. So I opted to do a more controlled C-section which took a while since I couldn't have an epidural and it took more than 30 minutes for the spinal to take. Robin never showed up to the hospital and it took weeks, months, to get a partial refund. I never got a full refund. She also didn't call a back-up doula. She made a really frustrating situation -- of sleeping through my son's birth -- even worse by having to spent weeks of back and forth emails (and my son was a NICU baby) trying to get some of my money back. More troubling she also sent an NDA to me -- which I didn't sign -- to try and make sure this wasn't disclosed. Accidents happen but the follow-up was more problematic. Yes, her father died in the weeks after my son's birth and that is awful, but sending an NDA to try and cover-up the situation of sleeping through a birth was really awful and weeks of emails to get a partial refund difficult as I was recovering from a difficult pregnancy and delivery was troublesome. This happened in the summer of 2017. It's taken me a long time to process everything. I'm sure most births aren't like this, but other expectant moms need to be aware. I would hate for anyone else to go through something like this.

I had the most beautiful, perfect birth experience I could have imagined with My Mindful Birth…read more During pregnancy, I was always listened to closely and treated with respect and they trusted in my instincts as a mom. When delivery came, it was the same. I had so much confidence in what I could do because of how I was treated and trusted during pregnancy, and in delivery I was allowed the space and freedom to do what I felt was best for me and baby and the results were beautiful. Delivery was seamless and the aftercare was so warm and caring. They cleaned everything up, they made me food, waited to do anything with the baby until I was ready. Everything was perfect and I couldn't have asked for a better experience

Words can't describe how wonderful Isabelle is! She's delivered all three of my babies and I'm so…read moregrateful for everything she has done for us as a family! All three of my birth experiences were amazing thanks to her kind heart, knowledge, and experience. I never would have imagined I'd have a home birth, but after Isabelle delivered my first two at Rush there was no other person I would have trusted to help me bring my precious girl into the world. My home birth was the best of all three and I'd do it again in a heartbeat! Thank you, thank you, Isabelle! We love you!!

Hackstudio is one of the coolest after school programs I have ever experienced. In the program,…read morechildren pick their own goal and work through the process to accomplish their own "definition of done." Hackstudio teaches resilience, persistence, and teamwork. My most favorite thing about it is that my child said "Mom, it's a judgment free zone." How amazing to have a creative space with amazing adult mentors who create a supportive environment where children PRACTICE EMPATHY through doing -- not just talking about it. I highly recommend Hackstudio -- we love it!

To know Hackstudio is to love Hackstudio! And that really is the key- to get to know this unique…read moreprogram. SO much more than just a place for kids to 'make things' (although with the amazing facilities that includes a professional looking wood shop, craft supplies, various computer technology and lots of interesting spaces to dream, create and build- there's a great chance your kids will be making some cool stuff) it's more of an incubator for young people to learn how to support and be supported in their own personal paths. Kids are grouped roughly by age, and then work alongside adult mentors who help guide them through their projects or 'quests'. It's a really neat program and our child who is on the timid/shy side has really blossomed in this class that supports her love of creativity and learning while boosting her self esteem. She adores this class and the friends she's made there and can't wait to go every week. I highly recommend- and if you are interested in joining make sure you speak with the staff who can better explain the awesome ideas at play here- it's so much more than just a place to make things! A+++