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,

Sydney and Pippin were amazing resources. They came in at a critical time at the end of my…read morepregnancy and made me feel like I had known them the whole time. Their support in the last few weeks when new questions came up was invaluable. They shared unbiased resources and helped me to make my own personal decisions and design questions to ask my midwife team. During delivery Pippin was a godsend. She gave my partner the support he needed to feel empowered and breaks to help keep him strong while at the same time not overstepping or interfering. Her presence was so soothing both during and after birth. We feel so lucky to have found Pippin and Sydney. I highly recommend them for any pregnant person looking for labor support!

My gratitude for Third Coast knows no bounds! I loved their three person team approach and felt so…read moresupported by not one but three knowledgeable and kind women. I thought doulas mostly just helped you during your delivery but no, they were with me the WHOLE time. Throughout my entire pregnancy Lauren, Shawna, and Renee were there to answer questions, give me resources, and talk me through my fears and concerns. When my son was born and had to go to the NICU, they stayed in close contact with me the whole time. I never felt like a client but like a friend that they cared for. What a gift. And then when my baby came home (he's doing great!) that's when Lindsay and Jennie, our postpartum doulas came into our lives. Literally how can so many awesome ladies be in one company? It's really hard to hand over your newborn, especially one that's been in the hospital, but I felt so comfortable with them. They cared for him AND for me so well. I don't know what we would have done without them! Third Coast is really like family to me now. I'm so happy to have found them and had them with me on this journey.

We worked with Victoria and Heather as first time parents. We can't imagine our birth without…read morethem--and we don't want to! We started with them around 36 weeks and they immediately provided immense support and great service. (I only wish we found them sooner!) When we first interviewed Victoria to see if we'd like to go with 312Doulas I loved that they utilized the Evidence Based Birth resources, had an educational component built into the price, and saw Victoria as someone that would support the type of birth I wanted with absolutely no agenda, just a depth of experience, knowledge, and care. Immediately after ending the Zoom call we emailed that we'd love to work with her and it was truly the best decision we made around labor/birth. We felt the same way about Heather when meeting with her! Working with them leading up to the birth made my husband and I feel so much more confident and empowered going into such a new and intense experience. We both became much more equipped advocates for ourselves and felt like true partners with the doulas and our medical team instead of just participants in the birth. When it was time to give birth Victoria was an immense physical, mental, and emotional support during labor. One of the nurses recognized Victoria from her + Heather's work with other patients and said they're the best, even adding when fellow nurses want to work with doulas they go with 312Doulas. Heather joined us at the hospital when it was time to push. Heather was an amazing support--suggesting new positions and techniques to help me progress. This was especially important when the doctors started bringing up more intense interventions like forceps, Vaccuum or C-section despite baby and me coping well. Only Heather gave actionable ideas that led to progress. I credit the evidence-based knowledge 312Doulas gave us + Heather's active support with why we were able to have the birth we wanted and everyone stayed safe and healthy. We can't thank them enough and are so grateful for our time together. I could go on and on, but suffice it so say we HIGHLY recommend them to any expecting parents.

I am so grateful to have had 312 Doulas be a part of 2 of my 3 births. The knowledge and resources…read morethey possess are priceless. I leaned on them through every step of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They were a huge asset to our birth team and even helped my husband feel more confident in supporting my labor. We can't say enough good things about them!

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!

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.

I can't say enough about Annie! She has been my rock, my inspiration and now my friend. The entire…read moreexperience with her has exceeded my expectations. The prenatal visits were inspirational to say the least. I never thought I could be as creative as Annie made me feel I could be and in fact was during those sessions. From the very beginning, she engaged my 5 year old daughter in the whole process, making her feel important and needed. The day of my daughter's birth we had a planned gentle C-Section. I never felt judged by any of my decisions and in fact, Annie's consistent validation help instill confidence and strength. Of course, things never go as planned. Annie's calm yet strong presence helped me stay focused and in control. She created several playlists for the day according to my needs, which made a huge difference in the experience. She involved my husband, helping him feel more comfortable and continued to help my daughter understand her vital role after the birth. I cannot recommend Annie enough! She listened, was always there but never intrusive, was responsive and warm. She continues to support me, even as my needs change. I have never had a doula before but after the traumatic experience of my first daughter's birth, I would never have it any other way. Annie's unique skills created an environment that was calm and beautiful, exactly what my daughter deserves. She is an amazing person and I'm so glad to have shared this experience with her!

From the owner: The Parent Coop is a positive parenting cooperative providing prenatal, birth, and postpartum…read moresupport to parents. We offer childbirth education classes, doula services, and more. Our services are unlike any other in Chicago - specialized, unique and holistic care through integrated therapies.

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!

Holly's birth prep class is absolutely outstanding. This is my second pregnancy, and my only regret…read moreis not finding her the first time around! She's engaging, funny, knowledgable, honest, and her main focus goes far, far beyond facts and information (which are also rich and helpful). The exercises in pain coping were excellent. They became even more powerful when paired with the exercises for couples to help us to understand our fears, expectations, hopes, etc. Yeah, I think couples therapists may learn a thing or two sitting in on Holly's classes! Discussing the smells, sights, sounds and other details about childbirth are not a regular part of mainstream Midwestern culture. Somehow, Holly made the information and exercises approachable and not at all weird to do in front of a group of other people. Holly is a great facilitator. A lot of great ideas and discussion came from members in the class because she made space for participation, thought, and sharing. This class involves making art. Normally I think that kind of stuff is total hippy BS, but I really enjoyed it. Maybe I had some pent up stuff from my previous birth experience, but whatever it was, it was awesome. I totally surprised myself with that. I uniquely appreciated Holly's class because she was totally welcoming despite the fact that I was the only one in the room that already had given birth once (emergency c-section not at all what was in my "plan"), and also the only one without a partner in class. Holly made it easy for me to be there, and to participate even though there was a lot of partner work. I really looked forward to coming home to share and practice with my partner. Holly also shared information and guided discussions in such a way to help the couples to manage their expectations and understand all of the possibilities and interventions that can occur, including c-section. She also spent time helping folks in the class to understand their emotions and expectations of themselves and each other. I'm paraphrasing, but she focused on helping us to prepare for the birth that gives us our babies, versus the 3-page plan of stuff that we "want." One thing is not "better" than another, only different, and understanding how to navigate it will make for the most positive birth experience. Holly has spent time at all of the area hospitals, so her tips on productive communication with staff and doctors at the hospital, as well as what to remember to ask for ( eg. squat bars, fresh batteries for the fetal heart monitor) were totally awesome. I'm so happy I took this class with Holly. I'm due in a few weeks, and my partner and I both feel far more prepared for how to navigate our way through the labyrinth, whatever path that may be.

My husband and I took Holly's Birthing From Within Childbirth class and really enjoyed it. We both…read morehad read and connected with the book Birthing From Within so the class seemed like a natural extension. We went to Holly's house for 3 Saturdays and covered what to expect physically and emotionally in labor. I was impressed with Holly's overall knowledge and passion and how she was able to get all of the couples to participate so thoughtfully. I recently gave birth to our first child and throughout my labor I was able to connect with things that Holly had said and so was my husband. Even though she constantly told us that labor is unpredictable, I had some mile markers in my head from what I had learned and it was very helpful. I highly recommend this class! Thank you Holly :)

Mary was my doula for the birth of my daughter and I have nothing but the absolute best to say…read moreabout her. She was absolutely wonderful and went above and beyond for us before, during and after the birth! As a first time mom with limited prior exposure to the medical system, I wanted to be as prepared as possible: My main priority was having step by step guidance and handholding; Anne and Mary overdelivered! Before the birth -- Both Anne and Mary guided me to ensure I was prepared and knew what to expect; they also answered my every question (including things such as looking at my registry plans). Also, and perhaps most importantly, when a complication arose towards the end of my pregnancy, they were able to quickly explain the recommendation we were receiving from the medical team, provided some (spot on) recommendations given their experience, and gave us an overview of what EXACTLY to expect next. During and after the birth - Mary ended up being my doula for the birth. She went out of her way to ensure my birth plan was met as much as possible. This included helping the medical team that was clearly understaffed during COVID, despite being one of the best hospitals. Mary's involvement didn't stop there. She made sure I had the resources I needed to set me up for a successful nursing journey and checked in on us even a few months after the delivery. Overall, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Mary as a doula to my friends and family. Furthermore, the partnership between Anne and Mary is also unique -- They make a terrific team, complementing each other every step of the way. If I could give them 10/5 stars, I would. Thank you again, Mary and Anne!

Anne was our doula for the birth of our first son, Jack, and it's not any exaggeration to say that…read moreshe was nothing short of miraculous. We originally decided to hire a doula to help with pain management upon learning that I may not be able to get an epidural for medical reasons. But after seeing all that she had to offer, we would have been wise to hire her regardless. She was incredibly warm and supportive and non-judgmental. She recognized patterns in how I was laboring that I didn't even recognize, and employed techniques and tools to cope with the contractions that were suited to what I was feeling, what was most comfortable, etc. I don't think I could have gotten through it without her. She is also incredibly knowledgable and accessible. Before labor started, I texted her many times with various non-urgent questions and concerns, and she got back to me almost immediately. Then, once labor started (which was in the middle of the night), she also responded immediately with suggestions and was over in 15 minutes once we told her we wanted her. She is everything you'd want in a doula and more. Perhaps most important is her warmth and genuine sense of empathy. She is so integrated and dedicated throughout the process that she teared up after the baby was born and even during the follow up meeting several days later. She is truly a wonderful person who will give you all her energy--physical and emotional. To find someone like that is rare.

Lisy is an incredibly smart and compassionate Lactation consultant who made a huge difference in my…read morebreastfeeding journey. With her help, we resolved Latch issues, improved milk supply, and most importantly--I gained the confidence I needed to successfuLLy breastfeed! From the very first session, she Listened so carefuLLy and gave thoughtfuL, practicaL advice that actuaLLy worked! She has such a deep understanding of Lactation and newborn behavior--it was Like she knew exactly what my baby and I needed before we even said it. Her calm, confident approach put me at ease right away, and I Left every appointment feeling more empowered and informed! Thanks to Lisy, I overcame chaLLenges I never thought I could, and I'm now breastfeeding with confidence and joy, 7 months and counting. Every session felt like a calm, encouraging space to ask questions and Learn without judgment. If you're Looking for someone knowledgeable, patient, and truly cares/dedicated to your success, Lisy is the one. I didn't think I would make it past three weeks of breastfeeding, but here I am 7 months Later absolutely Loving it and no intent to stop anytime soon. I can't thank her enough!

Thanks Lisy for the expertise and help this summer!…read more Tips as simple as the type of nursing pillow to use (the My Brest Friend has a belt buckle feature that helps you keep the pillow in place and baby close at all times), using a U grip vs C one for optimal latching, and to aim for 20 minutes per feeding (you want to get the fatty hindmilk to the baby vs the less fatty foremilk that's produced first) were key for me! Also, I learned the most supportive way to pick up a baby: gripping her under the armpits with fingertips supporting the back of the neck! I visited 4x and each time was glad I made the appointment to check in and consult with Lisy. I highly recommend her lactation consulting services, in particular because she's patient, warm, and conveniently located in the north suburbs.