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.

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.

Had 2 home waterbirths! Love this practice. Love the newborn and prenatal and postpartum care too!read more

I've had 2 homebirths with Midwives Care LLC. They have been a tremendous help in my prenatal and…read morepost partum Care. They really cared about my best interest with each pregnancy. I really researched my decision before going with Midwives Care. Even though there were a few Midwives in the practice....each one was considerate to my birth experience of choice. I never worried who would be at my birth. It really just felt like an extension of family.... which I think home birth kind of is. We are not only grateful for the customer service but the knowledge base as well. We really felt so safe and confident with our choice and haven't looked back. We are a customer until the last baby​

Highly recommend Taylor! We hired a post partum doula with our first born, and this second time…read morearound we knew that the time and money for us would be well spent on an experienced IBCLC. Thank goodness we've found Taylor! I was able to meet with her twice prior to delivery and Taylor helped us navigate insurance successfully from that point, ongoing. Overall, I'd describe her as knowledgeable, responsive and well-connected . . . and bonus: easy and fun to work with, . . . even when I am stressed out she brings a calming and wise energy to our sessions. In particular, I came to her worried about milk supply given my medical history; Taylor used our prenatal visits to ensure my spouse and I were 100% prepared, including connecting us with the awesome and practice-affiliated physician, Dr. Meina Hall. Thankfully, we haven't experienced those supply issues so far, but Taylor and Dr. Hall have been available to support us as other issues and questions arise. About a week ago, we also discovered Taylor is acquainted with a good friend that lives in the area. Just another sign that we are in incredibly great hands!

Taylor is SO great! She knows what she is talking about and it's a huge relief to have her in my…read morecorner. She is trustworthy, non judgmental, full of knowledge and experience, and such a down to Earth "cool moms club" kinda woman! She has helped me navigate so many things like postpartum anxiety (she has a background in mental health), pumping/nursing schedule, flange size, more effective latch positions and milk storage. She walked me through the decision to revise my daughters ties without putting any pressure one way or the other and guided me to other supportive resources that she trusts. She has helped me find my confidence again and I'm so thankful to her. Wether it's a quick question via text or a scheduled home visit, she's always been so knowledgeable, encouraging, and professional in a relatable - non-intimidating way! She also has this really cool mommy and baby support group locally that meets weekly and is the best experience a momma could ask for. Taylor is your girl - look no further mamas!

Judith Lux's caregiver, Chloe, has been extremely beneficial and helpful in keeping Judith mobile…read moreand involved in the activities at her assisted living facility. Without Chloe's upbeat and engaging personality, Judith would spend all of her time in her room alone. Chloe also got Judith involved in piano lesson classes which she absolutely loves. As Judith's sister, I am very appreciative of Chloe's sincerity and help in all she does.

We have one caregiver from Home Instead/ Honor. Her name is Sharon Ly'burtus. She is amazing. My…read morefather connected with her right away. She is thoughtful and caring. She cares for my dad from 8 pm to 8 am four nights a week. She provides toileting help, dressing and undressing, and all mobility and transfer help she does it with grace and care of the details. What we like most is how much she engages with dad. Dad is 93 with advanced Parkinson's, and some heart issues. They talk about the past, sing songs together. Dad texted me this morning and said " I am up, dressed scrubbed and shaved. What a nice job Sharon does." I highly recommend her. We love her!

I debated whether or not to share this experience, but ultimately decided to do so in hopes it…read morehelps other mothers--whether you're new, experienced, or somewhere in between--navigate their breastfeeding support options. I contacted this practice to request an **in-person** consultation. The first question I was asked was not my name or concern, but rather, "What insurance do you have?" I was then informed that **all initial consultations are conducted virtually**. Despite expressing multiple times that I was only comfortable with an in-person visit, I was repeatedly told to proceed with scheduling a virtual appointment and to check with my insurance about coverage. After setting an appointment, I again inquired about the earliest possible date for an in-person follow-up. I was told that most clients don't need in-person visits and that one might be possible the following week if they decided it was warranted. I felt dismissed and somewhat embarrassed for asking--despite my request being both personal and reasonable. For many, myself included, the idea of being partially undressed on a Zoom call is deeply uncomfortable, especially when discussing something as sensitive as breastfeeding. I also had concerns that a virtual visit might rely too heavily on generic recommendations, many of which I've already tried. Lactation consultants need to be present to help the mom maneuver their breast. This is supposed to be (to the extent a mother wants this) a hands-on experience. When I decided to cancel my appointment, **only then** was I offered an in-person visit the very next day. At that point, I no longer felt confident that this provider would prioritize or listen to my individual needs, so I chose to seek care elsewhere. While I do believe this practice could be a helpful resource for others, my personal experience fell short. From the initial focus on insurance over care, to the lack of flexibility or empathy regarding my comfort and preferences, it became clear this was not the right fit for me. I'm seeking support from someone who genuinely wants to help me meet my breastfeeding goals--not someone who sees me as just another appointment on the schedule.

I hesitate to write this review as I usually like to say nice things about people (particularly…read moresmall businesses), but I feel as though even though it's been two+ years, I have to get this off of my chest. Reading similar reviews has been validating to my experiences, and I hope to bring similar feelings to other women. I was paired with Melissa through my insurance and she seemed like she'd be a nice fit. The ladies in my doula group had nice things to say about her and she had very positive online reviews, so I was optimistic. We had an intake session by phone a few weeks before my baby was born and she seemed nice enough, I was still optimistic. Unfortunately, when my baby showed up it was a different story. I delivered on a Friday so the lactation consultant at the hospital wasn't there for the weekend and I was having a bit of trouble figuring out techniques etc. After a few days, my baby started to drop weight and I was absolutely terrified. I contacted Melissa hoping she could help us, but instead all I received was a dismissive response (via text) stating that she could only see us in person several weeks into the future and the only appts that she had available more immediately were online. Not very helpful in a moment like that. I felt like my baby and I didn't matter to her at all - that we were just boxes on her to do list to be checked off when she felt like it. It was very hurtful. Fortunately, our maintenance man happened to be in our apartment fixing the heat and gave us some helpful tips from what he learned from his wife and their four kids that helped us get through the night (pleasant surprises in life :)). The following day, our pediatrician really showed up for us and luckily had a lactation nurse on staff whom saw us in person ASAP and it all worked out in the long run. I don't write this review to be mean, but once again rather to validate women who might have had similar experiences or may have them in the future. This seems much more important to write a review about than a mediocre restaurant. I'm glad to hear so many women have had positive experiences with Melissa, I just wish we were one of them. As I've seen Melissa write in response to similar reviews, we wish her the best.

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.

If I could give Dr. Warner 100 stars, I would in a heartbeat. After having a completely terrible…read moreexperience with another OB very early in my pregnancy, I went online and googled "best OB in Evanston" Dr. Warner was at the top of the list. After reading a bunch of other reviews, I switched my insurance over to her and never looked back. She is knowledgeable, patient, responsive, honest, and every other positive thing you'd look for in an OB. I was almost 3 months pregnant at our first visit and reeling from my previous terrible experience with Dr. Herriges and his practice (that's a whole other story - feel free to read that review if you want to know what not to look for in an OB). She answered all of my questions, helped my icky feelings fade away, and put my mind at ease in a matter of 15 minutes. She helped me get my very limited medical records sent over, reviewed my results from those tests and let us know that everything was going well thus far in a matter of days. Throughout my pregnancy, she never cancelled an appointment, was extremely communicative, and kept me confident that we could totally do this. Her office has a nurse available to answer questions M-F and they call you back promptly with answers to your questions, no matter how silly the questions may seem. On to my delivery, which was unplanned to a degree. Our babe was breech, and we tried spinning babies exercises, moxa, acupuncture, and nothing worked. We made the decision to try ECV, for which Dr. Warner referred us to a MFM specialist. On the day of the procedure at 37 weeks and 2 days, things did not go as planned that Dr. let us know we would delivering that day and that Dr. Warner knew and she'd be over as soon as she finished with one other patient. Holy. Crap. Well, Dr. Warner arrived, made sure we understood what was happening, walked me into the OR, soothed my frazzled psyche with some deep breaths and her ultra calm demeanor, and we were on our way. Dr. Warner truly is the best OB in Evanston, at least she is the best one for me. I absolutely adore her and her team!

After a horrific experience with another new doctor, I was referred to Dr. Kim. THANK GOD, she is…read moreone of the most thorough doctors I have ever seen, has a great bed-side manner and did tests nobody has ever asked me about in the past. I feel like I'm in good hands, wasn't rushed and was not made to feel like just another patient or number. She knows her stuff and does her due dilligence to rule out any potential risks. I'm in good hands and it feels fantastic. I highly recommend her and so appreciate her approach, knowledge and caring demeanor.

When thinking about my pregnancy, birth, and post partum I get overwhelmed with such gratitude…read more Having Corinne and Coté by my side throughout this journey and process has been my biggest blessing. When I got pregnant, I assumed I would have a birthing center birth again. But I decided to talk to Corinne, just to learn a little more about the possibility of a home birth. Their warmth and calmness made me feel so confident and comfortable with having a home birth. Choosing Birth roots for my birth was the best decision I ever made. Birth is a transformative time in your life and Corinne and Coté understand that and are there for you for every part. Being able to meet with the same midwife for each appointment made a huge difference in level of care. Corinne knew my previous birth story, knew about my first born, my partner, and most importantly every aspect of this pregnancy. They knew my concerns, my joys, and how I envisioned my birth. Honestly, it felt more like talking to a friend and therapist every visit. Corinne makes you feel extremely comfortable, I was able to share all of my concerns, doubts, and worries without judgement. I was able to have an amazing homebirth because of them. Throughout my fourth trimester, Corinne was still there checking in on me and baby. They understand the difficulties of post partum and truly show up for you. It's the support every woman deserves after birth. Then, there is Coté who is equally amazing. Her warmth, knowledge, and nourishing soul made my entire pregnancy, birth, and postpartum just that much better. Walking into her home and being welcomed with warm tea and positive energy is exactly what I always needed without even knowing it. I always left her feeling more at ease and at peace. She has a gift. Cote also organizes classes and post partum gatherings which I was able to be a part of and absolutely loved. The post partum groups are a blessing. If you are questioning on whether or not to choose Birth Roots, do it! You won't regret it.

We feel so fortunate and blessed to have had Corinne as our midwife and Coté as our doula for the…read morebirth of our son 6 months ago. We could not have asked for better people to guide us on this journey. We looked forward to every appointment with Corinne. Corinne is knowledgeable, caring and emotionally intelligent. We always felt like we were in good hands, which kept anxiety low and positive energy high throughout our pregnancy. Coté added an element we wouldn't even have known exactly how to seek or ask for. Through singing, drums, story, massage, ritual, candles, education...you name it!...she helped to bring out the deep meaning inherent in pregnancy and birth. We came away from prenatal and postnatal sessions with Coté whispering to ourselves "whoa!" and feeling indescribable peace that you might normally associate with the best meditation or religious ceremonies. We would be thanking our lucky stars to have found either of these wonderful people to assist us with welcoming our son into our family, but having both of them contribute according to their special gifts and talents still feels almost too good to be true. Thank you Corinne and Coté from the bottom of our hearts.

My main goal with my second pregnancy was a successful VBAC and the midwives at North Shore…read moreAssociates played a huge role in helping me achieve it. Throughout my whole pregnancy, I saw each midwife that was working there and I left feeling empowered and cared for every single time. These women are so supportive, patient and professional. I always felt listened to and validated, so I was able to go into labor knowing that whichever midwife was working, they would do everything they could to stick to my end goal and get my baby out safely. Jordan ended up being the midwife who delivered my baby boy at Evanston Hospital and Im so thankful for her. I will 1000% be returning to this practice for any possible future pregnancies.

North Shore offers a warm and supportive environment for both mothers and birth professionals. As…read morethe owner of Chicago Family Doulas, I've found the hospital staff to be collaborative and respectful of l birth preferences, making it a wonderful place for clients desiring beautiful and enjoyable birthing experience.