I am so thankful and blessed to have met Leah. Leah was my doula in August 2021 when I had my son &…read moreagain in March 2025 when I had my daughter. I can't recommend Leah enough, from the beginning she was a great support for me and my husband and always went above and beyond with all my questions. Leah's attention to detail made our entire pregnancy, birth and postpartum process so calm & peaceful. During both births she was with me every step of the way, very hands on and helped me into different positions to encourage labor. Leah's warmth and compassion made me feel so supportive during labor. Highly recommend Leah... I couldn't have done it without her. Thank you Leah for everything

I cannot recommend Leah more highly! She has been my doula for both pregnancies and provided…read moreoutstanding support for the pregnancies and births. My children are now 5 and 3, and I still see Leah regularly for massage therapy and body work. Her prenatal, postpartum, and non-pregnancy related massage therapies are incredible. She's also skilled in body work- helping me release tension and energy my body has held on to for too long. Leah has been such support for me and my family as we've transitioned into parenthood. I truly don't know where we'd be without her!!

Throughout my pregnancy I've been wanting to visit a lactation consultant. Unfortunately, when I…read morecontacted my insurance provider a few months ago, there was literally ONE lactation consultant that they would cover. How is it possible in the city of Chicago and it's environs that BCBSIL will provide coverage for a single lactation specialist? Somehow I got a tip about Melissa, for which I'm so thankful. She works with an organization called The Lactation Network and through them I am able to get BCBS to cover appointments with her. She offers prenatal appointments, which is what I particularly wanted though I plan to visit her after birth as well. Luckily, with the Lactation Network, I believe I can visit her six times with insurance coverage. I can sometimes beat myself up about things... and that is why I wanted to see a lactation consultant before breastfeeding. I wanted to know what to expect, and what "normal" looks like for breastfeeding, so that I knew what to look out for and to not feel like a failure. Melissa walked me through what early days of breastfeeding look like. For example, I didn't realize that in the first few days babies only eat about a teaspoon of colostrum per feeding (I know I would have thought this was too little, and a problem on my end!). She also explained that about four ounces per feeding is about all a baby will need at any point, and that they work up to eating that much over the first few weeks of life. She showed me the basics of hand expressing, and gave me supplies to express before I enter the hospital if I'd like to take it with me there just in case there's any difficulties breastfeeding whilst there. We also went over infant hunger cues, which was incredibly helpful, and a couple of good positions for feeding. We discussed options for breast pumps, which was very helpful because I didn't really have any idea what I should be looking for in one and now I think I know which one I'll get. She helped me determine what size flange is going to be best for me (I would have been way off; it's smaller than what usually comes with it and I wouldn't have known the difference). She also explained some of the pros and cons of different bottles and nipples and how the shape and flow of different ones might impact nipple preference. She also shared that the pacifier you choose could impact success in breastfeeding to some extent, as the orthodontic ones that are a bit more flat cause the baby to change the shape and motion of their mouth which can make breastfeeding difficult and painful. Very helpful since I made adjustments to my registry when I got home to account for what I learned. She has lots of props to aid in practice of technique, infant holding, and so on. She also works with a milk bank and can help set you up to donate excess milk or, if you need to purchase, she can do that too. Her office is located in a pretty boring, nondescript building that looks like a banquet hall so don't miss it. Her space is warm and lovely, though! When you enter the parking lot you'll go to the back and enter there rather than from the front, where there's little parking (plenty in back, though). I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Melissa. I left my appointment thinking about how I could become a lactation consultant, which is something I did consider when I was an undergraduate but didn't pursue. But the opportunity to be of help to women who need it is a calling that I'm glad Melissa answered. She has some Saturday appointments as well which I appreciate so much. I would HIGHLY encourage any soon-to-be breast/chestfeeding parent to visit her, even if your insurance won't cover it; having been there, I know now that it would have been worth it paying out of pocket to meet with her because it was so valuable. Prenatal consultation will help give you the confidence you need to do something that no one teaches you, but you're expected to just naturally know how to do. You might be saved from lots of tears, fussy baby, or simply learn things that will make the whole experience of breastfeeding that second-nature thing that so many seem to think it is. #1400

Melissa is so good at what she does! She helped my 7 week old daughter post tongue, buccal, and lip…read moretie release with weekly bodywork. My daughter was so stiff and colicky and she literally helped change my baby into a smiley happy baby. She was a very bright light in a very dark time in my life. I highly recommend her for all feeding issues and bodywork for your little one!

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

MidwivesCare has top quality healthcare services and continued educational training and support for…read moretheir team of midwives and staff. Christian community highly recommend them with well women healthcare homebirth practice

I have absolutely loved working with Vanessa and Kate towards my breastfeeding goals, and wish I…read morehad known about VP Lactation before my delivery. Thankfully, my hospital LC got me connected to the Lactation Network and they paired me up with a local LC, which through serendipity I was paired with the absolute best team at VP Lactation. Working with Vanessa has been the greatest gift in my fourth trimester journey. My little one had a tongue tie, and as a physician myself I felt that I was referred to the very best clinicians for release and therapy, and these changes have dramatically improved my baby's weight gain and growth. I didn't expect to love breastfeeding as much as I have and have learned so much as my baby and I mastered this skill together all because of the incredible support VP Lactation provided throughout. I look forward to working with Vanessa when I transition back to work and eventually wean, and will absolutely have them by my side ahead of time for my next baby. They are an absolute joy as people, expert IBCLCs, and inspiring moms and I would not hesitate to recommend them to other expecting families!

do not hesitate to book! Such a great experience! I saw Kate and I can't recommend her enough. So…read moreeasy to talk to, so knowledgeable, so helpful, and i wish I would have met her sooner! After one visit, I took her tips and recommendation and it made a huge impact in my breastfeeding journey! can't say enough good things!

Jill is absolutely the best! She was my lactation consultant for 3 of my 4 kids, and I wish I…read morewould've found her for my first. She is so intelligent and kind. She listens to you and always has great advice to give. Jill always made me feel so confident after she left. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone looking for support!

Jill is the best ! I had my first child in November and immediately had issues with breastfeeding…read more I reached out to her for help and she scheduled an appointment to come to me! What a relief being postpartum and not having to leave your house for help. She helped diagnose a tongue/lip tie and referred us to a specialist to have my son evaluated and treated. she then helped with the follow up evaluations. she always made time for appointments and had a flexible schedule- even around the holidays ! I can't refer her enough to other moms that are struggling on their breastfeeding journey !

We enjoyed working with Lindsey as a birth doula for my recent birth. She is very calm, friendly,…read moreknowledgeable about pregnancy and infant care and familiar with navigating the hospital environment. She helped me during a hospital birth where I made use of tub and tried to avoid interventions. During labor, she assisted by putting heat packs on my pressure points, guiding me into different positions to make laboring easier and effective, making use of a tub for labor, and creating a calm, reassuring and positive atmosphere. Her experience, knowledge, confidence and personality make her a great doula. She also has kids of her own and can relate to moms.

I wish I could give a 6th star. I was nervous to give birth so I opted to get a doula…read more I can't say enough good things about Holly--she was truly a lifesaver during my birth experience. From the start, her calm, grounded energy helped me feel supported and confident, even when things didn't go according to plan. When my labor stalled, Holly guided me through exercises that actually got things moving--my water broke soon after, and she also shared positions that helped my baby flip. Her pain management workshop gave me tools I leaned on hard during some intense moments. And when my epidural failed (twice!), Holly didn't miss a beat. She advocated for me when I was in pain and made sure I felt heard and cared for. I honestly don't know what I would've done without her. She played a huge role in turning what could've been a traumatic experience into something empowering. If you're considering a doula, do yourself a favor and call Holly. She's the real deal.

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!

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.

can't say enough positive things about Melissa Block. I had…read moremy son at 37weeks gestation. he was growth restricted and had a tongue tie. Melissa met with us literally a few hours after his birth and really helped me figure things out and get into a routine. when I later had problems with an oversupply/fast letdown preventing my baby from latching at all- forcing us to switch to bottles- I texted her at night and she responded within the hour with assistance. she then met with me first thing in the morning and literally within the call he was back to latching at the breast with no issues! haven't needed to use a bottle since. I would HIGHLY recommend Melissa, she really knows what she's doing, makes herself available for you, and is so positive and reassuring about the process. many thanks to 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.