We are primarily a labor support and postpartum doula service that provides support in the childbearing year. A 'doula' (doo' la[KL1]) is a woman that supports other women and their families during birth or the postpartum time. We also provide support to families who are adopting and specialize in providing support to families with multiple infants and supporting women with postpartum mood disorders. Our providers are carefully selected, screened and trained as employees of Birthways. We are not a 'placement agency', but a full spectrum service, providing you with the best care available. Our staff are experienced professionals and exceptional women who are committed to supporting new families in affirming ways. Our staff requirements include: Experience and extensive knowledge in childbearing year issues, including newborn wellbeing, women's postpartum health, and breastfeeding. Excellent references from related sources. We do thorough background checks and we use the Registry Companies to do a nationwide investigation. Completion of our doula training program. Completion of our Lactation Training and Postpartum Mood Disorders Workshop. Participation in our excellent continuing education and staff events. CPR certification and testing for tuberculosis. Birthways is owned by Karen Laing, who previously was the director of Dana Mothercare, one of the first doula services in the Chicago area. She is a labor support doula herself and is available for talks or in-services about doulas and a variety of topics relating to natural birth and the childbearing year. Birthways was founded in 1997 and is a community of about 20 providers.