News and Notes

Considering photography as a holiday gift?

Consider Kristy Ralston Photography.  Kristy is a former Birthways doula - come see her sample photos here.

Birthways is hiring!

Birthways is planning to welcome new doulas into our community!  For more information, visit here and e-mail us at doula@birthwaysinc.com.

Phone system status: Operational

As you may know, we were experiencing difficulties with our phone system provider earlier today.  It is now back up and running.  If you need to reach us with an urgent matter during non-business hours, please use the phone system as usual (dial 888-506-0607 and follow the prompts for the emergency page).  If you experience any difficulties, please use our backup on-call phone - 773-401-0110. Thanks for your patience!

IMPORTANT: phone system temporarily down

As a result of technical issues with our phone carrier, our phone system is currently down.  As we work to resolve this issue, here's our emergency phone contact system.  If you need emergency support from your labor support doula, please use the contact information your doula provided to you.  If you need to reach your labor support doula urgently and cannot reach her, or if you have postpartum care needs that cannot wait until Monday at 9 am, please use our temporary emergency page line: 773-401-0110.

Supporting mothers with mood disorders

Many Birthways families ask us where to get good information online about perinatal mood disorders.  We always refer them to Katherine Stone's blog, Postpartum Progress.  She has currently launched a fundraiser in support of efforts to educate others about mood disorders.  To learn more, visit here.

Birthways and KickSprout Launching New Parent Group!

Birthways is excited to partner with KickSprout to launch a new group for parents looking for community, advice, and to discuss topics from sleep to breastfeeding and everything inbetween.  First Thursday of each month at Family Grounds.  Learn more and register today!

Birthways is welcoming new doulas to our community!

With one doula heading to midwifery school and another to Texas, it is time to welcome new doulas to our group!  Are you an experienced doula or someone experienced with new moms and babies interested in transferring your skills to a career as a doula?   Learn more at our upcoming information session.

New Chicago Resource for Moms with Perinatal Mood Disorders

One of Chicago's most respected sources of support for moms with perinatal mood disorders - the Women's Mental Health Program at UIC Medical Center - has launched a new program designed to build parenting confidence.  The new MotherCare Circle program, led by a psychotherapist, helps parents to become more effective and confident by deepening knowledge of child development and emotional needs.  The group meets weekly and supports expectant and new mothers.  The group meets weekly Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Contact Agnieszka Wrobel or Nikki Lively to learn more.

For the new or expectant mother in your life . . .

Gift the gift of wellbeing for the holiday season to the new or expectant mother in your life!  Our amazing massage therapist, Mandy, is offering a two-for-one discount for all massage therapy gift certificates purchased in December.  To learn about Mandy's massage therapy, contact her at mandy@birthwaysinc.com.  To arrange for a gift certificate, please call 888.506.0607 x716 or e-mail at info@birthwaysinc.com.

Interested in joining the Birthways community?

Birthways is hosting an information session for people interested in becoming doulas with the Birthways community.  Designed for both experienced doulas and those interested in translating their experience with new mothers and babies into becoming a doula.  Join us and learn more about supporting families during the childbearing year!

Strategies for self-care

All moms need strategies for self-care - but especially those of us at risk for postpartum depression and other perinatal mood disorders.  Here's a great self-care program for moms and other caregivers:  http://livingselfcare.wordpress.com/  I think I'll be trying it out myself!

Honoring women who have battled breast cancer.

October is breast cancer awareness month. To honor the women in our lives who have battled breast cancer, we are donating $25 to the Komen Foundation for every new labor support client that books with an October due date.  To learn more about our labor support services, contact us.

Special intimate group series with Mary Sommers - one time only!

This is a great chance to get a full childbirth education series in only six weeks, plus participate in a special, small group setting.  One time only. Learn more now!

Inspiration for surviving your high needs baby

Maybe it is just because my high needs baby is now getting ready for second grade, but this brought tears to my eyes.  Here's hoping it brings you inspiration for parenting your high needs baby - one mom's take on the 10 best things about parenting a high needs baby.

Infant Sleep Research Roundup

If you are as tired as I often am, you'll either find this interesting or you'll be too sleepy to get to the end.  In any case, a great roundup of research on infant sleep:  http://www.kellymom.com/parenting/sleep/sleepstudies.html

Extra August weekend intensive added!

We've added an August weekend intensive childbirth education class!  Join us on August 7th & 8th from 9a-3p.  Space is limited - register now!