Our Community

Birthways has been building and nurturing our doula community since 1997. Thanks to our efforts to help our group’s members build professional skills and sustainable careers, Birthways is the Chicago area's oldest and largest community of doulas.

We have served more than 3500 families, including more than 1,000 births and over 100,000 postpartum hours of care. Our families report very high levels of satisfaction with their care, including 99% rating their care as excellent or good overall.

Whether you are looking for a labor support or postpartum doula or want to become one, Birthways can help you find the match for your needs.

Elaine Smith
Lactation Support Image
Dori Conn
Megan Trinter
Patte Bennet
Who We Serve Image
Heather McCullough
LS Package Image
Anly Laudicina
Connie's Hand KRP
Apprentice Image
Victoria Reed Michonski
Our Story Image
Unexpected Needs Image
Emily Ploegan
We Offer Daytime Support
Ilisa Shefferman
Nicole Demakis
Annie Ziemba
Lynn Olejniczak
Haika Lara
Lauren Wiejak
On Call Image
Your Guide Image
Overnight Support Image
Betsy Merbitz
Mary Melka
About BW Doulas Image
Lydia Howe
Rebecca Krasner
Jana Adams
Senior Level Doulas Image
Benefits Image
Jackie Marchand
Administrative Support Image
Alison Velasco
Our Matching Process Image
Become a Doula Image

Everyone I spoke to at Birthways before and after my son’s birth helped me feel like there was a community of women who were genuinely interested in helping my family get off to a smooth start, both with the birth and beyond.  I am so grateful.

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