Peer Doula Program– Full Spectrum Services and Training during incarceration
Peer Doula Program– Full spectrum services and training during incarceration
The first-ever peer doula training program to support people who are incarcerated while pregnant was launched by Chicago Volunteer Doulas in 2019 with the incarcerated people at Logan Correctional Center-- the women's prison in Lincoln, Illinois. Now expanded to include Decatur Correctional Center as of 2022.
What does a Peer Doula do?
Peer doulas will support their pregnant peers who are incarcerated during the difficult prenatal and postpartum experience in prison. CVD is committed to reducing the harm of incarceration on families caused by separation. This program is specifically designed to reduce feelings of isolation and to increase a sense of agency during such a vulnerable, yet powerful stage in their lives. Each of our peer doulas has also been matched with an experienced CVD doula to support and mentor them as they embark on this new journey. Additionally, this program will serve as potential workforce development; giving our peer doulas the opportunity to develop additional marketable skills to rely on upon release.
The first cohort of Peer Doulas conceptualized this artwork to symbolize the program, which was then created by a roommate at Logan. Thank you, Lauren Stumblingbear for this beautiful piece which hangs in the pregnancy unit at LCC where the peer doulas will meet with their clients. Rest In Peace, Bear.
Who we are: Our peer doulas are volunteering for CVD while incarcerated at either Decatur Correctional Center (DCC) or Logan Correctional Center (LCC). The peer doulas’ hobbies include reading, card games, bible study, dancing, yoga, and more. Many of the peer doulas are mothers themselves, and some have also given birth while in custody. These caring individuals have expressed that the program has already had a measurable impact in their lives and they have excitedly taken on their clients with thoughtfulness and gratitude. They have much wisdom and insight to share with both CVD and their clients, and we are so thankful to be working with all of them!
https://vimeo.com/679840736
Why CVD trains Peer Doulas:
In the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), 80% of the women incarcerated are mothers and primary caregivers who have been separated from their children and families, causing significant harm and trauma to both them and by extension their children and family. While we see that a much larger-scale systems change is needed to end this inhumane practice, we view our program as a small yet vital piece of harm reduction.
Thank you to peer doula, Rita for this lovely expression of the work being done in this program. “BOLD: Beyond Obstetrics Logan Doulas”
For questions or to learn more about this program please contact the Program Coordinator, Maggie Quinn at [email protected]
Postpartum Doula Services
What is a postpartum doula?
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A postpartum doula provides evidenced-based information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery from birth, parental bonding with baby, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. A postpartum doula is there to help a new family in those first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby. Research shows that parents and babies have an easier time with this transition if a good support team is in place. |
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What We Offer: CVD will provide around 20 hours of postpartum care within the first 12 weeks after a birth. Services offered will be support with infant feeding, light housework, baby care basics, light meal prep, and postpartum self-care. Part of our practice is based on the "5 Protective Factors"
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Postpartum doulas will:
Come into your home and provide support based on individual family needs. This can be at any time - day or night/overnight
Have necessary resources/documents
Provide information/education for postpartum recovery, infant/feeding, baby care and safe sleep
Share community resource information
Be clean and practice good hygiene
Cost for services:
CVD asks for a payment of $100 to receive around 20 hours of care. This can be paid in installments. If this fee is not doable we are happy to speak with you about your options. Need to make your payment? You can do so here!
Click Here to request postpartum doula services
For more information please email [email protected]
If you are interested in being a postpartum doula please look at the middle of our home page and click "volunteer as a doula" for more information.
Who We Are
Staff
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Lakeesha Harris Executive Director Lakeesha Harris is an unapologetic Black Feminist, and Abolitionist. She joined CVD's staff following her time as Co-Executive Director of Lift Louisiana - where she worked to shift policy needed to improve the lives of Louisiana's women, their families, and their communities. Before moving to the Deep South, Lakeesha was an organizer, Health Educator, and Insemination Coordinator in the midwest providing comprehensive care to sex workers, women, trans people, and GNC folx at one of the last remaining feminist Health centers in the country, Chicago Women’s Health Center. |
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Sandra Maldonado Program Director Sandra Maldonado joins us as an experienced reproductive health worker at Chicago Women's Health Center (CWHC). She brings a commitment to providing affirming and respectful service to hopeful parents, and needed experience managing programs. |
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Marissa BrownOffice CoordinatorPronouns she/her/hersMarissa (she/her/ hers) is a mother of 4, former homeschooling parent and Chicago south-side native. She has been a passionate birth worker providing support for friends and family for over 20 years before beginning her doula journey. Marissa is a Certified Birth & Postpartum Doula and has been a Birth Doula with CVD since August of 2021. In addition to her passion for birth work, Marissa is a social justice leader and non-profit organization professional working on such issues as food justice, reproductive health, and transformative justice. When not supporting birthing families, Marissa spends most of her time farming on her urban homestead. For CVD matters you can reach Marissa at [email protected].
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Katee EvansProgram CoordinatorPronouns she/her/hers Katee Evans (she/her/hers) has been committed to CVD since 2018, working to build a platform for doulas to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable pregnant people in the Chicagoland area, through our Postpartum program. She feels the opportunity to work with Chicago Volunteer Doulas is a perfect catalyst to promote birth justice through providing pregnancy and postpartum support that addresses disparities that occur among vulnerable populations; especially black and brown people and the LGBTQIA+ communities. Ms. Evans has a Master's in Public Health from Loyola University Chicago. She has 5 years of experience coordinating community partnerships for public health improvement while preparing and evaluating program outcomes, and assessing the impact of program activities and reviewing data collection. Ms. Evans believes that working in the Public Health field can be the solution to many of the world's problems, such as maternal and child health, disease prevention, public health safety, and public health policy, and that dedicating herself to public health practices will allow her to be the best public health advocate she is capable of being. For CVD matters, you can reach Katee at [email protected]. |
Board of Directors
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Atena Danner (Board Co-chair)She/Her/Hers Atena O. Danner is a Black, queer creative: parent, educator, organizer. She has an art school B.F.A. an M.S. in Child Development, she coaches teachers in literacy strategies and writes poems. Her core values are Creativity, Authenticity, Justice. Atena lives north of Chicago with her partner, offspring, cat and dog. |
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Justin KreindlerHe/Him/His Justin Kreindler is a nonprofit professional with years of experience in employment equity and political organizing. In addition to his work as Director of Programs and Partnership for Public Allies Chicago, Justin worked as an organizer for AFL-CIO Lawyers Committee and the New Voters Project. He has also worked on several political campaigns. In addition to his work with CVD, Justin is a founding board member of Exaquest Carbon; a research organization focused on solving the climate emergency. |
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Dannie Ransom (Board Treasurer)They/Them/Theirs My name is Dannie Ransom (they/them) and I am a non-binary Black queer feminist organizer, birth justice advocate, and learning abolitionist based in Chicago, IL. For many years of my life, I've held many roles in service to movement and been in these streets fighting for improved material conditions of my community and those suffering violence at the hands of the state. I graduated from an HBCU where I became grounded in and radicalized by freedom fighters and movement elders that helped me understand the urgency for collective liberation of all BIPOC folks within the prison and medical industrial complex. Since graduating, I've devoted my personal time and paid work to advocating and organizing oppressed people until we free us. |
Introducing Anya Tanyavutti as Executive Director
We, the CVD Board of Directors, are thrilled to introduce our incoming Executive Director, Anya Tanyavutti. Anya is a force for change, a great strategic thinker, and a natural leader. Amy Catania will remain with us through the transition over the next two months, which we appreciate and anticipate to be very smooth as both are deeply invested in this work.
Please keep an eye out in the coming weeks for an invitation to a meet and greet opportunity when the transition is complete. Here is a little bit more about Anya Tanyavutti.
Anya obtained her M.Ed. in Socio-Cultural Studies and Educational Thought and her B.A. in Elementary Education from Western Michigan University. She traveled as Fulbright Scholar to Senegal, West Africa, as part of a curriculum development team in 2003, an experience that was foundational to her values in work and life.
She has over 15 years experience as a not-for-profit-leader and an educator, including serving as our own Board Co-chair for two years before being elected in 2017 to the Evanston/Skokie District 65 School Board, where she currently serves as Board Vice President. She provides consulting services in strategic planning and racial and social justice education. Anya remains convinced that her most meaningful, complex, and joyful work is being a mother of three little ones.
WELCOME, ANYA! We are so excited to have you as our new Executive Director!
Employment Opportunities
Meet Our Volunteer Doulas!
The doulas apart of CVD each come in with their own lived experiences, expertise, identities, and interests. As an expecting person, it is important to feel comfortable with your care worker! Please read on to see who you most connect with and could forge a trusting relationship with throughout your journey.
| Please refer to the map on the right to see if a doula serves the area you resides in. This can be seen in their bio with the color tags. |  |
| Aiko Lovejoy |
Alexa (Lex) DeTogne - She/TheyCVD Doula Since May 2021 I'm a full-spectrum doula serving the Chicago metro area. My practice is evidence-based, holistic, and deeply rooted in reproductive justice. Client self-determination and autonomy is the focus of my care, and inclusivity forms the core. I have additional training to better support those coping with the after effects of trauma, and strive to promote space for safety, empowerment, and healing in all that I offer. My desires are saturated in queer ethic, and the need to support those most marginalized by the institutions around us. Everyone has a voice worth being heard, and it has been an honor to work so intimately towards that aim. CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Fertility Support, Childbirth Education, Holistic Care, Cultural Bodywork and Healing, Mindfulness and Meditation Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Northern suburbs to WI border Contact me at [email protected] or visit lexaglade.com to learn more. |
Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
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Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
Ama Warnock - They/ThemCVD Doula Since August 2021 I'm a full-time doula and perinatal photographer, and I love being part of CVD. I have specialized training and experience working with queer & trans families, survivors of violence, and people marginalized in the medical system. The doula support I provide is rooted in reproductive justice principles, client autonomy, consent, knowledge sharing, and deep emotional support. I offer pay-what-you-can newborn and postpartum photography and somatic processing for CVD families, so please email me if you are interested! CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support, Fertility Support, Birth, Newborn, & Postpartum Photography; Somatic Processing; Grief & Loss Support; Gender doula support; Private Childbirth Education Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side Visit embodiedreproductivecare.org or email me at [email protected] |
| Amber Davis |
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Tags: Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
Annie Gardner - She/HerCVD Doula Since October 2015 I began volunteering with CVD while pregnant with my first child and the experience of attending births with on-call clients was formative in my decision to go to nursing school in order to become a certified nurse-midwife. When I'm not studying or attending births I love Lake Michigan in all seasons, gardening, and seed saving with my very wild children. My favorite thing about birth work is building relationships with client families in all their beautiful forms. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Far North Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side |
Becca Metrick - She/HerCVD Doula Since January 2019 I'm a full spectrum doula, which means that I provide social, emotional, and physical support across pregnancy and postpartum, with a focus on birth and abortion doula support. I have been engaged in this work in various capacities since 2013, and I went through a CAPPA labor doula training in 2018. My background is in public health, and I am continually amazed by the research on doulas. John Kennell, a pediatrician and researcher, once said: "If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it." I agree, which is why I volunteer with CVD to support access to doulas for all families. CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
Tags: LGBTQ+, Trauma-Informed |
| Camille Brittnum |
| Charity Colon |
| Claire Sandler |
| Domonique Cobbs |
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Tags: Black/African American |
Dominique Davis - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 Hi! I’m Dominique and my interest is in everything BIRTH & BEYOND. I am a Certified Birth Doula and Community Breastfeeding Educator in the Chicagoland area; currently studying to become a full spectrum Doula. I have been trained through Gifted Hands International. I have always had a passion for birth/reproductive health and all the aspects surrounding the sacred experience. It is the highest honor to support a birthing person (and spouse if applicable) during the most vulnerable time of their life. My desire is to bring compassion, trust and respect to each individual process. CVD Labor Support, Lactation Support, Will be offering postpartum support March 2023. Location Served: Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
Ellie HallCVD Doula Since April 2021 I have been working with CVD since April 2021 and I also practice privately in the Chicago area. I love working with babies and mothers, it’s my favorite thing to do. My birth work philosophy can be summed up by this Ina May Gaskin quote: “when we as a society begin to value mothers as the givers and supporters of life, then we will see social change in ways that matter.” CVD Postpartum Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, South Side, Other locations accessible by CTA
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Tags: Trauma-Informed |
| Elizabeth L. Crandell |
Erin Keane Scott - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 Erin Keane Scott has been a birth doula since 2019, when she trained through DONA. Erin is trauma-informed and cares deeply about birth justice. Her hope is to empower birthing people to advocate for the birth they prefer. She believes that an empowered launch into parenthood can have ripple effects far beyond the perinatal year and loves the saying, "peace on earth begins with birth." CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
Tags: Trauma-Informed |
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Tags: Trauma-Informed, Jewish, Latina |
Gianna DeTomaso - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 I recently graduated with my BA in Anthropology and Psychology from DePaul University where I was first introduced to the world of doula work. Upon graduation I started volunteering with CVD in order to learn more about the field and to assist families with labor/postpartum care. I completed my doula training in 2022, and am still on the journey of learning this beautiful art form, I would be honored to have you join this journey with me! CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago |
| Grace Woods |
| Hildegard Hauser |
Jaclyn Martin - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 Jaclyn is birth doula with a background in public health. Her previous work includes STD and sex education, public health research, and healthcare administration. Understanding the healthcare complexities of pregnancy and birth, Jaclyn is passionate about ensuring all clients have full agency throughout their birth journey. She values the power of relationships, championing for strong provider and family relationships and supporting birth partners to be just as engaged. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side |
| Joanna Russin - She/Her |
| Johniah Grayson - She/Her |
| Julia Turner - She/Her |
Kaleigh Herter - She/HerCVD Doula Since January 2021 Kaleigh is a birth-worker who focuses on full scope family support. She has often worked as a spousal support doula, a doula for older children, as well in tandem with other doulas supporting one family. She works full time as a nanny and believes that postpartum never really ends, doula support continues through all stages of parenthood and life. Ella es nueva en el trabajo de parto en español! CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Lactaction Support Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side |
Tags: LGBTQ+, Spanish Speaking, Trauma-Informed |
| Katie Baron - She/Her |
| Kayla Greene - She/Her |
| Kelly Graber - She/Her |
Kendall Lucero She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 I came to birth work via public health and learning about reproductive justice principles and their connections to the ongoing maternal health crisis. I decided to train as a doula to serve my community members and support families during labor and the postpartum period. I believe this support should be accessible to all, so I volunteer with CVD to meet their needs. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side |
Tags: LGBTQ+ |
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Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
Krista Hager - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2022 I became passionate about pregnancy and birth after my second child was born and decided to pursue formal training as a doula. As a doula, I am thrilled to help birthing people achieve their ideal birth experience, whatever that looks like to them. I love volunteering with CVD knowing that together we are pushing for more equitable birth experiences for our community in Chicago. Every birth I attend is magical and I’ll never get tired of watching a family be born. CVD Labor Support, Education and support for cloth diapering and sustainable parenting. Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side, Evanston and northern suburbs |
Leah Kohl - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2021 Hi there! My name is Leah, and I am a birth, postpartum, and abortion doula. I became a birth worker because I believe in being part of a world where all pregnant and birthing people are supported and trusted. In birth, I believe in cultivating a space of love and safety, where oxytocin freely flows and the birther's instincts are honored as the wisest voice in the room. I honor the opportunity to help people connect with their inner wisdom and strength as they experience the life changing moment of birthing a new life! CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side |
Tags: Trauma-Informed |
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Tags: Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
Lily Kamaleson - She/HerCVD Doula Since April 2022 We are each other’s harvest: CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support Locations Served: North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
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Maddie Barton - They/ThemCVD Doula Since December 2020 Hey hey! I'm Maddie B. I am a young person with a passion for caring. I began my journey in birth work in 2020 training as a Full Spectrum doula with Birthing Advocacy Doula Training. I am a generally cool and collected individual with many ideas and an ability to make space for any and all conversations to be had. I enjoy being in collaboration with my clients, seeing the human in each other. In my college years, I studied stage management for theatre and I still pursue my life in theatre. Fun facts about me: I have 3 cats and a snake, I LOVE chocolate, and I enjoy my time in my home space. CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Spiritual Perspective Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Can travel farther if we are a good match :)
Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you wanna connect. |
Tags: LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed, Queer |
| Madeline Leventopoulos - She/Her |
| Margaret Marnell - She/Her |
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Tags: Trauma-Informed |
Maria Valgoi - She/Her CVD Doula Since August 2022 My name is Maria Valgoi. I am a birth worker and a licensed clinical psychologist in the state Illinois. I specialize in birth after sexual assault/abuse. I also love working with youth who are pregnant and birthing. I was a teen mom myself and know how intimidating and overwhelming the birthing process can be for a young person. I work primarily out of the southside. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
Marissa Brown - She/HerCVD Doula Since August 2021 & CVD Office Coordinator I have been a certified doula for 2 1/2 years and a birth worker for almost 30 years. I am a mother, community builder and proud Southsider. I bring love, empathy, encouragement and support to all of my birthing families. I am looking forward to supporting you on your labor journey! CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support Locations Served: Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side |
Tags: Black/African American, Trauma-Informed |
| Narmaly Knight |
Nora Leahy - She/HerCVD Doula Since May 2022 I'm a born and raised Chicagoan who grew up hearing birth stories on a daily basis thanks to my mom, a labor & delivery/MFM nurse. The power of the human body has never ceased to amaze me, and I became a doula through DONA in 2022 due to my lifelong interests in healthcare, reproductive justice, and community. I'm preparing to apply to midwifery programs in the next year. I am stridently pro-LGBTQ, pro-choice, and pro-HAES (Health At Every Size). CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side
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Tags: Black/African American, LGBTQ+, Neurodivergent, Trauma-Informed |
Rise Nerissa Osby - They/ThemCVD Doula Since October 2017 Hi! I'm Rise, like the Sun :). I'm a queer Black trauma informed, full spectrum birth worker originally from St. Louis. I've been a practicing birth worker for 5 years and a healing practitioner for 10. My focus is labor, postpartum, abortion and grief&loss support. The folks I support are Black and Brown, neurodivergent, disabled and chronically ill, queer trans and nonbinary and/or low income. I love the work I do. I love my job. I love mangoes and sloths. And I'd love to work with you! CVD Labor Support, CVD Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Lactaction Support, Meditation Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side Contacts: Www.riotousroots.com & [email protected] |
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Rosa Garcia - She/Her |
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Tags: LGBTQ+, Trauma-Informed, Non-binary/trans-masc |
Sai Spurlock - They/ThemCVD Doula Since April 2022 My name is Sai and I am a queer sexual and reproductive health educator, birth doula, and abortion companion. I have been involved in sexual health work since 2017 and birth work since 2020. My work is informed by decolonization, anti-racism, anti-capitalism, sex positivity, and queer inclusivity. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you through your birth! CVD Labor Support, Abortion Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side |
Sarah Bolocan - She/HerCVD Doula Since January 2019 My passion for supporting birth experiences has been growing since I gave birth to my first child 14 years ago. I believe that fulfillment and empowerment through childbirth is essential and not just a nice extra but I've learned that the feelings of empowerment and fulfillment come from different places for everyone. That's why my doulaing philosophy is that the mother leads the way. You are on a journey of a lifetime! The path through labor will undoubtedly have unexpected obstacles to overcome, and that's what I'm here for. Your priorities are my priorities, period. It's your baby, your body and your birth and I am always honored to be a part of it. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Evanston |
Tags: Trauma-Informed |
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Tags: Spanish Speaking, Trauma-Informed, Person of Color |
Sarah Munoz -She/HerCVD Doula December 2021 I am a prenatal and labor and delivery doula in the Chicagoland area. I trained with Sierra Birth Institute in Sacramento, CA. I came to birth work after years of learning and growing from my personal community of birthing people. The most meaningful time of my life has been supporting friends through their infertility challenges, pregnancies, determining their personal birth preferences, postpartum concerns, and breastfeeding challenges. Being a doula brings me continuous joy and I look forward to growing and learning with each family I support. CVD Labor Support Location Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, Southwest Side, South Side, Far Southwest Side, Far Southeast Side, Northern and Northwestern Suburbs |
| Shamara Calhoun - She/Her |
| Shantel Powell - She/Her |
Tiffany Lentell - She/HerCVD Doula Since December 2020 I became passionate about birth during my pregnancy and birth of my daughter. I felt the support of my birth team, the power of my voice being heard, and also realized that birth is not one size fits all. CVD Labor Support Locations Served: Far North Side, Northwest Side, North Side, Central Chicago, West Side, South Side
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On-Call Doula Services
Who We Are
A Chicago Volunteer Doula is a labor support professional who has chosen to commit time and energy to helping pregnant people and their families in Chicago. Our doulas come from a variety of backgrounds. They are social workers, childcare workers, cab drivers, community organizers, accountants, stay-at-home moms, midwifery students, artists, activists, nurses, lawyers, teachers, yoga instructors and massage therapists.
Our doulas celebrate different racial, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and some are fluent in Spanish, Russian and Polish to name a few. CVD doulas include women, men and gender non-conforming or trans people, as well as members of both straight and LGBTQI communities. Some of our doulas have disabilities. No matter their background ALL of our doulas are committed to provide the best doula support to the clients they serve. If you feel you would not be comfortable receiving services from a doula who may not be from the same community as you or may have a different background we will be happy to refer you to a community based doula program or get you a list of private doulas.
All of our doulas have been trained by an accredited organization and many are certified. Some of our doulas are new to the profession while many have been supporting mothers in childbirth for years. Each doula has been interviewed by our administrators to ensure that they support our mission, have the necessary skills and are committed to our mission and the families we serve.
What does an On-Call Doula Do?
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Our doulas participate in a monthly on-call calendar to provide support to people who deliver with the midwifery groups of 8 different Chicago hospitals: Swedish Covenant Hospital, St. Mary's Hospital, Illinois Masonic Medical Center, UIC Medical Center, Mercy Hospital, PCC Wellness Birth Center, the PCC Wellness group out of West Suburban Medical Center and St. Anthony Hospital. If you are planning to deliver at one of these hospitals with the midwives or with doctors at PCC or Esperanza Health Center, you can be attended by a volunteer doula, if one is available. If you are delivering with another OB at one of these hospitals or at another hospital, you can consider using a traditional birth doula through us. The calendar is divided into two 12-hour shifts from 7am - 7pm and 7pm -7am daily, with 1-2 doulas on-call each shift. The midwives and the doulas are always in contact with each other to determine when a doula is needed. If there is someone in labor who requests a doula and there is one available, the doula will head to the hospital and attend to that person. |
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The doula will either stay for the entire labor and delivery or will call in for another doula when the shift ends. The doula will help the client during labor with all of the emotional, physical and educational support listed below. The doula will then stay with the family for 1-2 hours postpartum to help with breastfeeding and to help the client get comfortable.
Our doulas are not allowed to accept monetary tips after volunteering their time. If you would like to give a donation for the services you receive please do so here.
If you have questions regarding On-Call Doula Services please email [email protected]
A Doula Provides Support by Giving:
- Emotional Comfort - Support and encouragement before, during and after labor and delivery
- Physical Comfort - Relaxation and breathing techniques; massage; different positions to enhance the progress of labor and delivery; application of heat/cold and pressure points to relieve pain
- Informational Support - Information about labor and delivery
- Breastfeeding Support - Support for the client at the start of breastfeeding and subsequent consultations, if needed
- Family Support - Support for the partner and/or other people to assist them in helping the client
- Support is available in English and Spanish
Benefits of Using a Doula:
"Many scientific trials comparing doula-attended with non-doula-attended births found that the presence of the doula is associated with more favorable obstetric outcomes -- fewer cesareans and instrumental deliveries and better newborn outcomes. Furthermore, studies that examined psychosocial outcomes in the mother found that the doula's presence throughout labor is associated with such favorable postpartum outcomes as: less postpartum depression; more posititive assessments of her baby; more total breastfeeding on cue; greater satisfaction with the birth experience; enhanced self-esteem; and other benefits."
- Simkin, 2004
The Basics • Traditional Birth Doula • On Call Doula • How a Doula Gives Support • Benefits of Using a Doula
Traditional Birth Doula Services
Who We Are
A Chicago Volunteer Doula is a labor support professional who has chosen to commit time and energy to helping pregnant people and their families in Chicago. Our doulas come from a variety of backgrounds. They are social workers, childcare workers, cab drivers, community organizers, accountants, stay-at-home moms, midwifery students, artists, activists, nurses, lawyers, teachers, yoga instructors and massage therapists.
Our doulas celebrate different racial, ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds and some are fluent in Spanish, Russian and Polish to name a few. CVD doulas include women, men and gender non-conforming or trans people, as well as members of both straight and LGBTQI communities. Some of our doulas have disabilities. No matter their background ALL of our doulas are committed to provide the best doula support to the clients they serve. If you feel you would not be comfortable receiving services from a doula who may not be from the same community as you or may have a different background we will be happy to refer you to a community based doula program or get you a list of private doulas.
All of our doulas have been trained by an accredited organization and many are certified. Some of our doulas are new to the profession while many have been supporting mothers in childbirth for years. Each doula has been interviewed by our administrators to ensure that they support our mission, have the necessary skills and are committed to our mission and the families we serve.
Who We Serve
Chicago Volunteer Doulas works with all families who make under $50,000/year and or meet vulnerable community criteria outline on our request for services. After you submit your request for doula services you are paired with a primary doula and a backup doula. The primary doula does most of the correspondence and plans to be at the birth. The backup doula is available to attend the birth in case the primary doula is unavailable. We have a large number of doulas that work with our organization to provide care to families. We are able to assist at all hospitals within the Chicago city limits and also include Evanston Hospital, West Suburban in Oak Park, Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn and the Birth Center in Berwyn.
What does a Traditional Birth Doula Do?
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Chicago Volunteer Doulas provide low-cost doulas to people whose families earn an income of under $50,000/year and or people who fall into a vulnerable community category on our request. After an application is filled out, we will match the client with a primary doula and a backup doula. The doulas establishes a relationship with the pregnant person and partner/support person. They encourage them to ask questions, express fears, hopes and other feelings, and to take an active role in their labor and birth |
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Our doulas work in the traditional birth model to provide support to people and their families. A doula meets with the pregnant person and their partner/support person before labor begins and helps them plan the kind of childbirth they hope to have. When labor begins, the doula:
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Chicago Volunteer Doulas are able to attend births at any hospital within the city limits of Chicago in addition to, Evanston Hospital (Evanston), West Suburban (Oak Park), Christ (Oak Lawn) and the PCC Wellness Birth Center in Berwyn. If you are delivering outside of Chicago, please contact us and we can give you a list of our doulas who work privately and they may be able to attend the birth at your local hospital. At this time, we do not provide doulas for home births.
How much does a Traditional Birth Doula cost?
We offer our services for free however we do ask for a donation to our organization. Private doulas in the Chicago area charge between $500 and $1000 per birth depending on their experience. Our doulas are volunteering their time and expertise. You can select a donation amount that is workable for your family, keeping in mind that the donation serves to help provide doulas for other clients. The donation goes towards the organization while the doula continues to work as a volunteer.
When to Donate
We ask that you submit half of your donation with the request for service and the other half at 38 weeks of pregnancy. The first half serves as a non-refundable deposit. When you submit the application, a Chicago Volunteer Doulas staff member will reach out to our doulas and assign one to you. You and the doula will continue the relationship from that point on. In order to keep costs low, we do not offer an opportunity to interview the doulas. If you are interested in interviewing many doulas, we'd be happy to send you a list of names of doulas that do private work whom you can contact on your own.
If you have more questions regarding Traditional Birth Doula Services please email [email protected]
Request Doula Services
Donation for doula services
The Basics • Traditional Birth Doula • On Call Doula • Postpartum Doula Services • How a Doula Gives Support • Benefits of Using a Doula
Testimonials
On Call Doula Program Clients (health equity)
“I was on my 3rd day of induced labor at Swedish. Doula Mary...was with me through Pitocin and Epidural, massaging my back and helping me breathe. I swear she floated into the room like an angel to help me and my husband. I was in a lot of pain, and she got right to work. We were instantly relieved to have an advocate in the room, and it gave my husband a break too. Because things weren't progressing, there was talk of C-section, which I definitely wanted to avoid. Mary sat and spoke with me about my wishes and what I would want if I did need a C-section. She was kind, and reminded me that I still had a voice and could direct the birth even as things didn't go to plan. Since I was progressing slowly, Mary made sure another doula would be on the way to cover the night shift. Doula Kate arrived to take over, and shortly after my water was broken and I was in the final stage of labor. She held my hands and helped me with visualizations and breathing to get through the pain. When it was time to push, Kate could sense [sic] my anxiety and talked me through breathing for pushing. Delivery was so fast, and Kate was able to take photos and video for us during that time. With Covid restrictions, laboring for 3 days, laboring with a mask on.... it was all too much for me as a first time mom. I can't imagine going through that without Mary and Kate. It made all the difference to have them there with me and for me.”
-OnCall Client, 2021
Traditional Doula Program Clients (health equity)
“My experience has been very pleasant thus far! What I have found to be most special is that my doula looks like me. This is extremely valuable given the challenges my racial/ethnic group is known to face when it comes to pregnancy-related experiences. My doula is very knowledgeable, encouraging, resourceful, and kind. I am very happy with my match!”
-Traditional Client 2021
"I am incredibly thankful and impressed with the matching of doulas I was assigned while pregnant. My doulas both worked with me virtually prior to my labor giving some amazing tips and advice. The day of my surprise labor, my doula wasn't able to make my delivery, but the other doula did. I was so shocked and thankful Andi was able to make my delivery right in the midst of active labor and when I needed help most. With the Covid-19 restrictions on visitors I was terrified to be delivering my first child alone. When Andi arrived she immediately supported me mentally and physically and even helped me through some very scary decisions I had to make during a posterior labor. Andi stood with me from start to finish of my labor journey and ensured I was absolutely okay with her leaving. She made certain to take photos of my labor and delivery that I will cherish forever! I cannot thank her enough and couldn't imagine my experience without her!."
-Traditional Client 2021
“Mel was great! I was under a lot of stress being without my family and she share [sic] tips and teach [sic] me some pre-natal [sic] Yoga so I can try to relax. She helped me creating [sic] my birth plan and also talked to my friend and labor partner, guiding her on what to do to help me cope with the pain during the early stages of labor and in the trip to the office. In the hospital she stay [sic] with us all the time, coaching me through the process. She made feel safe and supported.”
-Traditional Client 2021
Postpartum Doula Program Clients (health equity)
"Hannah was great! The best part is that we have stayed in touch, and she’s introduced me to several wonderful resources for new moms."
-Postpartum Client 2020
“Wonderful service for single moms!”
-Postpartum Client 2020
"Erika taught me how to bathe, swaddle and do tummy time with my baby. She also took initiative and did my dishes. I am forever grateful for her support in even just letting me nap. Being a new mother can be isolating and lonely. She always made sure I ate and never made me feel bad when I couldn’t do much. I had a c-section and she helped so much. She also introduced me to a wonderful lactation consultant who really helped me.”
-Postpartum Client 2020
Mentor Doula Program Participants (economic development)
“The excitement around becoming a doula can quickly begin to fade after attending your first birth and being faced with the big energy that birth possesses. Family expectations, your client's hopes and dreams on the line, and your own desires to be everything that a birthing person needs you to be can easily lead a new doula vulnerable to thoughts of insecurity, uncertainty, and lack of confidence. This is where doula mentorship has the ability to make an impact beyond two individuals. Supporting the people who support birthing and new families is an absolute honor. Being present to answer birth-related questions or affirm joyous or challenging experiences. Doula mentorship is essential to making sure the birth workers who show up for families are properly nourished and prepared to be their best! I feel so honored to have mentored so many doulas, especially with Chicago Volunteer Doulas!”
-Tayo Mbande, doula mentor
“I joined CVD in 2016 and was immediately matched with a mentor. Working with my mentor, and volunteering through the program helped me build the confidence and skills I needed to launch my own doula business ‘Love, your doula’ that same year!”
-Cassie Calderone, former doula mentee and former Board Member
“I originally joined Chicago Volunteer Doulas to gain more experience in supporting families, I had no idea it would be such a fulfilling journey! Between the most informative orientation, being able to show up for birthing parents in their greatest time of need, and all of the beautiful babies, CVD gave me the exposure and confidence to show up and show out for black families.”
- Shaquan Dupart, former doula mentee and former Board Member
“After my training with DONA to become a doula in 2017, I didn't know how much was already inside of me. Getting connected with CVD and their mentor program really expanded my drive to jump right in the field! They gave me the confidence to get clients and continue to expand my knowledge in my work. I've had the best experiences I never thought I'd be a part of. I am able to uplift, advocate, and teach my clients their rights and help them and help them understand meanings, topics, and medical terms they didn't know before. I have been mentored by Shana, and she gave me great insight on how to properly do my paperwork, and make sure my pricing matched my worth! I am so appreciative of the experiences and the doulas I've met and worked with through CVD.”
- Chanel Washington, former mentee doula
Peer Doula Program Participants/clients (health equity & economic development)
”Erika was great, very supportive, shared a lot of information and made things more comfortable while pregnant and incarcerated. Rebecca gave knowledge about pregnancy comfort, nutrition, tips about reading to baby, breastfeeding support, and contacted services for me.” Additionally, Trina commented that without doula support, her pregnancy and postpartum time “would’ve been more stressful!”
- Trina, peer doula client at LCC and virtual client upon release to electronic detention
“Doula [work] has allowed me to know that we are not forgotten and no matter where you are, you can make a difference.… It is a blessing to be a client resource to give them the information to allow them to be a better them as well as be a more productive caregiver for their child. It feels great to know that I made a difference in another human life. Prison can get you down, depress and outright suicidal thoughts, when one feels cast out and no one cares. So I am bless [sic] to be a Doula and be treated like I matter for I am breathing which mean [sic] I can help everyone who allow [sic] me to be of service for I am alive and a able body with a functioning mind. So thank you Doula sisters for allowing me to feel worthy by being a resource as well as knowing I still matter even here in prison. It is such a joy to have the mentors to check up on us now during the virus and even when there was no virus. It is sad but true that before the Doula I had no email account for my family stated it was to [sic] complex to set up. So, it is a honor to be a part of an organization that actually care not just about how I can help them, but to really care about me and how I am physically as well as mentally.”
-Tammy, Peer Doula at LCC
Workshops
WORKSHOPS
Chicago Volunteer Doulas offers professional development workshops periodically to our active volunteer doulas. When we open up a workshop it will be listed below. Clink on the link for more information and to RSVP (required). In most cases, you will also need to submit a $20 refundable workshop deposit here. If nothing is listed then please check back later. Questions? Please contact [email protected]
Please check back for upcoming workshops!