Hi everyone, I am 14 weeks pregnant and I am looking for a good apprentice doula in the Chicago area. I have HMO Illinois through my husband's job, and we chose Rush Hospital. That hospital does not have midwives and I really wanted one since I hear wonders about them. I am not sure if I can change my hospital yet. In case I can't, does anyone recommend a affordable doula around the Chicago area? I'd like to have a natural childbirth, do skin-to-skin contact after baby is born and breastfeed. I need that support a doula or midwife could provide. Thank you!
So I managed to change my hospital to West Suburban Hospital in Oak Park. I will also be doing my prenatal care at West Suburban Midwives.
If you are truly interested in a natural childbirth, I highly recommend getting herself a midwife. Go to West Suburban Hospital. Don't mess around with this stuff. Many of the hospitals and OBs around here too easily like to cut, giving women silly reasons, like the baby is too big. This is one of the most important things you are ever going to do, so don't settle for less.
I got all of that in the hospital with my doctor. He just double checked a couple of times that is what I wanted and it was granted.
C.,
If you want to email me off list I can post your information to the local doula list and those that are working on a sliding scale or are in training can contact you directly.
(and rush is not a great hospital for natural birth) the nurses can be great but it depends on the Dr.'s. and without support they will do what they want first, and then what you want second.
I had a natural delivery at prentice with a midwife. I know several people that have used the midwives out of west suburban and have had natural births. If you really want a natural birth, IMO a midwife is a must!
I hope you can change your hospital - but I'm unfamiliar with the rules of HMOs. If you really want a midwife - you should go for it. It is not too late to switch to a midwife. And its odd that Rush doesn't have midwives - I really thought I heard of women delivering there with midwives. Other hospitals such as Northwestern certainly have midwives.
There's two midwives I recommend. Debi Lesnick with North Shore Ob/Gyn - she delivers at Evanston Hospital. Gayle Riedmann and Julie Marks deliver at West Suburban Hospital. Evanston Hospital has better overall facilities than West Sub - but West Sub has the only "alternative birthing center" in the area - which has a built in waterbirth tub and a full bed.
WRT to doulas - you can contact Birthways. They have apprentice doulas. Good luck to you!
Hi there!
I highly recommend my doula and friend Barbara Belcore-Walkden. She is great. I had her as my doula for the birth of both of my children- one at West Suburban Hospital, and in May for my home birth. She is very smart, very kind, and very attentive. If you would like her number, please message me and I will give it to you. You will love her!
T.
