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Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital
Part 3 of my series about places to give birth in and around the Chicago area features Northwestern Prentice Women's Hospital. Prentice...
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Erin Loughlin
- Aug 5
- 3 min
Why You Should Add a Birth Photographer to Your Care Team!
Have you been considering preserving your birth story through professional birth photography? It's a life event that cannot be...
9 views
Hadley Roberts, Intern
- Jul 29
- 5 min
Why You Should Get a Doula (and why that doula should be Mel)
(No, they did not ask me to write this:) After interviewing two doulas and reading over fifty birth stories, personally, I am convinced...
9 views
Hadley Roberts, Intern
- Jul 15
- 4 min
Induction Junction, What's Your Function?
Inductions seem to be on the rise as the percentage of inductions has risen by almost 10% from 2007 to 2017(25.5%), with a more recent...
4 views
Hadley Roberts, Intern
- Jul 1
- 5 min
Gender Identity and Pronouns in the Hospital During Birth
What is the issue? Feel free to skip this section if you already know Getting medical professionals to respect patients’ pronouns is one...
8 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Jun 27
- 3 min
Is Placenta Encapsulation Dangerous?
I've had three families cancel placenta encapsulation this month. It's totally up to you if you want to have placenta pills and I don't...
27 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Jun 3
- 4 min
Places to Give Birth in Chicago: Illinois Masonic
Part 2 of my series about places to give birth in and around the Chicago area features Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital. Illinois...
13 views
Melissa F. Haley
- May 20
- 4 min
Cord Blood Banking: Is it Worth It?
Chrissy Teigen banks her kids' cord blood, should you? Many families have heard of cord blood banking through targeted ads and influencer...
10 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Apr 24
- 4 min
What is in My Birth Doula Bag?
Want a sneak peak into what I bring with me to every birth? This is the bag that sits ready by the door at all times. Ultimately, my...
42 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Apr 15
- 3 min
Should You Drink Red Raspberry Leaf Tea? When?
Does red raspberry leaf tea (RRL) work to induce labor? If it can start labor, should you be really careful about when you drink it for...
36 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Apr 8
- 5 min
Places to Give Birth In Chicago: Birth Center of Chicago
There are so many places to give birth in Chicago. I'm starting off this series with one of my all time favorites! BCC is currently the...
19 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 28
- 4 min
What Does a Doula do at a Home Birth?
Occasionally someone reaches out to me and shares that they are planning to deliver at home in the Chicago area unassisted by any medical...
15 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 26
- 4 min
How to Find the Best Doula in Chicago: Interview Questions
You've found some doulas to interview that might be the right fit. You've scheduled some interviews. Now what? Awkward conversations are...
30 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 11
- 2 min
Hot Labor Tips for Queer Partners
Maybe you are thinking that you are a fantastic partner and you don't need help. You know that support during labor is crucial for the...
13 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 9
- 2 min
What does a doula DO-la?
I mentioned that I was feeling sore after a birth to my father-in-law and he looked confused. "How are you sore?! Aren't you a liaison at...
37 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 8
- 4 min
Why are doulas so expensive?
Chicago doulas typically charge anywhere from $1200-2800+ per birth. That can give anyone sticker shock! Over a thousand dollars for a...
37 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 4
- 3 min
Placenta Encapsulation Process at Wyld Garden
While the placenta encapsulation might seem unconventional, the process itself follows a strict set of guidelines aimed at ensuring...
41 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 30, 2023
- 3 min
U.S. gestational age has shortened dramatically 1990-2020
One of the best ways to gain perspective on typical pregnancy and birth practices in the US is to see what other countries are doing. We...
25 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 21, 2023
- 3 min
Birth Story with Doula Notes: M&O's Induction
M + O's birth story began with a daytime induction. We were in close communication as M had her first doses of induction medication. She...
7 views
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 20, 2023
- 2 min
Epidural Fears
Sometimes I work with clients who are afraid of getting an epidural. They might want the option of pain relief, but they wait until their...
10 views
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©2024 by Melissa F. Haley
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