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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...
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Melissa F. Haley
- Apr 4
- 5 min
Ready to Start Your Family? How to Choose a Sperm Donor
I have noticed that once people with access to eggs and a uterus decide to start a family, the donor search quickly takes center stage....
16
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
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
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 25
- 3 min
How Will My Relationship Change in Postpartum?
Internet forums for new moms have a lot of resentment directed at husbands. Is this true for every relationship, even LGBTQ+...
7
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 24
- 3 min
How to Find the Best Doula in Chicago: Agency v. Independent
Finding the right doula for you is so important. The key is that the right doula for you might not be the right doula for someone else....
8
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 18
- 5 min
LGBTQ+ Second Parent Adoption in Illinois: Resources to Get Started
Before getting into it, let me just say you are NOT a "second" parent and I think the necessity of second parent or confirmatory adoption...
356
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 15
- 3 min
Does Belly Oil for Pregnancy Stretch Marks Work? A Recipe & Ritual
Many pregnant people grapple with their bodies changing during pregnancy. For queer pregnant people, feelings of body dysphoria can...
100
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
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
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
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 7
- 5 min
A Guide for Queers Considering Conception in Chicago
If you have a uterus and are looking for sperm, this is a good place to start. Whether you are just starting to think about it or already...
107
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
Melissa F. Haley
- Mar 3
- 3 min
Why Did I Become a Doula?
When I was 6, I looked at my mom and said, "You're pregnant." She looked shocked and asked how I knew. She had just found out herself....
52
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
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
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
Melissa F. Haley
- Feb 9, 2023
- 2 min
Birth Story: S&J
S's labor was slow to start, with cramping and light contractions for weeks. S&J really wanted the baby to come a week before their due...
5
Kate Uttech
- Feb 2, 2023
- 5 min
Why Physical Therapy is so Important in Pregnancy
Doulas and Physical Therapists go together like PB&J. Looking for an easier labor? You want us both on your team. Our services compliment...
29
Melissa F. Haley
- Oct 26, 2022
- 3 min
R Birth Story: Will I have my baby in the car?
Pretty much every birth support person (aka, the one who drives to the hospital) is scared to death that the baby is going to be born in...
13
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