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Part 2 of my series about places to give birth in and around the Chicago area features Advocate Illinois Masonic Hospital. Illinois Masonic has a long and rich history of supporting the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago. Part 1: Birth Center of Chicago; permanently closed June 2026 Part 2: Illinois Masonic Part 3: Northwestern Prentice Part 4: Evanston Hospital Part 5: OMG Midwives at Hinsdale Part 6: Burr Ridge Birth Center; permanently closed April 2026 Part 7: Swedish Hospital P

Chrissy Teigen banks her kids' cord blood, should you? Many families have heard of cord blood banking through targeted ads and influencer...

A known donor is anyone who you find without using a sperm bank. They don't necessarily have to be someone you "know" deeply to be...

I love baby wearing! The benefits seem to be endless: bonding and co-regulating, a baby who cries less often, fewer missed hunger cues....

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 hands, brain, and heart are my most used tools, but that doesn't mean that some of my other items aren't helpful, too! When I celebrated my 100th birth I did a lot of reflecting, and one thing I realized is that it was time for a new doula bag. I had my eye on this duffel for a long time because it is separated into compartments and then the 4 s

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...

South Suite A series in which I share my own experience of birth places around the Chicagoland area plus the data that we have available. There is no one right place to give birth, and the right place for you is the place where you feel safest. This article is now an archive of experiences with the midwives at the Birth Center of Chicago. Part 1: Birth Center of Chicago (you are here); permanently closed June 2026 Part 2: Illinois Masonic Part 3: Northwestern Prentice Part 4:

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....

Occasionally someone reaches out to me and shares that they are planning to deliver at home in the Chicago area unassisted by any medical...

You've found some doulas to interview that might be the right fit. You've scheduled some interviews. Now what? Awkward conversations are...

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....

Before getting into it, let me just say you are NOT a "second" parent and I think the necessity of second parent, co-parent, or...

Many pregnant people grapple with their bodies changing during pregnancy. For queer pregnant people, feelings of body dysphoria can...

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...

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...

Chicago doulas typically charge anywhere from $1200-2800+ per birth. That can give anyone sticker shock! Over a thousand dollars for a...

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...