Our Programs
At Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD), we take pride in providing high-quality, compassionate support to birthing individuals and their families, regardless of their financial situation. Our doulas are carefully selected for their experience, dedication, and passion for birth work. Each doula undergoes rigorous training and is matched with clients based on their specific needs and preferences.
How Getting A CVDoula Works:
Selection and Assignment: Our doulas are matched with clients based on a thorough understanding of your unique needs, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience. We consider factors like birth preferences, cultural background, and any special considerations you may have.
Payment: Our services are provided on a sliding scale, and no one is turned away for lack of funds. We believe everyone deserves access to quality doula care, and we work with you to make our services accessible.
Training Program: We invest heavily in the training and development of our doulas. Visit our Training Program section to learn more about the comprehensive education and support our doulas receive, ensuring they are well-prepared to serve our diverse community.
Our range of programs includes: Labor Support, Postpartum Support, Abortion Support, Loss Support, & Lactation Support. Read more on each service below.
Traditional Labor Support Program
At Chicago Volunteer Doulas, we believe every birthing person deserves compassionate and continuous support throughout their labor. Our trained doulas provide the following:
Emotional Support: Offering reassurance, encouragement, and a calming presence tailored to your needs.
Physical Support: Assisting with comfort measures like massage, positioning, and breathing techniques to ease your labor experience.
Informational Support: Guiding you through the stages of labor, medical procedures, and options for pain management, empowering you to make informed decisions.
Advocacy: Ensuring your birth plan is respected and helping you communicate your preferences with healthcare providers.
Partner Support: Equipping your partner with the tools and confidence to be an active participant in the birth.
CVDoulas are there to support you every step of the way, making sure you feel empowered and cared for during this transformative experience.
Postpartum Program
The journey doesn't end after childbirth, and neither does our support. Chicago Volunteer Doulas offers comprehensive postpartum services to help you transition into parenthood with confidence and care. Postpartum CVDoulas provide:
Emotional Support: Offering a listening ear and reassurance as you navigate the early weeks of parenthood.
Breastfeeding Support: Assisting with latch, positioning, and answering your breastfeeding questions to help you and your baby get off to a good start.
Practical Support: Helping with newborn care, including diapering, soothing techniques, and light household tasks so you can focus on bonding with your baby.
Resource Connection: Connecting you with parenting classes, support groups, and healthcare professionals to ensure you have the resources you need.
Ongoing Support: Providing continued care and guidance for weeks or months postpartum, based on your unique needs.
Our goal is to ensure you feel supported, informed, and confident as you embrace this new chapter in your life.
Abortion Support
At Chicago Volunteer Doulas, we honor all reproductive decisions as sacred, providing compassionate, non-judgmental support for those seeking abortion care. Our Abortion Support Program offers emotional and physical assistance before, during, and after the abortion process to ensure each individual feels empowered, respected, and supported.
Emotional and Physical Support:
Our trained doulas accompany individuals throughout the abortion journey, offering care and comfort to help navigate the physical and emotional aspects of the experience.
Advocacy and Resources:
We connect individuals with trusted resources and ensure their reproductive choices are supported. We offer after-care resources, including contraception guidance, fertility awareness, and connections to comprehensive, low-cost, or sliding-scale gynecological care through partners like the Chicago Women’s Health Center, Birthways, MAP, CAF, and Planned Parenthood.
If you or someone you know needs support, our doulas are here to help create a safe and affirming space during this important time.
Loss Support
Experiencing pregnancy loss can be a profoundly emotional journey, and you don't have to navigate it alone. Chicago Volunteer Doulas offers gentle, compassionate support during this difficult time. Our doulas provide:
Emotional Support: Offering grief support, a safe space to process your feelings, and ongoing care as you navigate your loss.
Memorialization and Rituals: Assisting you in creating meaningful rituals to honor your loss if you choose.
Resource Connection: Connecting you with grief counseling, support groups, and other community resources for additional care.
Continuity of Care: Providing ongoing support to ensure you feel cared for and connected as you heal.
We are committed to walking with you through your grief, providing the care and support you need during this time.
This image reflects the Yoruba concept of the "Abiku" spirit—a childlike figure representing the cycle of life, loss, and rebirth. In this tradition, families turn to rituals and spiritual support to guide these spirits, offering hope and comfort as they seek to break the cycle and embrace healing.