OUR DOULAS
Q: What training do your doulas have?
A: All of the doulas who are affiliates are trained through organizations that have met the widely recognized standard for in-person trainings. All the doulas have training in the following areas, and beyond:
Q: What process do doulas go through before being available to take clients?
A: While we do not request a specific training organization, here is part of the process our doulas have met:
Q: What training do your doulas have?
A: All of the doulas who are affiliates are trained through organizations that have met the widely recognized standard for in-person trainings. All the doulas have training in the following areas, and beyond:
- Hands-on doula skills
- The stages and phases of vaginal childbirth
- Understanding and knowledge of birth by cesarean and how to support families who give birth with this method
- Medical and non-medical methods of pain management
- Signs and symptoms of labor progress, and tools and skills that can be used during each
- Methods and processes that are typical for birth in a hospital setting, and communication
Q: What process do doulas go through before being available to take clients?
A: While we do not request a specific training organization, here is part of the process our doulas have met:
- They must take an in-person workshop from an approved training organization
- They must have infant CPR certification and liability insurance up-to-date
- They must pass a background check
- They must demonstrate basic and advanced knowledge of the process of birth and recovery, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the many topics and products that could be discussed by a new parent
- They must be committed to continuing education
- They must align with our values to work collaboratively with medical professionals
- They must have sound business practices and show they are interested in leaving our profession better than they found it
- They must have client referrals that are willing to discuss their experiences. Should a doula be new to this field and not have client experiences to share, character references are required.
- They also undergo scenario conversations to help develop skills and language which gives support without showing judgment, offer advice only when it is requested or is made specifically known to be given, and to grow in their ability to see opportunities for improvement through mindfulness, values exploration, and goal setting.
Curious about Doula Certification?
Who's behind the scenes...
Ariel Swift started working as a doula in 2012, as A Swift Doula. Just a lady helping other people and knowing she could create something that left the world a little better than she found it. In 2014, Doulas of Chicago was formed and the idea of helping families with a team of professionals became a reality.
With several certifications and hundreds of clients served, Ariel is committed to connecting with pregnant and new parents to find ways that help them unravel their parenting goals and first experiences. And, honestly, to make it all a little easier, too.
Ariel has been published at Huffington Post and in Fit Pregnancy and Baby, and spoke at The Biggest Baby Shower in 2017 about postpartum planning. You can hear more on her podcast A Swift Moment, which discusses parenting, communication, and connections.
Ariel is also a real mom, with real struggles, and real messes. She is happy to share her corner view raising two kids on Chicago's South Shore on her IG page.
Ariel currently accepts a limited client load for birth and postpartum support.
With several certifications and hundreds of clients served, Ariel is committed to connecting with pregnant and new parents to find ways that help them unravel their parenting goals and first experiences. And, honestly, to make it all a little easier, too.
Ariel has been published at Huffington Post and in Fit Pregnancy and Baby, and spoke at The Biggest Baby Shower in 2017 about postpartum planning. You can hear more on her podcast A Swift Moment, which discusses parenting, communication, and connections.
Ariel is also a real mom, with real struggles, and real messes. She is happy to share her corner view raising two kids on Chicago's South Shore on her IG page.
Ariel currently accepts a limited client load for birth and postpartum support.
Chicago businesses & services we love
Mental Health Providers
Meridian Psychiatric Providers - Telehealth available during COVID-19
Support Groups
Prenatal Fit - West Lakeview
Chicago New Mom's Group - Lincoln Park
Baby Bisto - Hyde Park
Chicago Family Picnic - Ravenswood
Chicago New Mom's Group - Lincoln Park
Baby Bisto - Hyde Park
Chicago Family Picnic - Ravenswood
Lactation Support
Maternal Child Connections
Third Coast Lactation
Chicago Lactation Consultants
Baby Bistro - Wednesdays @ University of Chicago
Milk Supply Drop in Clinics
Third Coast Lactation
Chicago Lactation Consultants
Baby Bistro - Wednesdays @ University of Chicago
Milk Supply Drop in Clinics
Birth Advocacy and Support