Chicagoland Virtual Baby Fair
April 24, 2021 9am-7pm on Facebook
Open to all families from planning a baby to toddlerhood
Open to all families from planning a baby to toddlerhood
Registration Information:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/chicagoland-virtual-baby-fair-tickets
Speaker and Vendor Information
Deb Pocica with Birth: Before and After
has been a childbirth professional for 15 years in the Chicagoland area offering a wide variety of personalized services for pregnancy and birth from Childbirth Education, Postpartum Support/Postpartum Doula, Placenta Encapsulation, and Sleep Consultations.
Deb speaks at:
9:00 on Helping Your Baby Sleep (so you can too)
6:30 Doulas after Dark-Questions you are afraid to ask your care provider while mixing up some great Mocktails for parents and parents to be
To find out more about Deb's services visit www.BirthBeforeandAfter.com
has been a childbirth professional for 15 years in the Chicagoland area offering a wide variety of personalized services for pregnancy and birth from Childbirth Education, Postpartum Support/Postpartum Doula, Placenta Encapsulation, and Sleep Consultations.
Deb speaks at:
9:00 on Helping Your Baby Sleep (so you can too)
6:30 Doulas after Dark-Questions you are afraid to ask your care provider while mixing up some great Mocktails for parents and parents to be
To find out more about Deb's services visit www.BirthBeforeandAfter.com
Vendor Spotlight: Lisa Zak Everything Has A Place with Lisa
Learn how to declutter/organize your home and life with me, Lisa Zak. I will show you how to not only declutter but keep things organized for the future. Everything has a place and I will help you find it.
Make your home a happy place again!
Lisa will be speaking at:
9:20 and 1:30
For more information on Lisa and her services visit https://www.facebook.com/everythinghasaplacewithlisa
Learn how to declutter/organize your home and life with me, Lisa Zak. I will show you how to not only declutter but keep things organized for the future. Everything has a place and I will help you find it.
Make your home a happy place again!
Lisa will be speaking at:
9:20 and 1:30
For more information on Lisa and her services visit https://www.facebook.com/everythinghasaplacewithlisa
Jen Mendoza ( Jen Mendoza Independent Norwex Consultant)
Jen is a wife and mom of three trying to actively help improve her family and friend's health. After becoming an Independent Consultant in 2018, Norwex took her personal mission to the next level. Since becoming a consultant she is better able to educate by helping spread the mission of Norwex, which is to improve the quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes. Her passion for a chemical free and sustainable home has been a reality for the past three years and she is excited to share her knowledge with you all on Saturday.
Jen speaks at
9:30 on 7 Easy Ways to a Greener Baby
You can find more information on Jen at www.jmendoza.norwex.biz
Jen is a wife and mom of three trying to actively help improve her family and friend's health. After becoming an Independent Consultant in 2018, Norwex took her personal mission to the next level. Since becoming a consultant she is better able to educate by helping spread the mission of Norwex, which is to improve the quality of life by radically reducing chemicals in our homes. Her passion for a chemical free and sustainable home has been a reality for the past three years and she is excited to share her knowledge with you all on Saturday.
Jen speaks at
9:30 on 7 Easy Ways to a Greener Baby
You can find more information on Jen at www.jmendoza.norwex.biz
Anna Rodney with Chicago Family Doulas
Anna Rodney, Owner and Founder of Chicago Family Doulas Anna has supported families as a doula since 2009 and is committed to providing families with professional, compassionate, and personal support. Anna gives 200% in all she does in life and brings this commitment and passion to every aspect of her work as a doula. Anna has had the reputation of being a kind, calm, and loving person for as long as she can remember. She has always cared deeply for people and strives to support and care for all around her. She has worked with children and families since she was a teen and later on has supported families in the role of a nanny, preschool teacher, Americorps worker, respite worker, special education teacher, and finally as a birth and postpartum doula. Anna was a special educator for ten years prior to becoming a doula and owner of Chicago Family Doulas. Being a life long learner, Anna earned her Master’s degree in Education as well as multiple degrees in Special Education. She is certified as a labor doula through DONA and CAPPA, as a postpartum doula through ProDoula and CAPPA, certified to teach Hypnobirthing, a CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and is a certified Happiest Baby on the Block instructor. Anna is committed to sharing her vast knowledge with the families she works with. She is also committed to training doulas as a labor and postpartum doula trainer through CAPPA and also as a certified CAPPA Childbirth Educator Trainer.
Anna speaks at:
10:00 Why Hire a Birth Doula
10:30 Why Hire a Postpartum Doula
You can find more information about Anna and Chicago Family Doulas at www.ChicagoFamilyDoulas.com
Anna Rodney, Owner and Founder of Chicago Family Doulas Anna has supported families as a doula since 2009 and is committed to providing families with professional, compassionate, and personal support. Anna gives 200% in all she does in life and brings this commitment and passion to every aspect of her work as a doula. Anna has had the reputation of being a kind, calm, and loving person for as long as she can remember. She has always cared deeply for people and strives to support and care for all around her. She has worked with children and families since she was a teen and later on has supported families in the role of a nanny, preschool teacher, Americorps worker, respite worker, special education teacher, and finally as a birth and postpartum doula. Anna was a special educator for ten years prior to becoming a doula and owner of Chicago Family Doulas. Being a life long learner, Anna earned her Master’s degree in Education as well as multiple degrees in Special Education. She is certified as a labor doula through DONA and CAPPA, as a postpartum doula through ProDoula and CAPPA, certified to teach Hypnobirthing, a CAPPA Certified Lactation Educator, a Certified Newborn Care Specialist, and is a certified Happiest Baby on the Block instructor. Anna is committed to sharing her vast knowledge with the families she works with. She is also committed to training doulas as a labor and postpartum doula trainer through CAPPA and also as a certified CAPPA Childbirth Educator Trainer.
Anna speaks at:
10:00 Why Hire a Birth Doula
10:30 Why Hire a Postpartum Doula
You can find more information about Anna and Chicago Family Doulas at www.ChicagoFamilyDoulas.com
Jeanne Gorey of Neighborhood Loans
I am a 39 year veteran in the mortgage business. I love what I do! I have built and maintain so many lasting relationships with past borrowers and my referral partners. I really love the people involved with each transaction and what is needed to be done to get them into their new home. There has not been anything that I have not seen or cannot help with! My strengths would to be able to educate buyers so that they are on the right road to homeownership. I can help them get all of the pieces together before they find the home of their dreams! I can help them get the down payment, the monthly payment, the mortgage program and the credit score that is needed to make buying a home a comfortable reality. Everyone should and could achieve owning their own home. I can also assist in refinancing and lowering your bills and monthly debts. Owning a home is a fantastic investment in your future. I am the Mortgage Jeanne and I can make your wishes for your dream home come true!
Jeanne speaks at:
11:00 on Steps for Financing Your Family's New Home
To Contact Jeanne www.Jeannegorey.com. Jeanne Gorey Neighborhood Loans, INC. [email protected]. 630-363-6114. Instagram @mortgagejeanne facebook is Jeanne L Gorey ( that is my business page)linked in Jeanne-gorey, instagram is mortgagejeanne
I am a 39 year veteran in the mortgage business. I love what I do! I have built and maintain so many lasting relationships with past borrowers and my referral partners. I really love the people involved with each transaction and what is needed to be done to get them into their new home. There has not been anything that I have not seen or cannot help with! My strengths would to be able to educate buyers so that they are on the right road to homeownership. I can help them get all of the pieces together before they find the home of their dreams! I can help them get the down payment, the monthly payment, the mortgage program and the credit score that is needed to make buying a home a comfortable reality. Everyone should and could achieve owning their own home. I can also assist in refinancing and lowering your bills and monthly debts. Owning a home is a fantastic investment in your future. I am the Mortgage Jeanne and I can make your wishes for your dream home come true!
Jeanne speaks at:
11:00 on Steps for Financing Your Family's New Home
To Contact Jeanne www.Jeannegorey.com. Jeanne Gorey Neighborhood Loans, INC. [email protected]. 630-363-6114. Instagram @mortgagejeanne facebook is Jeanne L Gorey ( that is my business page)linked in Jeanne-gorey, instagram is mortgagejeanne
Vendor Spotlight Matilda Jane Clothing-Nicole Ervin
I'm Nicole, your Matilda Jane & Good Hart Trunk Keeper/Stylist. Matilda Jane Clothing has clothes and accessories for baby, girls, tweens, teens, AND women!
I was introduced to Matilda Jane when my daughter was a toddler, but I wish it had been sooner! The clothes are adorable, quality, and outlasted the other store brands I had been buying, going from dress to tunic to top. Soon, I started wearing MJ women's clothes – I liked having unique pieces to add to my wardrobe. I hosted as a "Jane" to get half-offs and free items. Then, I finally decided to sell as a Trunk Keeper. I love the company and how passionate they are about helping and educating girls.
Matilda Jane Clothing has one overriding goal – to bring happiness into the lives of our customers. One twirl at a time. There's something for all women, all ages, from newborn on up. Our women's clothes are flowy, comfy, and fit amazing before, during, and after your pregnancy. Our baby clothes start at NB sizing and will grow with your little one. I can't wait to meet you and introduce you to Matilda Jane!
Nicole will be speaking on Matilda Jane Clothing at:
11:20 and 2:20
For more information on Matilda Jane Clothing and Nicole visit www.matildajaneclothing.com/NicoleErvin
I'm Nicole, your Matilda Jane & Good Hart Trunk Keeper/Stylist. Matilda Jane Clothing has clothes and accessories for baby, girls, tweens, teens, AND women!
I was introduced to Matilda Jane when my daughter was a toddler, but I wish it had been sooner! The clothes are adorable, quality, and outlasted the other store brands I had been buying, going from dress to tunic to top. Soon, I started wearing MJ women's clothes – I liked having unique pieces to add to my wardrobe. I hosted as a "Jane" to get half-offs and free items. Then, I finally decided to sell as a Trunk Keeper. I love the company and how passionate they are about helping and educating girls.
Matilda Jane Clothing has one overriding goal – to bring happiness into the lives of our customers. One twirl at a time. There's something for all women, all ages, from newborn on up. Our women's clothes are flowy, comfy, and fit amazing before, during, and after your pregnancy. Our baby clothes start at NB sizing and will grow with your little one. I can't wait to meet you and introduce you to Matilda Jane!
Nicole will be speaking on Matilda Jane Clothing at:
11:20 and 2:20
For more information on Matilda Jane Clothing and Nicole visit www.matildajaneclothing.com/NicoleErvin
Jen Bugajsky of The Freedom Keys
A corporate executive for much of her career, Jen guides women to bridge success in the workplace into more expansive success in their life and relationships. With over 25 years' experience speaking nationally and globally, she now brings her message of identifying and accessing a woman's feminine superpower to smaller, more intimate communities.
Jen helps women stop feeling numb, get out of your head and connect with your heart, body and feelings, to express the real YOU!! She brings mastery level awareness to embrace your sensuality, in a safe and comfortable way so you can heal your relationships with the divine masculine and feminine and fully step into the WOMAN God created you to be.
She focuses on using embodiment practices which connect your thoughts with the feelings in your body. It takes your beliefs and anchors the deep truth that you sense, feel and honor within your body. This allows you to be fully expressed in all areas of your life, including your relationships and your business. This sensory integration of mind and body is the pathway to success because when you, as a woman, own… feel… and love…, the most intimate parts of yourself, YOU claim your value and worth.
A multi-passionate performer, singer/songwriter, ballroom dancer, and mom of four young men, Jen walks her talk in how to clear any blocks to fully owning her feminine superpower! Through her own life's experiences and years of self-study and deep work with powerful teachers, Jen helps women create the intimacy and connection they crave by feeling sexier and more alive and confident in their bodies as they build passion-filled lives.
Jen speaks at:
11:30 on Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Birth
Find more information about Jen and her work at www.TheFreedomKeys.com
A corporate executive for much of her career, Jen guides women to bridge success in the workplace into more expansive success in their life and relationships. With over 25 years' experience speaking nationally and globally, she now brings her message of identifying and accessing a woman's feminine superpower to smaller, more intimate communities.
Jen helps women stop feeling numb, get out of your head and connect with your heart, body and feelings, to express the real YOU!! She brings mastery level awareness to embrace your sensuality, in a safe and comfortable way so you can heal your relationships with the divine masculine and feminine and fully step into the WOMAN God created you to be.
She focuses on using embodiment practices which connect your thoughts with the feelings in your body. It takes your beliefs and anchors the deep truth that you sense, feel and honor within your body. This allows you to be fully expressed in all areas of your life, including your relationships and your business. This sensory integration of mind and body is the pathway to success because when you, as a woman, own… feel… and love…, the most intimate parts of yourself, YOU claim your value and worth.
A multi-passionate performer, singer/songwriter, ballroom dancer, and mom of four young men, Jen walks her talk in how to clear any blocks to fully owning her feminine superpower! Through her own life's experiences and years of self-study and deep work with powerful teachers, Jen helps women create the intimacy and connection they crave by feeling sexier and more alive and confident in their bodies as they build passion-filled lives.
Jen speaks at:
11:30 on Reclaiming Your Sexuality After Birth
Find more information about Jen and her work at www.TheFreedomKeys.com
Solid Foundations Therapy -Irene Schreiner, LMFT owner and therapist
Irene speaks at:
12:00 on 4 Ways to Protect Your Relationship When You Become a Parent
Hello! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Solid Foundations Therapy in Downers Grove, IL I lead a team of amazing therapists who are passionate about helping individuals and couples learn the skills necessary to have the best possible relationships. Relationships are hard and the truth is no one teaches us how to be good partners. That’s where we come in! Our practice is known for being practical, goal oriented and tools based.
To find out more information on Solid Foundations Therapy visit https://solidfoundationstherapy.com/
Irene speaks at:
12:00 on 4 Ways to Protect Your Relationship When You Become a Parent
Hello! I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of Solid Foundations Therapy in Downers Grove, IL I lead a team of amazing therapists who are passionate about helping individuals and couples learn the skills necessary to have the best possible relationships. Relationships are hard and the truth is no one teaches us how to be good partners. That’s where we come in! Our practice is known for being practical, goal oriented and tools based.
To find out more information on Solid Foundations Therapy visit https://solidfoundationstherapy.com/
Jacinta Lagos Birth and Babies
Born and raised in Argentina, I'm a wife, a mom of 2 boys and a birth Photographer and videographer. I'm also a Birth Doula and yes, I can do those 3 things at a time.
Jacinta speaks at:
12:30 on Why should a professional document the birth of my baby?
For more information on Jacinta and her services visit jacintalagos.com
Born and raised in Argentina, I'm a wife, a mom of 2 boys and a birth Photographer and videographer. I'm also a Birth Doula and yes, I can do those 3 things at a time.
Jacinta speaks at:
12:30 on Why should a professional document the birth of my baby?
For more information on Jacinta and her services visit jacintalagos.com
Vendor Spotlight- Discovery Toys with Becky Knol
Becky Knol is an expert in learning through the fun of positive play. She has partnered with Discovery Toys to provide toys, books, and games which are high-quality, kid-powered, educational, and most importantly fun! Discovery Toys has been around for over 40 years so you may have played with these toys yourself and know they stand the test of time.
To find out more information on Becky and Discovery Toys visit www.dtoylady.com
Becky Knol is an expert in learning through the fun of positive play. She has partnered with Discovery Toys to provide toys, books, and games which are high-quality, kid-powered, educational, and most importantly fun! Discovery Toys has been around for over 40 years so you may have played with these toys yourself and know they stand the test of time.
To find out more information on Becky and Discovery Toys visit www.dtoylady.com
Lindsey Antman, owner of Mind Body Kitchen
is a certified eating psychology coach, yoga teacher, mind body nutrition and food freedom expert. Inspired by her own journey of overcoming a disordered food mindset and an unhappy body image, she created her coaching company in order to guide individuals in getting to the roots of their challenges with eating. Lindsey’s greatest priority is to connect and empathize with people as if she’s listening to a close friend. She helps her clients reclaim their time, their thoughts, and live more mindfully to enjoy their lives with greater peace of mind. Lindsey fully believes that health and happiness are not separate. She offers private coaching for women and professionals, group workshops, seminars and yoga classes; Let Lindsey help you own your wellness journey and live the healthy life you crave!
Lindsey speaks at:
1:00 on Your Body is a Home (for you and baby)
For more information on Lindsey and Mind Body Kitchen visit https://www.mindbodykitchen.org
is a certified eating psychology coach, yoga teacher, mind body nutrition and food freedom expert. Inspired by her own journey of overcoming a disordered food mindset and an unhappy body image, she created her coaching company in order to guide individuals in getting to the roots of their challenges with eating. Lindsey’s greatest priority is to connect and empathize with people as if she’s listening to a close friend. She helps her clients reclaim their time, their thoughts, and live more mindfully to enjoy their lives with greater peace of mind. Lindsey fully believes that health and happiness are not separate. She offers private coaching for women and professionals, group workshops, seminars and yoga classes; Let Lindsey help you own your wellness journey and live the healthy life you crave!
Lindsey speaks at:
1:00 on Your Body is a Home (for you and baby)
For more information on Lindsey and Mind Body Kitchen visit https://www.mindbodykitchen.org
Vendor Spotlight: Lisa Zak Everything Has A Place with Lisa
See Lisa's bio above
Lisa will be speaking at:
1:30
See Lisa's bio above
Lisa will be speaking at:
1:30
Dr Kelly Dixon of Growing Wellness
Dr. Kelly never grew out of that phase where kids ask "Why?" all the time. She'll help uncover the "why" of your pain, fatigue, digestion issues and more. Then she'll work with you to create a plan implementing small, buildable changes in your life to get you more energy, less pain and feeling better. Dr. Kelly excels in creative and adaptive solutions for folks who are too tired, busy or overwhelmed to even start making changes. When she's not at the office Dr. Kelly can be found attempting to make friends with all the animals - wild & domestic. She also loves bringing nature indoors and has collected more than 100 house plants.
Dr Kelly speaks at:
2:00 on Functional Medicine and Your Newborn
To find more information about Dr Kelly at Growing Wellness visit www.GrowingWellness.org or visit the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GrowingWellness
Dr. Kelly never grew out of that phase where kids ask "Why?" all the time. She'll help uncover the "why" of your pain, fatigue, digestion issues and more. Then she'll work with you to create a plan implementing small, buildable changes in your life to get you more energy, less pain and feeling better. Dr. Kelly excels in creative and adaptive solutions for folks who are too tired, busy or overwhelmed to even start making changes. When she's not at the office Dr. Kelly can be found attempting to make friends with all the animals - wild & domestic. She also loves bringing nature indoors and has collected more than 100 house plants.
Dr Kelly speaks at:
2:00 on Functional Medicine and Your Newborn
To find more information about Dr Kelly at Growing Wellness visit www.GrowingWellness.org or visit the facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GrowingWellness
2:20 Vendor Spotlight-Matilda Jane Clothing with Nicole Ervin (see Nicole's bio above)
For more information on Matilda Jane Clothing visit www.matildajaneclothing.com/NicoleErvin
For more information on Matilda Jane Clothing visit www.matildajaneclothing.com/NicoleErvin
Jen Hall Aromatherapy
My name is Jen Hall and I own Jen Hall Aromatherapy. I am A certified aromatherapist and an Independent Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils. I teach you how to safely and cost effectively use your essential oils topically, aromatically, and internally.
Jen speaks at:
2:30 on Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Birth
To find more information about Jen Hall Aromatherapy visit www.jenhallaromatherapy.com
My name is Jen Hall and I own Jen Hall Aromatherapy. I am A certified aromatherapist and an Independent Distributor for Young Living Essential Oils. I teach you how to safely and cost effectively use your essential oils topically, aromatically, and internally.
Jen speaks at:
2:30 on Essential Oils for Pregnancy and Birth
To find more information about Jen Hall Aromatherapy visit www.jenhallaromatherapy.com
Francesca Vanderwall, Financial Advisor
Francesca Vanderwall joined Edward Jones in 2019 as a financial advisor based in Shorewood, Illinois after being a client for over 20 years. Her practice focuses on helping empower women and developing a wealth mindset.
Francesca earned a master of business administration degree from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She obtained a bachelor's degree with honors from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where she was a double major in marketing and international business.
Francesca serves on the board for the Chicago Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association and is a chapter leader for WESOS. She is married and hopes to be a mother one of these days.
Francesca speaks at:
3:00 on College: Getting There from Here
To find our more information about Francesa Vanderwall, Financial Advisor visit www.edwardjones.com/francesca-vanderwall
Francesca Vanderwall joined Edward Jones in 2019 as a financial advisor based in Shorewood, Illinois after being a client for over 20 years. Her practice focuses on helping empower women and developing a wealth mindset.
Francesca earned a master of business administration degree from the Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She obtained a bachelor's degree with honors from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, where she was a double major in marketing and international business.
Francesca serves on the board for the Chicago Chapter of the Indiana University Alumni Association and is a chapter leader for WESOS. She is married and hopes to be a mother one of these days.
Francesca speaks at:
3:00 on College: Getting There from Here
To find our more information about Francesa Vanderwall, Financial Advisor visit www.edwardjones.com/francesca-vanderwall
Lisa Zimmermann with Maternal Child Connections
Lisa has worked as a hospital nurse in pediatric units, postpartum units, and Special Care Nurseries. Lisa also held the title of Pediatric Nurse at Haymarket Center, where she helped women addicted to opiates and now on Methadone maintenance, become mothers during their pregnancy and after the delivery of their baby. She was able to secure a 70% initiation rate for breastfeeding among this population. Lisa learned how to do effective home visiting, focus on the bonding of the maternal-child dyad, and the power of supporting women. It was this experience that molds the values of MCC, and our emphasis on mental health.
Created in 2015, MCC offers lactation consultations, education, and postpartum doula services. Lisa holds expertise in infant growth and development, attachment, and newborn care. Possessing a Bachelor's Degree In Anthropology, with a minor in race relations. Lisa proudly serves and learns from all Chicago families!
Lisa speaks at:
3:30 on Preserving Breastfeeding While at the Hospital
To find out more information on Lisa and Maternal Child Connections visit www.maternalchildconnect.com
Lisa has worked as a hospital nurse in pediatric units, postpartum units, and Special Care Nurseries. Lisa also held the title of Pediatric Nurse at Haymarket Center, where she helped women addicted to opiates and now on Methadone maintenance, become mothers during their pregnancy and after the delivery of their baby. She was able to secure a 70% initiation rate for breastfeeding among this population. Lisa learned how to do effective home visiting, focus on the bonding of the maternal-child dyad, and the power of supporting women. It was this experience that molds the values of MCC, and our emphasis on mental health.
Created in 2015, MCC offers lactation consultations, education, and postpartum doula services. Lisa holds expertise in infant growth and development, attachment, and newborn care. Possessing a Bachelor's Degree In Anthropology, with a minor in race relations. Lisa proudly serves and learns from all Chicago families!
Lisa speaks at:
3:30 on Preserving Breastfeeding While at the Hospital
To find out more information on Lisa and Maternal Child Connections visit www.maternalchildconnect.com
Ariel Swift
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Birth Center of Chicago
Before joining the team with the new Birth Center of Chicago, Ariel has worked as a doula since 2011. Her work as a certified labor and postpartum doula through DONA Int., Birth Arts International, and ProDoula helped her see very different perspectives on how a doula can be useful for a family navigating pregnancy, labor, and postpartum healing. Ariel is currently working through Doula Trainings International for even more perspective on doula care through a birth justice lens focusing on gender equality.
In 2014, Ariel decided to switch from being an independent doula to an agency, building a network of support with the creation of Doulas of Chicago. Her goal has always been to find sustainable doula practices and reliable, safe, and satisfying doula care for clients. Ariel became a labor and postpartum doula trainer from 2016 to 2018. Through various roles, Ariel has mentored over 400 new doulas across the country and in Chicago.
Ariel has two children. They identify currently as girl and boy. Being a child who experienced the benefits of a play-filled homeschooling childhood in Eastern Washington State, Ariel believes parenting is unique in its access and impact to change the world. Ariel has strong opinions about respecting children through their growth. Ariel also knows she is a much better parent when she has the support of other adults who love her kids.
Ariel speaks at:
5:00 on So You Want To Have A Baby At A Birth Center
To find out more information on the Birth Center of Chicago visit www.birthcenterofchicago.com
Outreach & Education Coordinator
Birth Center of Chicago
Before joining the team with the new Birth Center of Chicago, Ariel has worked as a doula since 2011. Her work as a certified labor and postpartum doula through DONA Int., Birth Arts International, and ProDoula helped her see very different perspectives on how a doula can be useful for a family navigating pregnancy, labor, and postpartum healing. Ariel is currently working through Doula Trainings International for even more perspective on doula care through a birth justice lens focusing on gender equality.
In 2014, Ariel decided to switch from being an independent doula to an agency, building a network of support with the creation of Doulas of Chicago. Her goal has always been to find sustainable doula practices and reliable, safe, and satisfying doula care for clients. Ariel became a labor and postpartum doula trainer from 2016 to 2018. Through various roles, Ariel has mentored over 400 new doulas across the country and in Chicago.
Ariel has two children. They identify currently as girl and boy. Being a child who experienced the benefits of a play-filled homeschooling childhood in Eastern Washington State, Ariel believes parenting is unique in its access and impact to change the world. Ariel has strong opinions about respecting children through their growth. Ariel also knows she is a much better parent when she has the support of other adults who love her kids.
Ariel speaks at:
5:00 on So You Want To Have A Baby At A Birth Center
To find out more information on the Birth Center of Chicago visit www.birthcenterofchicago.com
Leena Bird, Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Specialist
Leena believes in women’s inner strength ...and her own journey thru motherhood and breast cancer has affirmed this. Leena has dedicated more than ten years of her career to becoming an expert in helping mamas feel confident in their bodies and minds. With her personalized guidance and support, mamas can reconnect with their bodies and live energized lives filled with movement, confidence and joy as they raise their beautiful families. Leena Bird Physical Therapy provides in-home, customized physical therapy to women during pregnancy and after childbirth, all while working with the busy schedules of moms like YOU. Serving the western suburbs of Chicago, Leena provides you with the support and tools to remain active and return to what you LOVE!
Leena speaks at:
5:30 on What you should REALLY do after (and before!) the “all clear” at your postpartum visit
For more information on Leena visit https://www.leenabirdpt.com
Leena believes in women’s inner strength ...and her own journey thru motherhood and breast cancer has affirmed this. Leena has dedicated more than ten years of her career to becoming an expert in helping mamas feel confident in their bodies and minds. With her personalized guidance and support, mamas can reconnect with their bodies and live energized lives filled with movement, confidence and joy as they raise their beautiful families. Leena Bird Physical Therapy provides in-home, customized physical therapy to women during pregnancy and after childbirth, all while working with the busy schedules of moms like YOU. Serving the western suburbs of Chicago, Leena provides you with the support and tools to remain active and return to what you LOVE!
Leena speaks at:
5:30 on What you should REALLY do after (and before!) the “all clear” at your postpartum visit
For more information on Leena visit https://www.leenabirdpt.com