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Archways Birth Support - Classes, Workshops & Support Groups

1937 W. Diversey Parkway
Chicago, Illinois 60614

candace@archwaysbirthsupport.com

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SERVICES IN NUTSHELL

Archways Birth Support provides birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum classes and childbirth doula services. You’ll get evidence-based information, pain-coping techniques, pregnancy nutrition, birth planning, labor comfort measures, decision-making strategies, postpartum comfort measures, postpartum planning, breastfeeding information, and much more!

MORE ABOUT US

Classes & Workshops

Birthing from Within (Chicago)

For those in the Chicago area, join us in person for a one-afternoon class. In addition to evidence-based information, you’ll learn mindset tactics and coping skills to prepare for the transformational experience of birth.

Birthing from Within (Virtual)

Join us over Zoom for this 4-class series. We’ll cover what to expect during your hospital birth. In addition to evidence-based information, you’ll learn mindset tactics and coping skills to prepare for the transformational experience of birth.

Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop (Virtual)

Schedule a private Prenatal Breastfeeding Workshop with me to learn how to get started with breastfeeding (it does NOT all come naturally!). We’ll also cover some of the common pitfalls that cause nursing to end before you are ready.

Postpartum Planning Package (Virtual)

Schedule a private Postpartum Planning Package with me to prepare for the postpartum period that all parents deserve, but is often missing from our society. Together we’ll build a custom plan for postpartum rest, comfort measures, nutrition, and infant bonding.

Learn more here.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER

Birth Doulas & Childbirth Services

People

Candace Donlin

Birth Doula, Certified Childbirth Educator

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Hi! I’m Candace.

I’m a mom, childbirth educator, and doula.

I offer evidence-based, nonjudgmental, and compassionate support—like many other skilled birth educators and doulas. But here’s what makes working with me different:

I’m all about preparing, gathering information, and embracing birth as a life-changing journey.

If your approach to birth is to “go with the flow”—without learning what to expect, exploring your options, preparing for postpartum, or reflecting on the experience ahead—then I’m probably not your ideal match.

But if you want to embrace your birth experience as the incredible transformation that it is, you’re in the right place.

So what led me to this work?

I’ve always been drawn to babies, teaching, caretaking, and community-building. But I knew very little about birth when I was pregnant with my first baby over 11 years ago. So I started reading and took a birth class. I was hooked. My birth experience was empowering and fulfilling, and it made me realize that birth is a profound rite of passage.

I also realized that when women are made to feel like they’re NOT the experts on their own bodies; when things aren’t explained to them, or they’re not treated with respect, it strips away confidence right as they should be coming into their own as mothers. That makes the transition to parenthood tougher. It can also do lasting physical, mental, and emotional harm.

Fast forward to three more children, moves to two different states, a lot of life lived, and so much learning about pregnancy, birth, postpartum, and babies…I now have my dream job – I get to support families and witness their incredible courage as they bring their children into this world.

A Bit More About Me

I live in the Chicago area with my four kids, husband, and two dogs.

I grew up on the East Coast, went to the University of Maryland, and lived in Washington DC and Maryland for over 10 years before moving to the Midwest.

Aside from my family and birth work, my biggest passions are reading and nature. I hope to run another marathon and take up rock climbing again someday. In the meantime, I love hiking with my friends and our kids.

I enjoyed a career in digital media advertising before switching gears to stay home when my second child was born. Now, with Archways Birth Support, I get to combine my business background with my love of all things birth and parenting.

Testimonials

Thank you so much Candace! We found the class extremely helpful and are so grateful for these resources and your guidance. We especially found the recommended birthing positions, massage techniques, pain coping strategies, and breathing exercises helpful. Thank you for making this last huge step of our pregnancy experience less stressful!

Clara D.

“We had an amazing experience with the Birthing from Within class with Candace! She was knowledgeable and compassionate, making the session informative and reassuring. We left feeling well-prepared and confident for the journey ahead as first time parents.”

Adrienne Q.

“We loved working with Candace privately! She tailored our classes to what we wanted to focus on. She was patient with all of our questions while being first time parents. I highly recommend taking a birth class with her. She helped us feel better prepared for our birth experience.”

Darcy L.

When it comes to breastfeeding, Candace is a wealth of evidence-based knowledge, experience, and empathy. I knew that I wanted to breastfeed our first child, but felt intimidated and overwhelmed by the prospect. Candace shared information and resources that helped break it down and take the mystery out of the process. We walked away with more tools, confidence, and an actionable plan for when baby arrives. Highly recommend!

Meryl H.