BirthGuide Chicago • Recovering from Trauma & Loss • People Medicine • Explore your approach to birth and find providers who are right for you

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment....

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: The content on BirthGuide does not provide medical advice. Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. The Complementary Care Directory is a paid membership directory. Members provide the information in their listings, which is not vetted by BirthGuide. The listing of an individual or entity in this directory does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by BirthGuide. By using this directory you agree to be bound by the BirthGuide Terms & Conditions of Use. If you do not wish to be bound by these terms and conditions, please do not access the directory.

Support as you navigate trauma and loss

Certified Child Life Specialists are professionals who are educated on, and clinically trained in, the developmental impact of illness, injury, grief, bereavement, and trauma. Creating tailored interventions involving therapeutic play, developmentally appropriate education and preparation, memory making and legacy building, self-advocacy skills, and coping strategies galore, Certified Child Life Specialists meet families where they are, making life’s most challenging and impactful moments a little bit easier.

Child life services include but are not limited to…

Medical/dental procedural preparation & support
Diagnosis education
End-of-life, grief, & bereavement support
School re-entry services following illness or loss
Sibling support
Medication adherence
Transitional support

ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER

Birth Doulas & Childbirth Services

People

Alexis Rhodes

MS, CCLS, IPPE-C

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Alexis Rhodes (She/Her)

MS, CCLS, IPPE-C, DONA Birth Doula Certification [in progress]

When you ask children what they want to be when they grow up, it’s not uncommon to hear “a doctor.” It is, however, rare to meet a school-age child with homemade textbooks filled with labor and delivery terminology, requesting opportunities to shadow local OBGYNs. Growing up watching “Bringing Home Baby” and “Deliver Me,” I found myself entranced by the beauty of birth from an exceedingly young age. And while that awestruck wonder has remained throughout my professional journey, I found my passion, not in providing medical care (although I was in medical school for a short period of time), but in supporting those navigating some of life’s most impactful moments.

Though I am relatively new to the birth doula world, providing psychosocial support to individuals navigating medical experiences is something I am FAR from a stranger to. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, I have worked in a variety of settings (from the emergency department to inpatient rehabilitation and beyond), empowering children and families in their healthcare journeys. I am intentional in providing individualized, evidence-based support and am exceedingly passionate about advocating for informed decision-making, promoting autonomy and active participation in care. I have seen firsthand the therapeutic value of education and preparation and am deliberate in ensuring that those I have the privilege of supporting are given the opportunity to make choices grounded, not in fear, but in steadfast confidence. I am a medical jargon translator, pharmacological and non-pharmacological pain management aficionado, and voice amplifier.

When I’m not spending my time empowering and advocating as a birth doula and child life specialist, you can find me exploring local markets and community events, snuggling my cats, crafting to my heart’s content, and video chatting with my niece and nephew.

Along with my training through DONA, I’m a Certified Child Life Specialist (through the ACLP— the Association of Child Life Professionals), an Evidence Based Birth Professional Member, and certified through the International Partnership for Perinatal Excellence.

* Alexis is fully vaccinated

Testimonials

“After a very severe diagnosis of GBS in October 2024 Paityn was transferred to [rehabilitation hospital]. She was there for 14 weeks. In that time she had many therapies with Alexis, child life specialist. Paityn and Alexis bonded right away with their love for all things Taylor Swift. Alexis supported her by spending time helping her process her many feelings about her situation, relearning to take medicine on her own and also was there for the removal of her trach. Alexis was always there to cheer her on and support everything Paityn did. And she still is one of her biggest cheerleaders!”

Sandy Castillo

“My name is Norma Ramos. I met Alexis at one of my most critical times in life. My daughter, Dania, suffered a traumatic brain injury a couple of months prior, we were sought out by [physician from rehabilitation hospital]. Alexis was very pivotal in her journey to recovery and healing. The amount of care, respect, and dignity Alexis showed Dania will always be regarded as a high quality trait for a professional in this field. Alexis is a high caliber persona with many, many, many beautiful qualities that add to every scenario she faces with the kids she cares for. Dania faced so many challenges during her recovery. Alexis was there every step of the way to ensure that Dania had the tools necessary to cope, heal, and recover. Every moment with Alexis is authentic and pure. She is nothing short of heaven sent, especially in your most critical moments. She’s that special ingredient your child needs at the moment they need it …”

Norma Ramos

“Alexis was a ray of sunshine during a dark storm for our family. She brought tons of giggles and smiles to our son Beckett during his nine-week inpatient stay at [rehabilitation hospital]. She created meaningful activities for Beckett to feel connected with his big sister at home, like making a mailbox for them to leave messages for each other. Alexis also made a social story to help our daughter understand all the therapies Beckett was receiving. We were so appreciative of her help preparing Beckett for his monthly IVIG procedure. Alexis explained everything in a way he could understand and used play to simulate the infusion, complete with real medical tools and sounds. She even created a chart for us to give to his nurses each month, which has helped Beckett feel less anxious and ensured he gets the best care. Alexis’ compassionate demeanor made our family feel truly loved and seen. We couldn’t be more thankful for her support.”

– David & Christine Wear