Chicago Volunteer Doulas - Planning for childbirth

Chicago, Illinois
312.523.3827
info@thecvd.org
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Services in a nutshell

Chicago Volunteer Doulas (CVD) provides compassionate, community-based birth and postpartum support to individuals and families in the Chicago area. We offer low-cost, sliding-scale doula services to those who qualify, ensuring that birth support is accessible to all, regardless of financial circumstances. Our trained doulas support families through pregnancy, labor, and postpartum, emphasizing holistic, client-centered care.

Doulas (birth)/ Labor supportVolunteer doulas (free and discounted)
More about us

CVD is committed to providing continuous, relationship-based birth and postpartum doula support to families across Chicago. Our doulas are trained professionals who assist families in preparing for birth, navigating the labor process, and transitioning into postpartum recovery.

Doula Support Model

Unlike the previous on-call model, we now match clients with a primary and backup doula who will support them throughout their pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum period. Our doulas provide:

  • Prenatal visits to discuss birth plans and provide education
  • Labor and birth support at birth centers, or hospitals
  • Postpartum visits for recovery support, including breastfeeding assistance
    and emotional care
  • Virtual and in-person options based on client needs
Who We Serve

We serve individuals delivering at any Chicago-area hospital or birth center.

CVD prioritizes support for individuals from low-income and historically marginalized communities. Our services are available to anyone in need but typically cover those
who:

  • Have a household income under $50,000 per year
  • Are experiencing financial hardship
  • Identify as part of a vulnerable or underserved community

Our goal is to ensure that everyone who wants a doula has access to one.

How Much Does It Cost?

While CVD does not charge a set fee, we ask clients to contribute what they can to help sustain our work. The average contribution is $600, but sliding-scale options start at $200 for those who qualify. Private doulas in Chicago typically charge $2,500 or more per birth – our model makes doula care more accessible while ensuring doulas are fairly compensated.

Additional Services We Offer
  • Postpartum Doula Support – Emotional and practical care for new parents
  • Lactation Support – Help with breastfeeding and chestfeeding
  • Abortion Doula Support – Emotional and physical support for those navigating abortion care
  • Grief & Loss Support – Compassionate care following miscarriage or stillbirth
Our team

TRAINING & CERTIFICATIONS

Our doulas are trained professionals who have completed comprehensive, full-spectrum support training (including labor support, postpartum, mental health first aid, and CPR/BLS) from accredited organizations. Many of our doulas are certified or pursuing certification through DONA International.

CVD doulas come from a wide range of backgrounds, including healthcare, social work, childcare, and community organizing. Some of our doulas speak multiple languages, and we strive to match clients with a doula who meets their specific needs.

Our doulas have been trained through nationally recognized programs, and many hold certifications in:

  • Birth Doula Support
  • Postpartum Doula Support
  • Lactation Support
  • Trauma-Informed Care
  • Full-Spectrum Doula Work (including abortion and pregnancy loss support)

Each doula has been interviewed and vetted prior to entering our training program to ensure alignment with our mission and a commitment to providing equitable, compassionate, and professional care.

Testimonials

ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER
Chicago Volunteer DoulasChicago Volunteer Doulas
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS

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