Our collective works together to provide top quality care.
Meet the Founders
Nicki Worden
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Certified Birth Doula (ICEA)
Licensed Massage Therapist
Doula Training (DONA, 2012)
700+ births attended
Extra trainings in positioning techniques & comfort measures
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Becoming a mother changed my life in ways I never imagined and my passion for being a doula was literally “born” from my own experiences of childbirth.
From C-section to medicated VBAC (Vaginal Birth after Caesarean) to un-medicated VBAC to homebirth VBAC, each my own unique birth experience taught me so much about myself, about what women are capable of, and how critically important education and support are to a positive and rewarding birth experience.
My own very different birthing experiences and the many births I have attended since becoming a doula in 2012, have led to where I am today – I am passionate and driven to help women and their families have their own incredible, amazing birth experience.
My goal is very simple: To educate. To empower. To be helpful. With kindness and care. And without judgment. My goal is to support your birth – your way.
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BIRTH DOULA, MASSAGE THERAPIST
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Approved Doula Trainer (ICEA, 2024)
Certified Birth Doula (ICEA, 2008)
Childbirth Educator Training (ICEA, 2001)
400+ births attended
VBAC certified (TVL)
Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator
Extra trainings in trauma, bereavement, positioning techniques, & comfort
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I am a mom to 4 kids who are all grown up now. Raising them has been the most fulfilling role in my lifetime, but the transition to motherhood definitely rocked my world.
My husband and I had difficulty finding support and reliable information when we became parents for the first time. We experienced miscarriage, complications, and interventions, and often felt lost as we tried to figure it all out on our own.
I became trained as a childbirth educator because I wanted to share everything I had learned with new parents and help them feel encouraged, strong, and informed. On this path, I found out what a doula was, and that changed everything for me.
Now as a doula, I get to guide new parents and be with them throughout their experience. I love helping people to engage their mind, body, and spirit in their birth experience and to discover their own strength along the way.
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BIRTH DOULA, CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR
Tara Van Dyke
Experienced Team Doulas
Whitney Burns
Whitney is currently on maternity leave, enjoying time with her new baby. More info coming soon!
BIRTH DOULA
Christina Prechter
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DONA, certified since January 2023
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I grew up in a small village in Central African Republic where I was exposed to birth both as a normal and natural part of life, and also to the sometimes harsh realities of trauma in a context with almost no access to medical care. I developed a fascination with birth as a process where incredible power and profound vulnerability come together in the act of giving life to another. I believe that birth--the way every single person under the sun enters the world--says something profound about our vulnerability and connectedness as human beings: at the foundation of our existence is self-giving love.
My own first birth experience fanned into flame a passion for supporting women toward a peaceful and bonding first meeting with their baby, as well as a respectful and empowering experience of their body's capacity and strength. I love supporting families physically, emotionally and informationally in their birth journey, where time and again mothers prove stronger than they knew they could be in the work of giving life.
I am a mother of three beautiful children--two boys and a girl, and most of my days are spent doing life with them. I enjoy running, gardening, reading, and singing and playing music with my kids. I also love learning languages, and have my BA in cultural anthropology and an MA in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
BIRTH DOULA
Lauren Foster
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DONA doula training 2017
Lactation training 2017
Spinning Babies training 2021
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Immediately after the birth of my second child I looked at my doula and exclaimed "you have the best job in the world"! Having experienced labor with and without a doula I was blown away by the difference it made to have consistent support, ideas, and advocacy.
I thought in that moment how wonderful it would be to similarly walk alongside women and help them to feel cared for in one of the most vulnerable times of life. It was less than a year after this birth experience that I trained to become a doula, and I am so thankful that I did!
My husband Graham and I have six children and love spending time with them outside, especially working together in the garden. My kids are very familiar with birth and therefore get excited each time I head out the door to attend one. I enjoy reading, birdwatching, and hiking.
BIRTH DOULA
Why we work together
We’re a collective—meaning each doula runs her own independent business, but we team up to share wisdom, resources, and backup so every family gets the best possible care.
New parents need a village. Turns out… so do doulas.
Running a solo doula business can be rewarding, but it can also get lonely and exhausting. A few years ago, we started leaning on each other for backup, brainstorming, and moral support. Our clients noticed—and loved—the seamless teamwork. That’s when we realized: we were better, stronger, and happier together.
Here’s what makes our collective tick:
No judgment, ever. We attend all kinds of births, in all kinds of settings, with all kinds of goals. Your birth, your way.
Local know-how. We know Chicagoland’s birth culture and hospital policies like the back of our (very busy) hands.
Passion for new parents. We’re all about helping families grow in confidence, resilience, and joy.
Real relationships. We make time to connect and build trust—with our clients and with the medical teams—long before your baby arrives.
Experience that counts. Together, we’ve attended hundreds of births and draw on years of collective wisdom to create a customized plan for every client.
Working together means we share ideas, resources, and inspiration. It keeps our care fresh, our energy high, and our hearts in the work. And when you hire one of us, you’re really getting the support and brainpower of the whole crew.
We believe we’re better together—and we can’t wait to join our team with yours.
Our shared values
Respect for your unique goals, background, and choices
Informed decision-making
Evidence-based practices
Continuous care
Community support