My family recently reached out to Lactation Partners seeking urgent breastfeeding support for our…read morenewborn twins during a difficult postpartum moment. We live on the South Side of Chicago, near South loop and were hoping to schedule a consultation. The response we received stated that they "do not travel to our location in any case" and that their schedule was booked for the next two weeks. While I understand providers have service limits and busy schedules, the wording felt abrupt and lacking empathy given the circumstances. It was also confusing because Yelp's service map suggests coverage across Chicago, which gave us the impression South Side families were included. "South Chicago" is a large and diverse part of the city with many middle-class families simply looking for postpartum support. I'm sharing this so other South Side parents know this provider may not service this area when urgently searching for help. I hope the practice considers clarifying their service area and responding to families with more compassion during vulnerable moments.

If I could give Lactation Partners and Joan Kessler 10/10 stars, I would!!!…read more There are so many aspects of postpartum that are new, overwhelming and intense, all at the same time. Joan is an incredible expert in her field, kind, precise, beyond helpful and the ultimate professional. From the moment she walked in to our home, she swiftly addressed our concerns/hurdles and assessed the situation with swift precision and a targeted plan, allowing us to support our baby in the best and most immediate way possible. She continued to follow up with detailed phone conversations and tips to support our family and came for a follow up visit to ensure we were on the right track. I feel very lucky and grateful to have had the chance to work with Joan - she is truly a phenomenal resource who cares, is dedicated to those the works with and really knows her stuff in and out. :)

I debated whether or not to share this experience, but ultimately decided to do so in hopes it…read morehelps other mothers--whether you're new, experienced, or somewhere in between--navigate their breastfeeding support options. I contacted this practice to request an **in-person** consultation. The first question I was asked was not my name or concern, but rather, "What insurance do you have?" I was then informed that **all initial consultations are conducted virtually**. Despite expressing multiple times that I was only comfortable with an in-person visit, I was repeatedly told to proceed with scheduling a virtual appointment and to check with my insurance about coverage. After setting an appointment, I again inquired about the earliest possible date for an in-person follow-up. I was told that most clients don't need in-person visits and that one might be possible the following week if they decided it was warranted. I felt dismissed and somewhat embarrassed for asking--despite my request being both personal and reasonable. For many, myself included, the idea of being partially undressed on a Zoom call is deeply uncomfortable, especially when discussing something as sensitive as breastfeeding. I also had concerns that a virtual visit might rely too heavily on generic recommendations, many of which I've already tried. Lactation consultants need to be present to help the mom maneuver their breast. This is supposed to be (to the extent a mother wants this) a hands-on experience. When I decided to cancel my appointment, **only then** was I offered an in-person visit the very next day. At that point, I no longer felt confident that this provider would prioritize or listen to my individual needs, so I chose to seek care elsewhere. While I do believe this practice could be a helpful resource for others, my personal experience fell short. From the initial focus on insurance over care, to the lack of flexibility or empathy regarding my comfort and preferences, it became clear this was not the right fit for me. I'm seeking support from someone who genuinely wants to help me meet my breastfeeding goals--not someone who sees me as just another appointment on the schedule.

I hesitate to write this review as I usually like to say nice things about people (particularly…read moresmall businesses), but I feel as though even though it's been two+ years, I have to get this off of my chest. Reading similar reviews has been validating to my experiences, and I hope to bring similar feelings to other women. I was paired with Melissa through my insurance and she seemed like she'd be a nice fit. The ladies in my doula group had nice things to say about her and she had very positive online reviews, so I was optimistic. We had an intake session by phone a few weeks before my baby was born and she seemed nice enough, I was still optimistic. Unfortunately, when my baby showed up it was a different story. I delivered on a Friday so the lactation consultant at the hospital wasn't there for the weekend and I was having a bit of trouble figuring out techniques etc. After a few days, my baby started to drop weight and I was absolutely terrified. I contacted Melissa hoping she could help us, but instead all I received was a dismissive response (via text) stating that she could only see us in person several weeks into the future and the only appts that she had available more immediately were online. Not very helpful in a moment like that. I felt like my baby and I didn't matter to her at all - that we were just boxes on her to do list to be checked off when she felt like it. It was very hurtful. Fortunately, our maintenance man happened to be in our apartment fixing the heat and gave us some helpful tips from what he learned from his wife and their four kids that helped us get through the night (pleasant surprises in life :)). The following day, our pediatrician really showed up for us and luckily had a lactation nurse on staff whom saw us in person ASAP and it all worked out in the long run. I don't write this review to be mean, but once again rather to validate women who might have had similar experiences or may have them in the future. This seems much more important to write a review about than a mediocre restaurant. I'm glad to hear so many women have had positive experiences with Melissa, I just wish we were one of them. As I've seen Melissa write in response to similar reviews, we wish her the best.

Leah Lemelin helped me trust my body more, feel calmer, and more present with what I was…read moreexperiencing. I felt more in command and confident throughout. I thought I wanted a doula just for the day of delivery but what I found was that the work we did together before delivery is what altered the whole experience. It was deeply supportive and prepared me in a way I didn't even know I needed or was possible. So, even if you are an experienced mom, you are having a traditional medical birth, having Leah as your doula will deepen your experience and give it back to you as truly yours in a profound way. I can't thank her enough for walking with me through it and guiding me into myself so I could remember my own agency and power and strength in it all.

Mary has been our lactation consultant for 1 year. She had been part of my support network since we…read moresaw her during an at-home visit when my daughter was 1 month old. I'd count her as one of the women that I've most leaned on as a first-time mother. She is a walking book of knowledge on everything child related. She is kind and passionate and always available. I'm not sure where we'd be without her. We are so grateful to have her in our lives.

Had 2 home waterbirths! Love this practice. Love the newborn and prenatal and postpartum care too!read more

MidwivesCare has top quality healthcare services and continued educational training and support for…read moretheir team of midwives and staff. Christian community highly recommend them with well women healthcare homebirth practice

First, I'd like to say Judy Teibloom-Mishkan my lactation consultant is fabulous…read more Ashland Breast Pumps / Ashland Women's health makes the process of finding a lactation consultant, figuring out your insurance coverage as well as help you get a breast pump and supplies! What a great service for mom's to get the help and support they need. For pumps, I choose the Spectra S1 and even when I got the wrong flange size, they were able to get me the correct size without paying a dime out of pocket. They also cover hand pumps!

The two people I attempted to work with from Ashland Health were horrible at communicating. I would…read morenever recommend them for lactation services! On March 14, I independently reached out to an IBCLC (lactation consultant/LC) recommended to me, who works through Ashland Health. My availability (because I have a toddler, and my sitter could watch him) was Tuesday 3/19 and Friday 3/22. The LC said she'd see me on the 22nd because she had a commitment on the 19th. I anxiously awaited this appointment: my now-4 week old has had increasing issues with nursing. It's been extremely difficult on me, and even moreso as a single parent. By Thursday the 21st, I hadn't heard from the LC about when she'd be coming for the appointment the next day. I emailed her at 7:30am and 9am regarding my availability (starting at 9am, and noted I had to pick my toddler up at 1:30pm). I didn't receive a response. By 4:15pm, I finally located her phone number online, called, and left a voice message. I then called Ashland Health and left a voice message at 4:50pm, stating I needed information about a scheduled appointment for the next day (Friday 3/22) and asked for them to call me back. No one ever did. The LC FINALLY texted (!) me at 8pm, stating she had been preoccupied by a personal situation. She confirmed she'd be at my residence the next day for the appointment but never said what time. The next day (3/22, the date of the scheduled appointment with the LC), when I had not heard from the LC by 10:30am, I called Ashland Health EXTREMELY upset. I stated I had not heard from the LC, there's been poor communication with her and it obviously wasn't working out, and I'd like to request someone else to help me. I was told they'd see if someone could come help me before 2pm. No one EVER called me back: not that day (the 22nd), Monday (3/25), or today (Tuesday 3/26). I'm appalled that both a lactation consultant AND a lactation business both left me hanging: horrible communication, no call backs, no help. They literally left me struggling with no services to help me and my newborn. By contrast, I reached out to another lactation service. They returned my voice message within an hour AND scheduled an appointment (with a solid appointment time). I'm finally happy I'm going to get lactation help: it's LONG overdue. I'm extremely dismayed that Ashland Health wasn't professional enough to do the same, wasted my time, and set me even further back breastfeeding my child.

I was connected with Jaudon since my baby was 2 weeks old and have continued to use her lactation…read moreconsulting services. She is easy to get in contact with and has flexibility to meet regularly. I really appreciated her coming over regularly to help us with our baby's slow weight gain and she was also able to coordinate with our pediatrician. I was adamant about wanting to BF and I'm glad she didn't try to push formula but encouraged triple feeding for some time, which is tough on a new mom but I think it did help. We ultimately decided to supplement with formula while working to improve my supply and she was supportive along the way. I plan to continue using her services as we introduce solids and start to wean baby off breast milk. Highly recommend setting up consultation with Jaudon!

Would highly recommend Jaudon for her lactation consulting. Insurance takes care of the billing,…read moreshe just charges $40 for in-home visits, which was something I really wanted. I like how she met with me before I delivered my child, to manage expectations and suggest what we should prioritize before the baby arrived. It was reassuring to have someone already set up once I brought my baby home. Once home, we did have some challenges which Jaudon was able to diagnosis and suggest action plans. She's well connected in the community, including with specialists. She's quick to respond to email and I like the option for virtual or in-person meetings as needed. She recognizes there are different stages of breast feeding, from a newborn to returning to work.

I have absolutely loved working with Vanessa and Kate towards my breastfeeding goals, and wish I…read morehad known about VP Lactation before my delivery. Thankfully, my hospital LC got me connected to the Lactation Network and they paired me up with a local LC, which through serendipity I was paired with the absolute best team at VP Lactation. Working with Vanessa has been the greatest gift in my fourth trimester journey. My little one had a tongue tie, and as a physician myself I felt that I was referred to the very best clinicians for release and therapy, and these changes have dramatically improved my baby's weight gain and growth. I didn't expect to love breastfeeding as much as I have and have learned so much as my baby and I mastered this skill together all because of the incredible support VP Lactation provided throughout. I look forward to working with Vanessa when I transition back to work and eventually wean, and will absolutely have them by my side ahead of time for my next baby. They are an absolute joy as people, expert IBCLCs, and inspiring moms and I would not hesitate to recommend them to other expecting families!

do not hesitate to book! Such a great experience! I saw Kate and I can't recommend her enough. So…read moreeasy to talk to, so knowledgeable, so helpful, and i wish I would have met her sooner! After one visit, I took her tips and recommendation and it made a huge impact in my breastfeeding journey! can't say enough good things!

We enjoyed working with Lindsey as a birth doula for my recent birth. She is very calm, friendly,…read moreknowledgeable about pregnancy and infant care and familiar with navigating the hospital environment. She helped me during a hospital birth where I made use of tub and tried to avoid interventions. During labor, she assisted by putting heat packs on my pressure points, guiding me into different positions to make laboring easier and effective, making use of a tub for labor, and creating a calm, reassuring and positive atmosphere. Her experience, knowledge, confidence and personality make her a great doula. She also has kids of her own and can relate to moms.

I wish I could give a 6th star. I was nervous to give birth so I opted to get a doula…read more I can't say enough good things about Holly--she was truly a lifesaver during my birth experience. From the start, her calm, grounded energy helped me feel supported and confident, even when things didn't go according to plan. When my labor stalled, Holly guided me through exercises that actually got things moving--my water broke soon after, and she also shared positions that helped my baby flip. Her pain management workshop gave me tools I leaned on hard during some intense moments. And when my epidural failed (twice!), Holly didn't miss a beat. She advocated for me when I was in pain and made sure I felt heard and cared for. I honestly don't know what I would've done without her. She played a huge role in turning what could've been a traumatic experience into something empowering. If you're considering a doula, do yourself a favor and call Holly. She's the real deal.

I cannot recommend Dr. Rubin's fourth trimester package more. As a second-time mom, I knew where…read moreother providers had fallen short during my first postpartum experience and she filled all the gaps and settled all the confusion. She is so knowledgeable, dedicated, and full of solutions. She is truly supportive and is able to offer an approach from a full-picture perspective as your lactation specialist and your baby's doctor. Care at home during this special time is invaluable and Dr. Rubin makes it so easy to welcome her into this sacred space.

Dr. Rubin's postpartum fourth trimester package was amazing. I'm a second-time mom dealing with…read morebirth/postpartum trauma from my firstborn experience. Dr. Rubin was the sweetest, so supportive, and truly took her time to understand me, my history, and provide the best care for my second child. She helped calm my anxiety around breastfeeding and provide better mental health support during this delicate time. It was such a huge bonus to have her be able to do all the baby checkups right in my home too! No leaving during the delicate healing time, all while knowing your baby is getting the best care available. Dr. Rubin, I can't thank you enough for such amazing care, compassion, and support!

Before getting pregnant, I didn't even know what a doula was. After doing some research, I found…read moreAmber and Rebekkah and scheduled a free consultation to learn more. Hiring them ended up being the BEST decision I made. Their support went far beyond my actual birth. Throughout my pregnancy, they provided incredible guidance and referrals for OBs/Midwives, hospitals/birth centers, pelvic floor therapists, and lactation support. When I had some slight concerns come up during my pregnancy, they helped me through it and made me feel more at ease. We had multiple check-ins, and by the time I went into labor, I felt completely comfortable and supported. Because of Amber and Rebekkah, I was able to labor at home as long as possible and achieve an unmedicated birth- I was already 8 cm dilated when I arrived at the hospital. When they arrived at my home during labor, they immediately helped calm me and get into more comfortable positions, which made all the difference. If we have another child, I will 100% have Amber and Rebekkah as our doulas again. I highly recommend them to any mama!!!

If you're looking for the best doula team, look no further!! Rebekkah and Amber are the best of the…read morebest and were such blessings to our family throughout pregnancy, birth and postpartum. I didn't decide to hire a doula until my third trimester and I got so lucky that Amber and Rebekkah happened to have a spot open up. I made the decision to hire them right after my initial consult (no brainer, I felt connected to them immediately!) and from the moment I hired them they were so communicative. I was sent endless resources, we met right away and they checked in with me weekly. Amber was on call for my birth This was my third birth and I had never hired a doula in the past. Having a doula changed my birth experience in the best way. Amber was instrumental in helping me maintain a peaceful, controlled mindset that lead to the most incredible birth experience. If you are at all on the fence about hiring a doula or don't know which route to go, take this as a sign that Rebekkah and Amber are the right choice for you! They will help you make informed choices, feel empowered and in control of your birth. I now feel like I have two new sweet friends in Rebekkah and Amber