Blog
Read the latest blog posts from Chicago Family Doulas
Live-In Doula: What Around-the-Clock Newborn Care Looks Like
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·6 min read A live-in doula is a trained postpartum professional who stays in your home for weeks or months, providing continuous newborn care day and night. They handle feedings, diaper changes, soothing, and settling...
Newborn Care Specialist vs. Doula: What’s the Difference?
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·6 min read A newborn care specialist is a trained expert focused on the baby—feeding, soothing, sleep routines, often overnight. A postpartum doula supports the whole family: the baby and you, including recovery,...
Birth Doula: What to Expect From Continuous Labor Support
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·6 min read A birth doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout labor and birth. They stay by your side from early labor through delivery...
Postpartum Doula: What They Do and How They Help You Rest
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·7 min read A postpartum doula is a trained, non-medical professional who comes to your home — during the day, overnight, or both — to care for your newborn, protect your sleep, support your recovery, and steady the...
Overnight Doula 101: How Nighttime Newborn Care Actually Works
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·7 min read An overnight doula is a trained, non-medical professional who stays in your home through the night so you can sleep. They take the lead on your newborn's wake-ups, feedings, and settling — typically across an...
What Does a Postnatal Doula Do, and Do You Need One?
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·6 min read A postnatal doula and a postpartum doula are the same role — postnatal is the term used more in the UK and Europe, postpartum is more common in the US. Both are trained, non-medical professionals who come to...
What Does a Postpartum Doula Do in Those First Weeks Home?
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·7 min read A postpartum doula is a trained, non-medical professional who comes to your home during the day, overnight, or both to care for your newborn, protect your rest, support your recovery, and answer the questions...
What Does a Doula Do? A Plain-English Guide for Chicago Families
By Chicago Family Doulas·Last updated: June 2026·8 min read A doula is a trained, non-medical professional who provides continuous emotional, physical, and informational support to families before, during, and after birth. Doulas do not deliver babies or make medical...
Birth Trauma: Signs, Causes, Prevention, and How to Heal
Birth trauma is a significant, but often unspoken issue. Up to 17% of birthing parents experience birth-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many more experience symptoms of trauma without a formal diagnosis. While birth trauma is often overlooked or...