Maternal Health Focused Birth Support. Spontaneous unmedicated birth

Benefits to Mother & Baby

Having a doula present at your birth benefits not only you, but your baby too!

  • Decreased pain levels and duration of labor

  • Decreased stress and anxiety

  • Decreased birth complications

  • Decreased need for c-section

  • Increased chance of spontaneous vaginal birth (decreased need for assisted delivery via forceps or vacuum extraction)

  • Increased Newborn Apgar Scores

  • Decreased incidence of Low Birth Weight

  • Reports of birthing person feeling more empowered to communicate their needs and wishes

  • Birthing person more likely to describe their birth experience with feelings of satisfaction and accomplishment

Postpartum support, Home Visits, Breastfeeding Support in Chicago

I’ll Be There For You

From the time we sign a contract, my priority is you. This means I am available to you via phone call, text, and email to answer any questions or concerns you may have. Prenatal home visits provide us an opportunity to educate you on the physiology of childbirth and comfort measures that can be used during labor. Here, we can outline your birth preferences, and the expectations of your birth space. I pride myself in working well with your entire birth team, whether you chose to birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home. I will also check in on your family during one postpartum visit to make sure you are all adjusting well, help guide you through your recovery, and offer additional resources that may be helpful in the postpartum period.


Amber Knowles utilizes movement in final weeks of pregnancy for labor prep

Support From Your Doula

Preparing for childbirth can sometimes seem daunting. You can help ease uncertainties by forming a birth team that will support your wishes and travel with you through a safe laboring journey, while encouraging you and reminding you of your strength and capability. I want you to feel confident in your decisions regarding medical interventions and pain management options.

I offer education on these key pieces as we prepare you for labor and the birth process:

  • Teaching body work exercises to help physically balance your pelvis for labor, and help you achieve a more comfortable pregnancy.

  • Preparing the mind and body to surrender

  • Helping communicate your birth preferences to your provider prior to labor

  • Signs of labor, stages of labor, what to expect in your recovery

  • Laboring at home and knowing when it is time to go to the hospital or birth center

  • Practicing positions to labor in to help alleviate sensations of intensity, while promoting the descent and optimal position of your baby

  • Practicing comfort techniques, and guiding your birth partner through breathing and relaxation techniques, massage, counter pressure, meditation, visualization, vocalization, and the use of a TENs Unit and water therapy

  • Navigating decisions you need to make for your baby regarding feeding preferences, medications, and immunizations, and what to expect in the first days of life

What comes as a truly important aspect of this journey is the ability to lean on your doula for comfort and reassurance should your birth wish plan need to change. Your doula will remind you that a positive birth experience is still attainable while focusing on the health and safety of you and your tiny human.

Patient and family centered birth doula support in greater Chicagoland area

What to expect from me on the day

When the time comes, I will attend your birth and help you create a warm and loving atmosphere by using dim lights, essential oils, music, and any other comfort piece you bring to promote mind and body relaxation. Together, we will focus on rhythm, relaxation, and ritual to facilitate managing contractions, while moving you through various laboring positions. I will guide your birth partner to comfort you through touch , massage, and counter pressure, and help them feel connected and involved in the entire birth experience. I will stay by your side through every step of labor, offering you encouragement and reassurance when needed. Once baby is born, I will help you navigate the magic of the golden hour by helping with feeding, handling baby, skin to skin, and family bonding. This level of support will help you feel your voice was heard, your wishes were respected, and as sense of great accomplishment.


Amber Knowles is Lorelei Lu Doula, a certified birth doula in Chicago

Postpartum Doula Support

I also offer continuing daytime support through your postpartum journey. A postpartum doula has an understanding for the needs of the family and the home.

The look of this support can be tailored to your specific needs but the following are usually included:

  • Providing recommendations and referrals

  • Emotional support of parenting choices

  • Encouragement and positive affirmation during this new chapter of your lives

  • Hands on education on newborn care:

    • Normal newborn behavior

    • Newborn appearance

    • Cord and circumcision care

    • Sleep habits

    • Feeding

    • Bathing

    • Establishing a good “Eat, Wake, Sleep” routine

    • Dressing Baby

    • When to call the doctor

  • Offering breastfeeding counseling that encompasses:

    • Advanced breastfeeding education

    • Help recognizing what is normal or when you need specialized care from an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant

    • Help with comfortable positions for mom and baby

    • Establishing helpful routines

    • Establishing a good latch

    • Establishing a good milk supply

    • Learning to use your pump

    • Proper milk storage

  • Offering household help including but not limited to:

  • Preparation of bottles and washing/sterilizing

  • Organizing the nursery

  • Light house work and laundry

  • Creating shopping lists

  • Nearby errands

  • Light meal preparation