What are the hospitals and birth centers where 4thejourney has attended births?
- Rush Copley Hospital
- Central Dupage Hospital (CDH)
- St. Alexis Hospital
- Good Samaritan Hospital
- Sherman Hospital
- Delnor Hospital
- Edwards Hospital
- Elmhurst Hospital
- Bolingbrook Hospital
- West Suburban Hospital
- Burr Ridge Birth Center
- Mercy Hospital
- Kishwaukee Hospital
- UIC Hospital
- Morris Hospital
- Javon Bea Hospital
- Birth Center of Chicago
- Swedish Memorial Hospital
- St. Mary Hospital
- Northwestern Women's Hospital (Prentice)
- Little Company of Mary
- Silver Cross Hospital
- Illinois Masonic Hospital
- Lutheran General
- Northwest Community Hospital
- St. Joseph Hospital
- Christ Hospital Oak Lawn
- Huntley Hospital
- Home Births (Various Locations)
- Virtual Support (Multiple States)
Are doulas covered by insurance?
Families are encouraged to reach out to your insurance company to get an understanding of what is covered and what is not. There is a greater probability that insurance may not cover the service but do not get discouraged.
4TheJourney offers flexible payment plans that fit around your family, including AfterPay.
Look into extended benefits, ex. Carrot Fertility, sometimes these extended benefits will set specific dollar amounts that can be used towards doula support and services.
Also consider FSA/HSA often when you are allotted the opportunity to add more funds so that you can set them aside to be used towards doula services.
Get creative, Baby List & Be Her Village allows for you to add Doula Services to your baby registry.
So instead of box gifts, family & friends could contribute towards doula support services.
What is the greatest advice that you could give to a family?
Remember to extend grace to yourself...
Whether you have done this before or this your first time, extend yourself the opportunity to be present with the moment and what is to come.
Do not let society coerce you to be anything else but present and available for your baby, and your family.
Getting the help you need, whether outside or through family is not a sign of weakness but a sign of awareness and strength.
What is your approach to pain management during labor?
For every discomfort there is a comfort measure.
Pain management should be individualized, the journey you are trying to create should include options and decisions that are best for you and your labor journey.
Pain management options including breathing techniques, movement, hydrotherapy, and massage are just a few of the options we can explore.
I will work with you to create a personalized plan that meets your needs and preferences.
Do you offer postpartum care?
Yes, I provide postpartum care to help you and your baby adjust to life after birth.
This includes home visits, breastfeeding support, newborn care, and emotional support for the entire family.
What is your view of a birth team?
The Doula is an additional support member to your birth team.
Our role is not to replace the place of your partner or spouse but to come alongside you and your family and provide support, education and encouragement.
The goal is to provide you with the best team possible in order to ensure you have the best outcome.