Bornbir Blog

Pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum articles for parents, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal care providers.

Lactation Consultant

How to Find Lactation Consultant Near Me

Finding a lactation consultant near you involves a few steps. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you locate a lactation consultant in your area:Ask Your Healthcare Provider: If you're pregnant or have recently given birth, your healthcare provider, such as an OB-GYN or midwife, can often recommend a lactation consultant. They may have a list of trusted consultants or be able to refer you to one.Check with Your Hospital or Birth Center: Many hospitals have lactation consultants on staff or can provide recommendations for consultants in your area. If you've recently given birth, ask the hospital's maternity ward or neonatal...

Lactation Consultant

How to Find a Lactation Consultant or Lactation Counselor?

The terms "lactation consultant" and "lactation counselor" refer to two distinct roles within the field of breastfeeding support, though their functions may sometimes overlap. Here are the key differences between them:Education and Training:Lactation Consultant: Lactation consultants typically undergo extensive education and clinical training. They often hold certifications such as the International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), which requires specific coursework, clinical experience, and passing a rigorous exam.Lactation Counselor: Lactation counselors receive training to provide basic breastfeeding support. The training is usually less comprehensive than that of lactation consultants and may not involve clinical experience. They may have certifications like Certified Lactation...

Doula

Hiring a Birth Doula? What to Expect in Your First Meeting

A free consultation is an initial meeting or conversation between an expectant parent or parents and a doula, during which the doula provides information about their services and the support they can offer. It is typically offered at no cost and serves as an opportunity for both parties to get to know each other. Doula consultations can be held in various settings, with options such as the doula's office, a coffee shop, virtual meetings via video calls, home visits, or even group workshops. Some consultations may take place in birth centers or hospitals for clients receiving care in those locations....

For Providers

How to Get 90 Days of Free Bornbir Premium?

Welcome, and thank you for joining us on a journey to revolutionize maternal health and perinatal support for future generations. Bornbir is akin to Airbnb for parenting professionals, connecting individuals like you with parents in need, right in your local community.At Bornbir, we don't burden you with upfront costs or fees, and we only prosper when you build a solid client base on our platform. While we appreciate the role of agencies and collectives in the parenting landscape (similar to hotel chains compared to Airbnb), our mission is to foster direct connections between independent providers like yourself and parents in...

Doula

Doula Training Near Me: A Comprehensive Guide

There are several reputable doula training programs in the United States that provide comprehensive education and certification for aspiring doulas. Here are some major doula training organizations:DONA International (Doulas of North America): DONA International is one of the oldest and most well-established doula training organizations in the United States. They offer training and certification programs for birth and postpartum doulas. Their certifications are highly recognized and respected within the doula community.CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association): CAPPA provides training and certification programs for birth doulas, postpartum doulas, and lactation educators. They offer a variety of specialization options and have a...

Postpartum Doula

Are postpartum doulas covered by insurance？

In the United States, postpartum doula services are typically not covered by health insurance. Health insurance plans typically cover medical services provided by healthcare professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and midwives, but they do not usually cover non-medical support services like those offered by postpartum doulas.However, it's worth noting that insurance coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and location. Some insurance plans or programs may offer limited coverage or reimbursement for certain types of non-medical postpartum services, but this is not common.If you're interested in utilizing the services of a postpartum doula and are concerned about the cost,...

Postpartum Doula

What to expect from a postpartum doula visit?

When you have a postpartum doula visit, you can expect various forms of support and assistance tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Here's what you can generally expect from a postpartum doula visit:Emotional Support: Postpartum doulas provide a listening ear and emotional support to help you navigate the emotional challenges that can arise during the postpartum period. They are there to offer reassurance, encouragement, and a non-judgmental space to discuss your feelings and concerns.Baby Care: Doulas are knowledgeable about newborn care and can assist with tasks such as diapering, feeding (including breastfeeding or bottle-feeding support), burping, and soothing techniques....

Postpartum Doula

How long is a postpartum doula shift?

The length of a postpartum doula shift can vary depending on the doula's policies and the specific needs and preferences of the family. Typically, postpartum doula shifts range from 4 hours to 12 hours or more. Here are some common shift lengths:4-Hour Shifts: Some families prefer shorter shifts, typically around 4 hours. These shorter shifts are often used during the daytime to provide assistance and support, allowing the doula to help with specific tasks and provide guidance.8-Hour Shifts: An 8-hour shift is a common choice for postpartum doula services. This length of time allows the doula to provide comprehensive support,...

Postpartum Doula

What are included in Postpartum Doula Service Packages

Postpartum doula packages can vary depending on the doula and the services they offer. Here are some common types of postpartum doula packages that you may encounter:Hourly Packages: Many postpartum doulas charge an hourly rate for their services. You can purchase a package of hours, and the doula will provide support for the specified number of hours. For example, you might purchase a package of 20 hours of postpartum doula support.Overnight Packages: Some families prefer overnight support, especially during the early weeks with a newborn. Postpartum doulas may offer packages where they provide overnight care and assistance, allowing parents to...

Doula Cost

How much does a doula cost in Chicago and its surrounding suburbs?

As of January, birth doula services in Chicago, Illinois, typically range from $800 to $2,500. The typical base rate for hiring a postpartum doula or night doula in Chicago, stands at $21.08 per hour according to Bornbir’s extensive doula database. This rate is approximately 1.5% higher than the Illinois statewide average base rate of $20.14 per hour and 2% lower than the national average, which rests at $23.27.However, it's essential to note that doula fees can vary widely within Chicago, and some highly experienced or specialized doulas may charge higher rates. Additionally, some doulas offer package deals that may include...