I'm a childbirth educator, a labor assistant / doula, a breastfeeding counselor, a traditional naturopath, and a master herbalist. I'm located in Zion, IL - 3 miles south of the WI border on Lake Michigan. I've been attending births since 1995.

Area of Service - Northeastern IL, Southeastern WI

Qualifications - Certified Red Cross Childbirth Instructor, Certified Labor Assistant (ALACE), Certified Doula (DONA), Certified Vitalist, Certified Master Herbalist, CNA, Certified Breastfeeding Counselor.

Background in Nutrition, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy, Homeopathy, Reflexology, Acupressure & Postpartum Depression.


Labor Assistance Package

Prenatal Support includes:

Free initial consultation
2 Prenatal Visits
Available for questions
On-call from 38 weeks
Back-up arrangements
Access to Lending Library and Database

- My lending library includes over 200 titles. My database consists of over 5,000 files on health and birth topics and contains information, articles, and studies on birth options and complementary therapies.


Labor Support includes:

Early in-home labor support
Emotional support for Mom and partner throughout labor and birth.
Encourage Dad / partner to participate in the birthing process.
Physical support - massage, hot and cold packs, acupressure, etc.
Guidance in relaxation during contractions
Explain medical procedures and answer questions.
Music
Aromatherapy and Flower Essences
Photography
Immediate postpartum support for up to two hours to assist Mom with recovery and breastfeeding.


Postpartum Support includes:

1-2 home visits
Breastfeeding support
Birth story



Childbirth Education

Childbirth classes are offered in Zion. Classes incorporate elements of "Birthing from Within" and emphasize the highly effective "Pink Kit Method" of natural childbirth preparation. Informed consent is emphasized. Students may borrow books from my library and request information from my database.


I also offer the following classes:


Morning Sickness & Growing a Healthy Baby

Learn about morning sickness and the many traditional and more modern remedies women can use to address this discomfort of pregnancy. Discussion covers pre-natal exercise and nutrition requirements when eating for two.


Using Herbs During The Childbearing Year

Herbs have traditionally been used for healing over the centuries. A number of herbs that are normally considered safe for use at any other time should be used in moderation or avoided altogether during pregnancy. Learn which herbs are safe to use during pregnancy and lactation and which ones are not.


Options in Birth

Learn about birthing at home and the hospital. Discussion will cover the role of midwives and doulas on the birth team. Class includes an overview of testing that is currently available and discussion on the safety of test procedures and the accuracy of test results.

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About Julie

My personal birth history includes one medicated hospital birth, one physician attended homebirth, and one midwife attended homebirth. My children were breastfed for 1 year, 3 1/2 years, and 2 years. I've been learning about holistic health through self-study and personal experience with natural remedies and techniques since 1978. I've been involved in midwifery and natural childbirth since 1994.

I'm a published editor and author of "Birth Essentials Vol 1: Natural Remedies for Morning Sickness".  I'm currently writing a book on how to use herbs safely during pregnancy and lactation. It covers which herbs should be used in moderation only, used with caution and/or under the supervision of an herbalist, or completely avoided and why. Exposure to magnetic fields, hormone disrupting synthetic chemicals, and other environmental toxins will also be covered.

www.BirthEssentials.us