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The role of the Registered Nurse or Newborn Care Provider is to feed, soothe, bathe, change & provide all other gentle care to baby through the night.

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Chicago Area Resources for New Moms and Dads

updated June, 2 2024– The Chicago night doulas and baby nurses of Let Mommy Sleep have complied a list of helpful Chicago Area Resources for New Moms and Dads. We are not just a night nanny agency, but a postpartum overnight infant care provider that cares for the whole family. With the amount of national and statewide programs online, searching for postpartum support after your newborn arrives can be overwhelming.

Chicago Area Resources for New Moms and Dads
Chicago mom with toddler and newborn

Chicago Area Resources for New Moms and Dads

  • Postpartum Mental Health Support:  Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD’s) are the most common complication of pregnancy, with one in 7 mothers experience postpartum depression. Morever, fathers and partners can also experience postpartum issues, called Paternal Post Natal Depression. Early intervention is proven to be key in helping your mental health.

Postpartum Support International (PSI), Illinois Chapters has free postpartum and postnatal support meetings at 11 area medical centers, hospitals and private facilities. Meetings are held throughout Chicago and the suburbs.

  • Crisis Support – If you’re in need of immediate care, contact the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline via text or phone at 1-833-TLC-MAMA.
  • Twins, Triplets and Higher Order Multiples: If you’re expecting more than 1 baby at a time, twins and multiples clubs are a fantastic source of advice from “been there, done that” parents.  Multiples of Illinois, (also known as the Illinois Organization of Mothers of Twins) has Local chapters in Cook County, DuPage, Kane, Lake, Peoria Counties. There is a club for you now matter what town you live in!

Parents of Multiples groups also have referral lists of night nannies, baby nurses and postpartum doulas specializing in the care of twins.

  • Breastfeeding Support:  Perhaps the best known resource for nursing help is La Leche League International (LLL). That reputation is well earned as LLL has been helping moms and consulting with medical professionals since 1956.

La Leche League of Illinois offers in-person meetings, breastfeeding cafes and virtual support. They have email and phone support, and in person meetings open to all who are nursing, feeding human milk or support nursing. Meetings are led by accredited Leaders who are also experienced breastfeeding parents.

Whether you are in the immediate postnatal phase of nursing or later in your breastfeeding journey, LLL is one of the best Chicago area resources for new moms and dads.

Social Support

  • Dad’s Support Groups: Chicago Dads Group is a place for Chicagoland dads to form networks of friends. There are also resources to become the best fathers they can be. Not only do they have Meetup events but they also have a blog.
  • Chicago MOMS Club– Find your fellow neighborhood parents with newborns, infants and toddlers the same age as your own kids! Mothers Offering Mothers Support is a non-profit designed to help stay at home parents and nannies meet friends in the neighborhood for free and low-cost social events.
  • Every Mom Chicago – Non- profit organization that connects expectant mothers in underserved communities with the material and support resources for the critical (and challenging) early weeks of parenthood. Every Mom Chicago provides new baby kits with newborn, postpartum, and breastfeeding essentials.

Chicago Area Resources for New Moms and Dads – Postpartum Doulas and Night Nurses

Our team of certified newborn care providers and postpartum doulas offer you evidence-based feeding and baby sleep support. We can visit before your baby arrives to help you get prepared and confident, in addition to helping when you’re just home from the hospital with your newborn.

Our team serves: Grayslake, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, Wheeling, Palatine, Barrington, Arlington Heights, Des Plains, Park Ridge, Morton Grove, Wheaton, Naperville, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Oak Brook, Hoffman Estates, Lombard, Carol Stream, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Winfield, Deerfield, Northbrook, Northfield, Glenview, Evanston, Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Deer Park, Oak Park, River Forest, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Logan Square, Edgewater, Rogers Park, Lincolnwood, Bucktown, Uptown, Downtown, Lincoln Square, Wicker Park, West Loop, South Loop, The Loop, Streeterville, River North, Old Town, Gold Coast, Mayfair, Andersonville, Ravenswood, Irving Park, Glen Ellyn, Glencoe, La Grange and Schaumburg 

Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources during COVID19

Since this was first written, we’ve taken to calling it “COVID” instead of coronavirus and have updated as needed. The information remains the same however and Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources during COVID19 includes evidence-based information for expecting and new parents. We will continue to provide information from primary sources on our Facebook and Twitter feeds and we recommend these sites for continued updates:

Last updated Jan 25, 2022 / updated, July 21, 2021 / dated Dec 28, 2020

Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources during COVID19

  • CDC – up to date Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Resources during Covid19
  • American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists – vaccine and general info
  • The Lancet – Clinical studies regarding Covid19 and Pregnancy 
  • The Mayo Clinic’s  Updates
  • Baystate’s COVID19 Vaccine Decision Aid for Pregnant & Breastfeeding Individuals – click infographic for the full decision aid
  • Contact your birthing center or hospital for specific protocols in those facilities.
  • Baystate’s COVID19 Vaccine Decision Aid 

    • ***

    A message from Denise Stern, CEO of Let Mommy Sleep:

    Hello Families and thank you as always for allowing us to help and be part of your postpartum community. I’m touching in today to share what Let Mommy Sleep does on a nightly basis to prioritize the health and safety of our families and staff and to share evidence-based coronavirus information for pregnant and postpartum parents.

    Safety Practices

    Below are the same practices our Nurses and Newborn Care Providers follow on a nightly basis when and I hope that brings everyone a sense of comfort during this uncertain time. 

    • Handwashing upon arrival to your home and throughout the night.
    • Caregivers work with only 1 family at a time.
    • We are quarantining (10 days minimum) between cases
    • Mask wearing
    • All staff has received yearly flu shots as well as: updated Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis), MMR (Measles, Mumps Rubella) and Hepatitis B.  While these vaccinations do not directly protect against the coronavirus they help keep staff and families protected against other yearly illnesses that decrease immune responses.
    • Caregivers haven’t travelled to any affected areas within the last several months.
    • As always, if caregivers have even a suspicion of illness they will not go into your home. 

    All this being said, we want to be realistic about the chance that there may be service interruptions. Our main goal is always to keep staff, families and newborns safe.  At this time we have zero exposure and no reason to expect any interruption. However, as this is an unprecedented situation, we want to manage expectations as best we can.  We will do our very best to maintain continuity of care and keep in communication. You can contact us anytime with questions or comments.

    Update to the above message, July 2021– Now that our staff have all received both vaccines we are lifting quarantine restrictions between cases and newborn caregivers may work with more than one family at a time. 

    Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources during the Coronavirus Outbreak
    Pregnancy and Postpartum Resources during the Coronavirus Outbreak

    Newborn and Postpartum Care Credential Now Available!

    The Newborn & Postpartum Care Credential Now Available to CNA’s in Virginia.

    If you are a CNA and would like to stack the Newborn and Postpartum Care credential onto your license, you can do so by attending class on Jan 22 or March 12, 2022.

    Register here!

    Fairfax Co. Virginia is now offering Newborn & Postpartum Care as a licensed program for Certified Nursing Assistants!  

    For the first time, those wishing to work as postpartum doulas and newborn caregivers have a meaningful license through the state of Virginia. CNA’s are able to broaden their credentials to pursue a career track in pediatric care in addition to elder care and home health. Students that complete this program will be able to support brand new parents and their babies in daily care activities, safety, feeding and postpartum/general mental health. 

    If you’re not in Virginia, you can still take our class online and receive a printable Certificate of Completion.

    This license is also important because parents hiring care for their infants now have peace of mind that there’s accountability and governance in the field of newborn care.  As CNA’s are licensed and listed on the Virginia State Board of Nursing, their care history is visible and overseen by the Virginia Department of Health Professions (DPH). Additionally, the CNA license ensures that basic information such as background checks and vaccinations are completed before the license is issued.   

    The Newborn & Postpartum Care Program includes the following classes to become a Licensed Newborn Care Provider:

    • Pediatric CPR & First Aide: The CPR/First Aide program specifically for newborns, infants and children
    • Mental Health Certification Class: This innovative, national certification helps caregivers identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses.
    • Newborn and Postpartum Care: Evidence-based newborn care, postnatal care and safety using Let Mommy Sleep’s approved training.
    • Strategies for Succeeding in Healthcare:  This class allows individuals to build their careers and move into a wide variety of healthcare positions.

    Learn more or Register here or by clicking below.  We are THRILLED to be part of this positive change for healthcare workers and parents in Virginia!  

    Newborn and Postpartum Care Credential Now Available!
    Newborn and Postpartum Care Certificate Class

    PPD vs. Baby Blues – Know the Difference

    During the first few weeks after birth, new mothers often experience conflicting feelings of joy and unexpected disappointment, so it’s crucial that new parents and partners understand what’s normal and when it is time to call a doctor. This article, PPD vs. Baby Blues- Know the Difference, shares how Postpartum Depression and Baby Blues can present during pregnancy and in the four-week period following childbirth.

    PPD vs. Baby Blues: What are the Baby Blues?

    Mild depression with tearfulness, irritability, appetite changes and fatigue are common during this time and typically peak around the fifth day postpartum. This is commonly known as the Baby Blues and most women adapt and recover to these changes after about a week. If sadness persists beyond two weeks however, postpartum depression (PPD) may be the cause.  PPD can also affect partners. Here’s how to tell the difference between depression and the baby blues:

    Symptoms of Postpartum Depression

    Some of the symptoms of more serious PPD include:

    • Persistent sadness that does not go away
    • Frequent crying, even about little things
    • Poor concentration or indecisiveness
    • Difficulty remembering things
    • Feelings of worthlessness, inadequacy or guilt
    • Irritability, crankiness
    • Loss of interest in caring for oneself
    • Not feeling up to doing everyday tasks
    • Psychomotor agitation or retardation
    • Fatigue, loss of energy
    • Insomnia or hyperinsomnia
    • Significant decrease or increase in appetite
    • Anxiety manifested as bizarre thoughts and fears, such as obsessive thoughts of harm to the baby
    • Feeling overwhelmed
    • Somatic symptoms (headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations, numbness and hyperventilation)
    • Poor bonding with the baby (no attachment), lack of interest in the baby, family or activities
    • Loss of pleasure or interest in doing things one used to enjoy (including sex)

    What if I think it’s PPD?

    It is important to note that postpartum depression is not a weakness, but an effect of the pregnancy. In fact, the American Psychological Association reports that degrees of PPD are reported to affect 9-16 percent of postpartum women.

    Once recognized, postpartum depression is treatable. If the signs and symptoms of the baby blues persist into depression, it is important to seek the help of a professional. In some cases, social support or therapy may be recommended and in others, medication is necessary to help mothers with PPD.

    In the video below, Therapist and Director of Outreach & Education for Postpartum Support of Virginia, Mara Watts, M.A., M., Ed. shares what separates postpartum anxiety and mood disorders from typical baby blues. This is a must-watch before baby arrives for parents and those who love them because postpartum mood disorders are the most common medical complication of pregnancy. 

    PPD vs. Baby Blues - Know the Difference
    Postpartum Depression vs. the Baby Blues

    For more information, Postpartum Support International (PSI) is available for support, resources and reliable services for no charge.

    The NoClock Nursing Method

    There’s a LOT of advice about how long and how much a newborn should be breastfeeding so the No Clock Method might sound a little funny. But as Heidi Streufert, RN and former La Leche League Leader explains: “My best advice to postpartum parents is to throw away the clock at least for the first few weeks. While establishing milk supply, watch the baby’s natural eating and sleeping patterns to emerge.” She explains this, called the NoClock Nursing Method here.

    How to Make Sure Baby is Feeding Enough

    To assure baby is feeding often enough, rather than thinking in terms of “feeding every __ hours for ____ minutes,” simply make a check mark for each successful latch with sustained rhythmic sucking during a 24 hour period. You can use the chart below.

    Each attempt may *realistically* last anywhere from as long as 45 minutes to as short as 5 (yes five!) minutes for an active full term baby. A longer attempt of 45 minutes or so might occur in a dyad where there are repeated latch attempts, or when supply hasn’t yet met demand. This is common in the early days. Shorter attempts at feeding will happen with a good deep latch and adequate supply/fast let-down in mom.

    The NoClock Nursing Method
    NoClock Method of Breastfeeding

    The key is to allow baby to spontaneously release the breast and burp. Then offer the second breast if baby still interested but there’s no need to worry about “how long” baby was on the breast.

    At a minimum, baby should have 8 such occurrences in a 24 hour period. Some babies will have 10-12 or more of these breastfeeding sessions on any given day. This is perfectly normal, especially when establishing supply or during growth spurts. 

    NoClock Nursing Method in “Clock” Terms

    Here’s what we mean when we put this in “Clock Terms:”

    1. Babies -newborns especially – typically feed MORE often than every 3 hours throughout the day. T
    2. They can often have a slightly longer stretch of sleep between feeds overnight.
    3. Either way, a pattern will emerge in the first two weeks that can be made into the ‘routine’ once supply is well-established.

    Baby’s urine and stool output will be the guide for whether baby is “getting enough milk.” This can again be a simple check mark at each diaper change. We have a NoClockLog above, but any piece of paper will do- too much focus on exact recording isn’t needed! 

    NoClock Nursing Method – Breastfeeding to Sleep

    When parents ask me if it’s okay to let their baby fall asleep at the breast, I usually respond, “I dare you to try to keep them awake!” says Heidi, RN.

    “But, seriously, I typically tell them that newborns will fall asleep while breastfeeding. Not only is this okay, but parents will soon discover that the breast is a wonderful tool. Nursing is so much more than a way to feed our babies!”  

    There are parents who are concerned that nursing to sleep will set the baby up with “bad habits.” Don’t worry- the only rule is just that nursing should not serve as the only tool for putting baby to sleep.  Just as the pacifier, rocking or sleeping in the car should not be the only ways baby knows to go to sleep.

    Shouldn’t We Have a Routine?

    Sometimes baby falls asleep at the breast, but sometimes baby nurses, plays a little while, then has a bath. Then they get a swaddle, or parents sing, rock, or walk baby to sleep.  Sometimes the baby falls asleep traveling in the car (no one EVER seems to suggest that THIS is a problem!). Sometimes your baby will slips off to sleep while you’re holding them and other times the crib.  The key is flexibility.  This sets baby up to be able to sleep in a variety of situations, rather than always relying on just one association for sleep. So no, parents don’t have to worry about breastfeeding to sleep.

    While establishing a good bedtime routine is important for babies during the first year, being too rigid can lead to its own set of problems. Babies who have a very strict sleep routine may have difficulty with sleep issues later when it’s time to transition to a new bed, sleep on vacation, or take a nap at grandma’s house. Of course they may not either, and we understand needing baby to nap. The point is to ensure your baby isn’t solely dependent on one specific way to go to sleep.

    For more info on early nursing, watch Labor & Delivery Nurse Meghan explain here:

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