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About
Rhona is a certified Labor Support and Postpartum Doula at Birthways, Inc., serving the greater Chicago area. With over a decade of community-based doula work, Rhona has a deep and expansive source of knowledge, skills, and physical tools to offer expectant and new parents along their journey.
Committed to staying current and well-informed on the changing landscape of maternity care, Rhona has pursued training through various organizations. She is an incredible resource, and will have thoughtful and compassionate responses to your questions.
With her background as a massage therapist and infant massage instructor, Rhona has many physical and hands-on tools for comfort measures in labor, postpartum recovery comfort, and bonding with the baby. She also loves to cook for and with families, sharing a passion for simple, nutritious and delicious meals.
The combination of her personal experiences of motherhood, grand-motherhood, and professional work have supported Rhona’s warm, calming, and reassuring presence as a doula.
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I worked with Rhona prenatally and we talked a lot about what is going on with me and my baby. During the birth, she gave me lots of positions to try and massage. She is the very reason I didn’t get an epidural and I couldn’t have done it without her. She helped me make a massaging ball and helped my partner and godmother massage me during the whole birth. I had to be induced and didn’t know what to expect. I felt so confident having her there. She explained things, got me out of bed, and helped me create a birthing plan and talk to the doctor. Rhona was a godsend after the birth with all her knowledge.
Education
Certified Birth Doula: DONA
WisdomWay Institute First Year Specialist/Postpartum Doula Training/Certification
Certified Infant Massage Instructor (CIMI): Liddle Kidz Foundation & International Loving Touch Foundation
Pre and Perinatal Massage Therapy certificate: Body Therapy Associates
Ounce of Prevention Workshops
Lamaze Childbirth Educator Program Training
Bereavement Training in Perinatal Death: Resolve Through Sharing
Dancing For Birth Instructor Training Workshop
Doulas Packages
Labor Support : Finalize Care
Labor support packages include 2 prenatal visits and 1 follow-up visit after the birth. When you book your package, your included visits will be ready to schedule. Okkanti's access framework helps pregnant people find their support systems while ensuring fair compensation for doulas. The fees you will pay for labor support packages range from $300- $2900, depending on access to insurance, employer plans, and subsidies. You'll be informed of your options during your initial consultation.
$300 ($300 due upfront)
Postpartum Care Day Newborn : Finalize Care
Okkanti’s access framework helps pregnant people find their support systems while ensuring fair compensation for doulas. The fees for postpartum support packages are set by the providers you choose, and typically fall in the range of $38 to $50/hour. You’ll be informed of fee structures during your initial consultation, and will sign a contract outlining terms and conditions before finalizing your booking. At the time of booking, a $100 per shift fee will be charged, and the remaining balance billed as agreed in your contract with the provider.
$2500 ($2500 due upfront)
Postpartum Care Overnight Newborn : Finalize Care
Okkanti’s access framework helps pregnant people find their support systems while ensuring fair compensation for doulas. The fees for postpartum support packages are set by the providers you choose, and typically fall in the range of $38 to $50/hour. You’ll be informed of fee structures during your initial consultation, and will sign a contract outlining terms and conditions before finalizing your booking. At the time of booking, a $100 per shift fee will be charged, and the remaining balance billed as agreed in your contract with the provider.
$3000 ($3000 due upfront)
Visits Information
| Free Consultation | 1 hour(s) | |
| Labor Support | 1 hour(s) | |
| Postpartum Care Day Newborn | 4 hour(s) | |
| Postpartum Care Overnight Newborn | 8 hour(s) | |