Kim Tuttle-Salmon, CD, IBCLC

Certified Labor Doula

I love birth! And I love new moms. Therefore, becoming a doula was an obvious choice for me. Our culture celebrates pregnancy and revels in the new baby, but labor is shrouded in fear and mystery. Labor is amazing! I hope to help moms unlock that mystery to achieve the birth they want and value labor for the miraculous event that it is. I never fail to be awed by the power of a laboring woman!

I have been a DONA (Doulas of North America) Certified Doula since January of 2002, attending births in between my own. I am also a Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) and a La Leche League Leader, with an active breastfeeding support group in Germantown Hills. And, because I have a passion for baby-wearing, I sell Over the Shoulder Baby Holders and Maya Slings.

I share my life and heart with my hubby, Jon, who still makes me laugh after all these years and our 3 little loves, Sage, Skai and Autumn who never fail to inspire me! We also share our home with an assortment of animal friends…a dog, 4 cats, fish and hermit crabs. When I have the time, I like to dig in the dirt (which will hopefully someday be a garden), read and work on art projects with my kids.

I would love to hear from you! Phone (309) 444-2833, or reach me by e-mail.

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Penny Silzer, CD, LCCE

Certified Labor Doula

I am a mother of four, DONA Certified Doula, DONA Approved Doula Trainer, Childbirth Educator, and Midwife's Assistant. You could classify me as a certifiable and incurable birth junkie. I read about birth, regularly attend workshops about birth, teach about birth and talk about birth at any opportunity. I was bitten by the birth bug during my first pregnancy and labor. With the loving support of my midwife, I found my inner strength and power as a woman. I knew instantly that I had to help other women in the same way that my midwife helped me. Doula work has given me that opportunity.

Every birthing woman deserves the support that a trained doula can provide, whether she has a supportive network of family and friends or is facing a pregnancy alone, whether she is seeking a natural childbirth or facing a high-risk situation. As your doula, I will be there with you, a reassuring and constant presence to help you find answers to your questions, to provide physical comfort, and to provide emotional support. I'll be there for you whether you want to squat in the woods or decide to go completely high tech. What matters to me is that you are respected by those around you, are involved in the decision making process, and get the information you need to make truly informed decisions. With these basic needs met, you will have the freedom to find your own way to give birth. 

Please feel free to contact me about doula services, doula trainings and/or childbirth classes.  I can be reached at (309) 742-4006, or by e-mail.

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Hilary Shirven, BBB

Labor Doula

Love Your Baby...Nourish Your Body...Cherish Your Birth

I am a stay-at-home mom with an inspiring son and a supportive husband.  I am a Certified BabyBodyBirth Childbirth Educator and a DONA-trained Doula.  I currently teach childbirth classes sponsored by API of Peoria.  To further the training I received through a few different childbirth organizations, I also attended a Spinning Babies fetal positioning workshop training with Gail Tully, CNM.

My interest in birth began during my pregnancy in 2001.  Since then, I have spent almost every spare minute learning about pregnancy, labor, birth, and parenting.  It is my mission to empower women and their birth partners to make healthy choices for pregnancy, birth, and beyond.  I enjoy providing comprehensive childbirth education for women and their families.  I encourage and support them in staying healthy and low-risk, thereby giving them more options in labor and birthing, regardless of what type of birth they are planning.

Conscious birthing is my passion.  I recognize the life-long significance of positive birth experiences for both the baby and the mother.  Babies are conscious human beings with an entire range of emotions, and they deserve an entrance into this world that is respectful of them and that consciously acknowledges them.  Babies do remember birth, and their experience is important.  I encourage women to learn how to tune-in to their bodies, their babies, and their emotions.  I want them to trust that their bodies are exquisitely designed for safe and effective birthing.

I would love to provide you with the education, resources, comfort measures, and emotional support you deserve in birthing your baby.  Please call me at (309) 472-7508 or e-mail me.

Peaceful Birthing and Peaceful Parenting!

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Kathy Robinson, CD

Certified Labor Doula

I am a stay-at-home mom with two beautiful daughters. My oldest daughter is involved in many activities, which keeps us very busy. I also volunteer at her school for different activities. I really enjoy working with children. I am actively involved in various ministries at our church including the AWANA program, working in the nursery and helping with Vacation Bible School. I also serve on the children’s ministry committee. Besides working with children, I have always had a passion for birth. In September of 2003, God opened a door for me, and I found my calling as a doula.

I assisted a friend during her labor and delivery, and it was the most beautiful and rewarding moment I have ever experienced. Since then, I have assisted six other women during their births and have completed my certification requirements through DONA (Doulas of North America). I have been certified since September of 2004. I recognize that birth is a key life experience that the mother will remember for the rest of her life. I am truly blessed each time I am invited to attend a birth and would be honored to be a part of this very special time in your life. 

E-mail or call me today at (309) 347-1967 for a free consultation.

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Heather Longfellow, CD

Certified Labor Doula

I have been supporting pregnant women and their partners since 2001 and became a DONA Certified Doula in 2002.  I also work part-time as a certified public accountant.  I’m married, live in Washington, and have two young children. 

I believe that women should educate themselves about their options and select their caregivers carefully during their pregnancy.  I can assist you in this by sharing my experiences and suggesting helpful resources.  I make myself available to answer questions prenatally, support you during labor and delivery, and continue to assist postpartum with breastfeeding assistance, if needed. 

I do this work because laboring women need the presence of another woman who is there solely for their emotional and physical well-being.  Your doula will have no other priority during your labor, except you.  I consider each client of mine to be a gift.  I learn something about birth, life and love from every family.  I hope to meet yours! 

Please call me at (309) 444-4268 or e-mail me for more information or to set up an interview.

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Jenny Carmean

Labor Doula

I fell in love with pregnancy and birth when I was expecting my first child. My mom told me that having a baby was going to change my life, and boy was she right.

I love birth! What an awesome and empowering experience! It is my pleasure to meet with moms and dads as they plan for their special day. I love to help them explore all the options and choices available to them during the labor and birth. I truly feel honored and blessed to be a part of a family's most memorable moments.

I have had a whole realm of experiences personally with the births of my two boys and one girl, as well as with the families for whom I have been a doula. I have been a DONA trained doula since June 2002 and find the whole experience fascinating and would love to share in your adventure. Call me at (309) 676-9480 or e-mail me. I would love to hear about your pregnancy and talk birth.

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Julie Carlton, CD

Certified Labor Doula

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