Together we are doula strong

Birth & Postpartum Doula Services in Chicago, Illinois

I see your strength & your courage, but you don’t have to carry it all

Giving birth is a powerful experience no matter how it happens! Postpartum (after birth) is challenging, but you & your partner don’t have to navigate this alone. Feel heard, supported, and empowered with compassionate support from Ashley at Doula Strong.

Hi, I’m Ashley Vargas-Butler!

Pregnancy, birth, and those first few weeks with a newborn can be tough! Perhaps that’s an understatement. Having the right support for both you and your partner can make all the difference.

I’m a birth & postpartum doula and also have 4 children of my own, every one with their own unique birth story. I’m here to support you and your partner on your own unique journey.

Let’s talk and see if we’d be a good fit! No pressure or obligations.

Why Hire a BIRTH DOULA?

Source: Bohren et al. 2017

You matter, your birth matters. There are no re-do’s. Get the support you deserve.

WHY DOULA STRONG?

Navigating not only the challenges that come with pregnancy, birth, & postpartum but also the landscape that is maternity care in this country as a BIPOC can feel overwhelming.

I’ve been there, I get it.

After the traumatic birth of my first child I learned that having the right care and support can truly make a world of difference, regardless of outcome.

I’m here to help you feel supported, feel empowered, confident, and informed. You can feel comfortable asking any questions, you’ll feel like you have someone on your side who understands.

I’m here to walk along side of you and your partner as you take this monumental step of welcoming your baby into this world.

WHAT MY AMAZING CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY

"This was the first delivery for me and my husband and we weren't sure if we needed a doula. We are so happy we had Ashley there with us! She's very knowledgeable and even helped us with our birth plan. She was very respectful of our wishes and worked hard to create a comfortable and encouraging environment. I was in labor for 36 hours and she was there with us every step of the way! She's an excellent coach and came prepared for a myriad of birth plan deviations. (And we had plenty!) Whether you're preparing for the arrival of your first child or have been through labor before, you won't regret having Ashley there with you!"

"Ashley helped me feel calm and competent to give birth to my first born at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital.

I'm not going to lie, I was on the fence on whether a doula would be helpful and worth the cost. There was a part of me that thought the people I chose to have in the room with me could cover it. I also thought maybe doulas were only worth it for home births or for people who were against modern medicine. All I can say is - WOW - I'm so glad I had a doula in the room - especially a pro like Ashley!

Ashley was able to make sure my wants and needs were taken care of by the doctors and nurses. For example, the resident doc was about to cut my baby's umbilical cord moments after she came out. Ashley stepped in to make sure there was delayed cutting as I planned, when I was in no position to know what was really happening. She was also awesome in making sure my husband was simultaneously able to have his own experience of seeing his daughter come in to this world, while also nudging him to be the right kind of support I needed when he was a tad out of it 🙂 Ashley was a able to make me believe in myself and was able to quickly read my body language and face to see what I needed, before I could even verbalize it. Whether that was help switching positions, needing ice chips, putting my hair up, etc. Most importantly, Ashley was not judgmental or pushy. She was calm, motivating, present in the moment with me. I couldn't have asked for a better experience!"

“Having you as my doula was the best decision I ever made! You truly made a difference in my birthing experience by being my advocate and advisor. I highly recommend Ashley to any mother considering!”

“Thankful we had a Doula for our pregnancy/birth! Ashley has been the best resource & support for this new Mama & family.”

Not Sure yet? That’s ok.

Get on my email list so we can stay in touch.

DOULA STRONG, LLC

Ashley Vargas-Butler

(312) 612-9870
hello@doulastrong.co

Birth & Postpartum Doula serving Chicago, Illinois

Neighborhoods served: Uptown, Ravenswood, Irving Park, Portage Park, Avondale, Lakeview, Belmont-Craigin, Hermosa, Lincoln Park, Logan Square, Bucktown-Wicker Park, Garfield Park, Austin, Humboldt Park, West Town, Old Town, River North, The Loop, Streeterville, Medical Center, University Village, Near North, Ukranian Village, Pilsen, China Town, Hyde Park, Bridgeport, Cabrini Green, Sheffiel