Six Trusted Resources for New & Expecting Chicago Moms

On a daily basis I am asked for my recommendation or a referral for just about anything mom/child related. Over the last five years Active Moms’ Club has established a bountiful list of trusted resources to share with our moms. I believe our partners are the best of the best, and have personally used many of these resources myself. We’ve got you covered: from lactation and sleep consultants, to photographers, to support groups for fertility and postpartum depression, and beyond.

Here are just SIX fabulous partners and some of the most requested services (in no particular order). Visit AMC’s website for our full list of partners.

LACTATION CONSULTANT

Breastfeeding may be the hardest part of motherhood in the early days. There are many variables to breastfeeding that may hinder your ability to be successful at nursing. Kathy and her team at Lactation Partners, have over 20 years experience providing breastfeeding support and helping new families during this life-changing time in the comfort of your home. With one call, a lactation consultant can be at your home to provide comfort and loving support.

PHOTOGRAPHER

If you are looking for an affordable, talented, natural light photographer for newborn, family shots and beyond, Lauren Enright is your gal. Lauren has been photographing children, friends and families for many years. What started out as a hobby at a young age quickly turned into a passion through her high school and college years – leading to the creation of Lauren Enright Photography. Lauren will shoot on location at your home, your favorite park, or scenic location in the Chicagoland area. The bonus, her photography packages include a complete DVD of re-touched images, (the number of images depends on type of package).

KH Photography is another one of my favorite photographers in Chicago. Kevin has an extraordinary talent for capturing the true essence of his subjects. His boundless energy and unending patience with children, and love for being behind the camera is unparalleled. He pours all of himself into every photography experience. Kevin’s studio is in Lincoln Park and known for his beautiful black and white images.

SLEEP CONSULTANT

I can’t say enough about the valuable, kind, gentle, nurturing approach of sleep expert Janeen Hayward, owner of Swellbeing. Janeen is THE sleep whisperer! If you are having challenges getting your little one to sleep through the night, Janeen can help guide your family with a realistic approach so that everyone is getting their zzz’s and waking up happy and well rested. Swellbeing specializes in smart solutions and sympathetic support for modern families – and their kids. Sleep is a process; an initial in-home or phone consultation proceeds with two weeks of follow-up to provide plentiful guidance to successful sleep.

COPING/SUPPORT

I’m thrilled to introduce our newest partner, The Blossom Method located in the heart of Chicago. The Blossom Method is a supportive and resourceful center for women, couples, and families as they face the many hurdles of the child bearing years and beyond. Aviva and Bridget are both Licensed Clinical Social Workers who provide a unique combination of therapeutic and counseling services (individual, couple and groups), as well as education seminars, and events. The Blossom Method specializes in support related to: infertility, IVF, grief and pregnancy loss, complex medical diagnogsis, premature deliveries/NICU admissions, and postpartum depression & anxiety. You are not alone in your unique journey, there is support out there.

The Chicago New Moms Group has been a supportive partner of AMC for two years. Linda, the founding mom and Licensed Clinical Social Worker started the group in 2011. The group provides education and support program for first time moms of babies 0-6 months old. It provides the opportunity to come together in a supportive, nurturing and nonjudgmental environment to meet others who are sharing many of the same experiences and challenges of motherhood. New moms unite!

CHILDCARE

If you are in need of part-time childcare but don’t know where to look or have time, kgrace childcare is an excellent resource for skilled, energetic, knowledgeable, and dependable sitters. k grace is a full-service childcare placement agency that focuses on helping parents with part-time needs. A large majority of their clients (like myself) use between 8 and 15 hours a week and may or may not have a set schedule. I’ve been impressed with their client service, and the handful of sitters I have used over the last 2.5 years. The best part, their service is easy to use, and affordable!

Visit AMC’s website for our full list of partners.

Have you used one of the resources above, tell us about your experience.