‘A true partner and companion’

Sarah Palmer (right), with her friend Nadine and Nadine’s son, Yali, in 2017. The three of them had met “in the middle” between the U.S. and Israel: Spain. (Photo courtesy of Sarah Palmer)

When asked why she became a doula, Sarah Palmer has a one-of-a-kind answer.  

Ten years ago, while visiting Israel, she spent Shabbat in Tel Aviv with Nadine, a close friend. Nadine was seven months pregnant, and she spoke with Palmer about what she envisioned for the birth. The next evening, Nadine’s water broke—but by then, Palmer was in Jerusalem. Her friend was in pre-term labor, and alone. 

Palmer jumped to action. When she told Nadine that she was coming back to Tel Aviv to be with her at the hospital, Nadine said, “Can you do me a favor? Can you stop at the Kotel?” Palmer found a taxi driver who agreed to the whole drive, Western Wall stop included. 

Nadine’s son was born, had a standard NICU stay, and was discharged healthy. Supporting her friend during the birth was the “coolest thing” Palmer had ever experienced. Palmer hadn’t yet begun to learn about birthwork, but Nadine was very grateful for her calm and steady presence. 

“There are studies that show that any kind of continuous support, even if the person’s not trained, will improve the outcome,” Palmer said. Today, she serves families as a certified doula based in Hyde Park. 

Perhaps most commonly known for their childbirth assistance, doulas are trained, non-medical professionals who provide emotional and physical support, as well as advocacy, to their clients in all aspects of reproductive health. 

“I think of a doula as the ultimate healthcare advocate,” said Stefanie Waldorf, a doula in Lakeview. “You are not the medical professional; you are a true partner and companion to the birthing person and their partner on this journey.” 

Waldorf emphasized data: one in three births in the U.S. is currently via C-section, but with a doula, she said, that rate drops to just 13%. Research also shows that doula care is associated with lower stress, anxiety, and negative birth experiences.  

Leah Whiteman, a full-spectrum doula and marriage and family therapist, is a support member of Maggie’s Place at Mishkan Chicago, leading workshops for expectant parents and running a fertility journey group. She has seen first-hand how meaningful the sharing of Jewish ritual and culture can be for individuals and families navigating these transitions.  

Recognizing the important role that doulas can play as advocates and educators during deeply significant periods in peoples’ lives, JUF connects directly with doulas in Chicago, as well as those seeking support from doulas. 

The jBaby Nurture Network provides a resource kit and gift for doulas to pass on to their clients. The kit includes thoughtful touches—like a sweet nightlight—and practical resources like information on Young Families programming including jBaby Chicago, PJ Library and JUF Right Start.  

Alice Mintz, JUF Young Families Program Associate, describes the effort as being inspired by PJ Library’s Mohel Program, through which mohels, rabbis, and pediatricians are given gift bags to present to families. As a young parent herself, Mintz says she was in a postpartum daze during her son’s bris. “I think I shook the mohel’s hand once. There wasn’t a relationship there,” she explained. “Because doulas have strong, trusted relationships with their clients, we wanted to connect with them to help share the many resources available to young families in the Chicago Jewish community.” 

Anna Rodney, Owner and Founder of Chicago Family Doulas, said she’s happy to participate in the jBaby Nurture Network. Her organization boasts 400 doulas, and Rodney takes to heart her opportunity to provide information, resources, and connections. “I always try to amplify people’s voices in the community,” she said. 

Palmer said “empowerment” is the vital link between her work and her identity as a Jew. “A lot of doula work is empowering my clients to have the experience that’s the best they can have, and to find their voice and agency in it. … I [also] want people to feel empowered by Judaism,” she shared. Palmer wants each Jewish client to have “an empowering Jewish experience when they’re navigating fertility, birth, and parenting.” 

But this time, without a taxi ride to the Kotel along the way. 

To participate in the jBaby Nurture Network at JUF, as a doula, or as seeking a doula, email Alice Mintz at [email protected].