Resources
Chicago Family Picnic
Find out more about the local businesses, people, and other resources we love at Family Picnic!
Acupuncturists
Jade Path Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine
Specializing in women’s health: Whether it’s periods that are too long, too painful, non-existent, pre-menstrual issues, trying to get pregnant, needing help through a pregnancy, or transitioning to menopause.
Contact Info:
Office: (773) 669-5724
Website: https://jadepathacupuncture.com/
The Nest, Acupuncture
Located in Lincoln Square, specializing in acupuncture to treat infertility and pregnancy at every stage of women’s lives; including getting pregnant or starting labor.
Contact Info:
Office: (312) 288-6420
Website:
https://www.thenestchicago.com
L & A Healing Studio, Massage & Acupuncture
Contact Info:
Office: (312) 753-3249
Website: https://lahealingstudio.com
Child Life Specialist
Alexis Rhodes
Founder of People Medicine LLC, Alexis offers both in-home and virtual child life services to families in the Chicagoland area and beyond.
As a Certified Child Life Specialist, Alexis supports children, adolescents, and families navigating a variety of medical experiences and impactful life transitions. Creating tailored interventions involving therapeutic play, developmentally appropriate education and preparation, memory making and legacy-building, self-advocacy skills, and coping strategies galore, Alexis meets families where they are, making life’s most challenging and impactful moments a little bit easier. Services include, but are not limited to …
- Medical/dental procedural preparation & support
- Children and adolescents navigating routine check-ups, vaccinations, blood draws, imaging, surgery, and more.
- Diagnosis education
- Children and adolescents with their own new or pre-existing health condition and/or coping with the diagnosis of a loved one .
- End-of-life, grief, & bereavement support
- Children and adolescents who are on hospice/have a loved one on hospice; navigating the death or anticipated death of a loved one or pet; coping with a natural disaster and/or periods of uncertainty, etc.
- School re-entry services following illness or loss
- Children and adolescents returning to school following a new diagnosis, an impactful healthcare experience, the death of a loved one, etc.
- Sibling support
- Siblings coping with a brother's and/or sister’s diagnosis.
- Medication adherence
- Children and adolescents navigating pill-swallowing, a new medication regimen, etc.
- Transitional support
- Children and adolescents welcoming a new sibling to the family, navigating divorce, moving, etc.
Contact Info:
Email: alexis@peoplemedicinellc.com
Website: https://www.peoplemedicinellc.com/
Chiropractors
Dr. Vanessa Prado
Chiropractor at Remedy Alternative Care Clinic
Dr. Prado is a chiropractor and naturopathic doctor specializing in female reproductive and hormonal health, GI/digestive health, and mental/emotional wellness. She is certified in Webster Technique from the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association and enjoys helping families in all stages of prenatal, pregnancy, postpartum, and parenthood.
Contact Info:
Office: (773) 820-7580
Email: info@remedyacc.com
Website: https://www.remedyacc.com
Dr. Staci Ahrens
Chiropractor at Aligned Modern Health Lincoln Square
Dr. Ahrens is a chiropractic physician at Aligned Modern Health. She has certifications in Webster Technique to support pregnant women as well.
Contact Info:
Office: (773) 328-8153
Dr. Tom Williams
Chiropractor at Roots Family Chiropractic
Roots Family Chiropractic is a family-owned practice in Lincoln Park. They are a pediatric and prenatal chiropractic office with the mission to empower families to live a health-based life.
Contact Info:
Office: (312) 724-8724
Email: info@rootsfamilychiro.com
Website:
http://rootsfamilychiro.com
Doulas
Birthways Inc.
Birth and postpartum doulas ranging from newer to experienced doulas; assigned according to a family’s ability to pay.
Website: http://www.birthwaysinc.com
Office: (888) 506-0607
Chicago Family Doulas
Offers both birth and postpartum doulas.
Website: https://chicagofamilydoulas.com
Office: (312) 765-3012
Chicago Family Picnic
Family Picnic has a select group of experienced doulas who can be requested alone or as a part of the birth package. Bios are listed here.
Contact Info:
Website: https://chicagofamilypicnic.com
Office: (224) 287-9055 or (773) 259-2543
Lactation Consultants
Chicago Family Picnic
Sue Gottschall, CLC and Rebecca Nguyen, CLC
Email: chicagofamilypicnic@gmail.com
Office: (224) 287-9055 or (773) 259-2543 
Mother’s Milk Co.
Barbara Hardin, RN, IBCLC and Kate Olgilvie, IBCLC
Website: mothersmilkco.com
Office: (773) 595-5593
Nursed & Nourished
Hannah Cartwright, RN, IBCLC
Website: nursed-nourished.com
Email: hcartwright@nursed-nourished.com
Office: (773) 217-8641
Rose Duffy, MS, OTR/L, CLC
Rose Duffy Lactation PLLC provides in-home breastfeeding/chestfeeding support through the lens of an occupational therapist, with a focus on empowering new parents to feel confident and capable in their feeding choices.
rose@roseduffylactation.com
815-529-8756

Loss Resources
Beyond The Baby Blues
Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group
Center for Grief Recover and Therapeutic Services
https://www.griefcounselor.org/resources/grieving-miscarriage-still-birth/
Website:
http://griefcounselor.org
Still Birthday
Website:
http://www.stillbirthday.com/
MOM’s Hotline
Additional resources for loss: (866) 364-6667

Midwife Groups
PCC Birth Center
Located at PCC South Family Health Center
6201 Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402
Office: (708) 317-3035
Birth Center of Chicago
Freestanding Birth Center
3832 N. Lincoln Ave.
Office: (773) 232-2299
North shore Associates Midwife Group
Deliver at Evanston Hospital
Office Locations:
Wilmette:
328 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois, 60091, US
Glenview:
2550 Compass Road Unit J, Glenview, Illinois, 60026, US
To inquire:
Office: (847) 475-1224
Highland Park Midwife Group
Highland Park Hospital
Office: (847) 941-7600
Illinois Masonic Hospital Midwife Group
3048 N. Wilton Ave.
Chicago, IL

Office: (773) 296-7032
UIC Midwife Group
1747 W Roosevelt Rd

Office: (312) 996-4470
Northwestern Hospital Midwife Group
Prentice Women’s Hospital
250 E. Superior St.
Office: (312) 926-8811

Nutrition Resources
RAD Nutrition
Rachel Doyle, MS, RD, LDN
Rachel is a holistic gut health dietitian who supports women through every stage of pregnancy and postpartum. She helps moms optimize nutrition for themselves and their babies, manage common pregnancy symptoms like nausea, acid reflux, and constipation, support healing and recovery after birth, and create simple, nourishing meals that fit into busy lives. Based in Uptown, Chicago, Rachel works with clients one-on-one, both virtually and in person.
Contact info:
https://www.radrdnutrition.com/

Parent Groups
Family Picnic's Mom & Baby Group
Small, supportive group that meets for 5 weeks. Moms with babies in the first 6 months are welcome to attend!
Groups held in the intimate and comfortable Family Picnic Space.
Dad (Non-Birthing Person) and Baby Group
Held at Family Picnic
This group meets once every month on the second Saturday of the month. Led by a father, the group gathers to talk about the first year of parenthood.
Active Moms’ Club
Cassandra Hawkinson, Owner, Trainer
AMC provides fitness for all stages of motherhood. They offer a wide range of services to meet the unique needs of Chicago mothers: prenatal fitness, postnatal recovery class for mom and baby, and most importantly, a community of support from moms just like you!
Contact info:
Email: cassandra@activemomsclub.com
Website: www.activemomsclub.com
Office: (773) 505-3945

Pediatricians
Advocate Children's Medical Group
Advocate Children’s Medical Group Wilson is a pediatric primary care office that offers the benefits of Advocate’s large organization while operating with the mentality of a small personal practice.
Contact info:
Office: (773) 736-6220
Website:
https://locations.advocatehealth.com/advocate-childrens-medical-group-pediatrics-chicago
Dr. Fred Ettner
Dr. Ettner is very breastfeeding friendly and laid back. Supportive of all varying parenting choices too!

Contact Info:
7126 N Lincoln Ave
Lincolnwood, IL 60712
Office: (847) 733-2229
Dr. Anna Kulik-Carlos
Affiliated with Swedish Covenant
4753 N. Elston Ave
Contact info:
Office: (773) 205-7200
Dr. Shashi Kumar
Affiliated with both Swedish Covenant and North Shore Hospitals.
The recommendation came from a midwife at Swedish.
Contact info:
6374 N. Lincoln Ave
Office: (877) 926-4664
Dr. Todd Ochs
Ravenswood Pediatrics
We have heard good things about this practice from multiple parents at Picnic.
1945 W. Wilson
Suite 6116
Office: (872) 208-6257

Physical Therapists
Andersonville Physical Therapy
Specializing in women's health issues both prenatally and postpartum. Offering physical therapy for pelvic floor rehabilitation, during pregnancy, and the postpartum period.
Contact info:
Office: (773) 907-3599
Email: dawson.andersonvillept@gmail.com
Website:
www.andersonvillePT.com
Chicago Physical Therapists
Laura Gleason, PT, DPT, OCS and Meredy Parker, PT, DPT
Specializing in women’s health.
Contact Info:
Office: (773) 770-3682
Email: info@chicagopt.org
Website:
www.chicagophysicaltherapists.com
Peace Pelvic Health
Natalia Avelar, DPT, PRPC
Peace Pelvic Health is a physical therapy practice that specializes in pelvic and orthopedic conditions during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. The practice offers mobile, in-person, and telehealth services to its patients to provide accessible care during pivotal times. Natalia Avelar, owner and physical therapist, has over ten years of experience working with patients to help heal from pain and dysfunction, especially in the realm of Women’s Health.
Contact info:
Phone: (773) 694-4030
Email: natalia@peacepelvichealth.org
Website: www.PeacePelvicHealth.org
Placenta Encapsulation
Tyo Birth Care
Kate Tyo, Placenta Encapsulator (APPA)
Kate is certified through the Association of Prepared Placenta Arts and therefore fully qualified to encapsulate your placenta immediately after your birth. There are many benefits of placenta encapsulation; Read more about Kate and her services on her website.
Contact info:
Phone: (773) 669-4437
Email: tyobirthcare@gmail.com
Website: chicagoplacenta.com

Photography
Photographer
Shalimar Beekman is an award-winning photographer specializing in newborn, child, and family photography. Shalimar's easy-going style, patience, and creativity all help to create timeless images. Working either in her natural-light studio or at a location of your choice, a session with Shalimar is a fun experience that results in photos your family will cherish.
Contact info
Phone: (773) 230-5441
Blog: blog.shalimarbphotography.com
Website: www.shalimarbphotography.com

Perinatal Therapists
Laura Perelman, LCSW
Laura Perelman (she/her/hers) is a caring and experienced psychotherapist (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) who specializes in the treatment of a range of issues including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, gender dysphoria, and perinatal mental health. She is a mother herself, and loves to support parents navigating the joys and challenges of expecting a child and parenting. She has completed training from PostPartum Support International, as well as experience working with parents.
Laura’s goal is to help each person she works with nurture and appreciate their strengths whilst growing in their capacity for insight and acceptance. She works with her clients to identify patterns that no longer serve them, and find healthier ways of being.
Contact Info:
Phone: (773)923-1887
Email: LPerelmanLCSW@gmail.com
Wildflower
Wildflower Center for Emotional Health is a perintally-focused private psychotherapy practice. Our expert clinicians specialize in perinatal and family mental health, supporting individuals and families through reproductive challenges, the transition to parenthood, and beyond. With virtual and in-person care in Chicago, Oak Park, and Boulder, we provide comprehensive care, and accept a variety of insurance plans.
Locations in River North and Oak Park
312.809.0298
www.wildflowerllc.com
Sleep Consultants
Cara Strauss, Pediatric Sleep Consultant
At Sleep Solutions by Cara, we support families in establishing healthy, gentle sleep routines for babies and toddlers. Cara’s compassionate, evidence-based approach helps parents find customized solutions that fit their family’s needs. Whether it’s overcoming sleep regressions, nap transitions, or creating bedtime routines, Cara is dedicated to helping families get the rest they deserve.
Contact Info:
Email: Cara@childrensleepbetter.com
Website: www.childrensleepbetter.com
Instagram: @Childrensleepbetter

Therapists
Jessica Meade, LCSW, CADC, Danielle Renyer, LCSW, and Shanna Arceo, LCSW
JMM counseling provides skilled therapeutic services to children, adolescents, and adults. We are a family-friendly practice committed to strengthening families and deepening connections. We utilize best practices such as play therapy, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, and trauma interventions.
Please see our website and reach out to schedule an initial consultation.
Website: https://jmmcounseling.com/
Kate Koslowsky, LCSW
Kate is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specializing in helping individuals in their 20s and 30s navigate significant life changes while gaining insight into themselves and their relationships.
The majority of Kate’s practice focuses on building skills to address anxiety, relationship issues, and the challenges and joys of parenthood and the perinatal period. Kate has a special interest in working with first-time parents through their journey of pregnancy into parenthood.
Kate is a parent herself and has been trained in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. She enjoys supporting parents by bringing both her professional skills and first-hand experience into work with clients.
Contact Info:
Phone: (708) 669-6561
Riptide Currents, LLC
Jean Hausmann, LCSW
Riptide Currents provides child, teen, couples, and parent coaching and therapy services.
My focus is helping your child and family find strategies to begin using immediately. I specialize in helping you navigate life transitions, improve communication, and deepen a sense of emotional connection.
My therapeutic approach is an eclectic blend of cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, and other expressive therapies.
Our office is located inside Chicago Family Picnic, please reach out to schedule an initial consultation.
Contact info:
Phone: (630) 534-3069
Email: jemarisol.12@gmail.com
Heather Nyheim, LCSW
I work with individual adults and teens, where I build a comforting space to help people process their experiences and challenges, seek deeper self understanding, and find new ways to show up as their authentic selves in relationships and in life. I am trained to work with people experiencing depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, life transitions (including perinatal mood disorders), and recovering from traumatic experiences.
5215 N Ravenswood Ave
heather.nyheim.lcsw@gmail.com
(872)272-7314

