As doulas, we have worked alongside many of the medical practices in the Chicagoland area. While choosing a medical provider is a very personal and individual decision for each family, we believe the best ingredients include evidence-based care, open communication, and a relationship built on trust.

We’d love to introduce you to some local midwives and OBs who have provided excellent, respectful care for the families we work with.

Provider Spotlight: Megan Belleavia, CNM

We love Megan’s professionalism as well as her lighthearted tour of the placenta!

Megan works with a team of midwives for AMITA Health Obstetrics, Midwifery and Gynecology (locally known as OMG). Their birthing families deliver in the beautiful rooms at AMITA Health Medical Center Hinsdale, 120 N. Oak St., Hinsdale IL.

When did you start working in this field, and what got you interested in it?

I started working in women's health as a medical assistant in 2007 and slowly kept evolving my role from MA, to RN and then to midwife.

I originally received my bachelor degree in psychology and planned to become a licensed therapist, but wanted a break before attending grad school. I found a job working as an MA at a women's health clinic and the amazing women's health nurse practitioners and midwives working there inspired me to change tracks when I headed back to school.

I knew I could still help counsel people working in this field, but also helping empower people to take charge of their own physical healthcare within a system that often makes that challenging was an opportunity I could not pass up.

What services do you provide?

People associate midwives mostly with prenatal and birth care and I absolutely offer those services. I also really enjoy providing well-body care including pap smears, laboratory testing, vaccinations, mammogram orders and physical exams. Contraceptive care including IUDs, Nexplanon insertion and removal, and shorter-acting methods such as pills, the ring, spermicide, Depo-Provera shots, guidance on natural family planning and more.

Assisting with a variety of preconception concerns including cycle tracking, natural ways to boost fertility, and help evaluating suspected fertility issues or referral to a specialist who can help more when appropriate. I am not a certified lactation consultant, but have a strong passion for lactation care and supporting families who need assistance on their infant feeding journey.

What’s the best part of your job?

Empowering people to take charge of their own healthcare and learn about their body! The joy on someone's face when they finally feel truly heard by their healthcare provider if so rewarding.

What’s the most challenging part of your job?

Supporting families through loss, at any stage. My heart aches with them.

What is one thing you wish all your patients knew before they have their first baby?

Preparing for birth is so important, but don't forget to prepare for what comes after!

Knowing what changes your body will go through during the postpartum time frame, tips for self-care, getting enough sleep, working as a team with your partner, how to set boundaries with well-meaning friends and family, and what to expect with feeding challenges are big ones!

Midwife Megan and doula Nicki enjoy a post-birth pretzel celebration with a new mom.

What are some reasons you might recommend doula services to your patients?

Doula support is essential in my eyes. Whether someone is planning an epidural from the second labor starts or thinking there is no way they would ever want one or are somewhere in between. Especially with first pregnancies, a doula can be your "sherpa" and help guide you through your pregnancy, labor and birth as well as help with care postpartum.

A doula does not replace the care and support of your partner or your midwife. We all work together as a team to help support your goals and preferences. Watching someone you love go through labor is hard! Having an experienced support person in the room is so beneficial for partners in addition to the birthing person.

Tell us a little bit about your family.

My partner Brett and I live in Batavia with our two kids, Violet and Barrett. We have two trouble-making cats also!

What is your favorite way to relax when you have a day off?

I love to do silly activities with my kids, cook, garden, and occasionally treat myself to a massage when I can find the time! Midwifery can be a bit hard on the body.

One more important question: where is your top recommended place for new parents or hungry doulas to get a good meal after a birth at Hinsdale Hospital?

Lots of people want sushi since it's a bit of a "no-no" during pregnancy. Nabuki is right in downtown Hinsdale about 5 minutes away and has great food! Fuller House is a bar and restaurant right in the same area that has a lot of amazing options including a roasted brussels sprouts salad that is to die for!

Meet the Midwife