Susan Ruhl

Susan has supported families as a postpartum doula since 2013 — a natural next chapter after more than 30 years as an early childhood educator, and Director of Total Child in Evanston.

Susan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Northwestern University and a Master's in Early Childhood Education from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout her career, she led parent workshops and facilitated discussions on children's emotional, physical, and cognitive development, sibling adjustment, and family transitions — expertise she brings directly to her postpartum work. She has always been especially drawn to supporting families in the tender season of welcoming a newborn.

As a postpartum doula, Susan offers overnight care and is experienced supporting breastfeeding and bottle-feeding families, multiples and singletons, first-time parents and those growing their families. She brings a calm, reassuring presence and a deep well of knowledge in newborn care, infant feeding, and women's health and wellbeing. Susan is also a certified TummyTime! Method instructor.

Susan is a mother of two grown daughters and a grandmother of three. She is known for the warmth, confidence, and light-heartedness she brings to every family she serves — and for the lasting impression she leaves on the clients who are grateful to have found her.

Education BA, Psychology — Northwestern University MA, Early Childhood Education — University of Illinois at Chicago

Certifications & Training Birthways Postpartum Doula Core Training (2013) WisdomWay Institute First Year Specialist / Postpartum Doula Certification TummyTime! Method Certification — Michelle Emanuel (2017) Perinatal Mood Disorders and Baby Blues (2014) Fussy Baby — Beth Osten (2014) Baby Wearing (2014) Navigating Complex Couple Dynamics (2013) Peers, Professionals & Pediatricians Working Together to Support Breastfeeding (2014) Lamaze: Breastfeeding for Working Moms (2015) Car Seat Safety (2015) Sleep Seminars: Dr. Carey Chronis & Dr. David Wolfe (2016) Importance of Attachment — Presenter, Amundsen Teen Moms (2015)

What Clients Say

"It was amazing to work with Susan. We feel really lucky to have had her great advice and calming presence for all these weeks. Once again, just like when my first was born, Birthways surpassed my expectations by having such wonderful, knowledgeable doulas."

"I wanted to send you a quick note to say how profoundly grateful I was to have Susan Ruhl as a postpartum doula. She was the PERFECT fit for us, and for me in particular. Her confidence, positivity and support were an absolute godsend during these first 3 weeks with our new baby girl. She was able to answer all my questions and concerns, no matter how small or seemingly ridiculous. Knowing she was coming in our door at the end of the day kept me calm and prevented us from descending into chaos and panic!"