"From the moment I met Linda, I knew “she was the one”. I wanted a natural birth but didn’t want to go at it alone. During our first meeting, I just sat there with tears in my eyes, feeling relieved that she was going to help me. She had such a calming presence and a wealth of knowledge--I knew I was in safe hands.

My plan was to birth as long as I could in the comfort of my own home and then go to the hospital. When the day came, my plan worked a little too well; my labor progressed a lot more quickly than any of us had anticipated. If it hadn’t been for Linda, I don’t think we would have made it to the hospital in time. My husband had read up on the birthing process, but thought I was progressing slower than I actually was. Linda arrived when my water broke and calmly told my husband that we needed to get going. He was so unaware of my condition that he was making her a cup of tea!

I hit the transition phase in the car, asking Linda questions like, “Is it normal to feel so hot?” and “Am I going to have this baby in the car?” Linda just kept reassuring me that everything was going to be okay. To add even more drama to the situation, the date was Dec. 4th and we were having our very first snow storm. My husband couldn’t drive more than 40 mph and the hospital was a good 20 minutes away in normal driving conditions. I knew, however, that if the baby did come in the car, Linda would know what to do.

We arrived at the hospital 45 minutes later. When they checked me, they announced that I was fully dilated and completely effaced. Right there in the exam room, I started pushing. Linda was there the whole time, telling me what a great job I was doing. 30 minutes later, my daughter was born.

If it hadn’t been for Linda, I’m not sure this story would have the same ending. I think my daughter would have been born in the car on the side of the road! Having a doula was the best thing I ever did. Not only did it get us to where we needed to be at the right time, but it also brought me comfort and peace from pregnancy all the way to holding my daughter for the first time. My only hope is that Linda is around for every one of my future births."

Sarah

"My husband was a wonderful, supportive, birth coach for the birth of our first son! I did have the feeling after that something was missing. I came to the conclusion I needed him to just be my husband (not coach) and I needed some female support. We decided to use a doula for any following births. We were able to meet with Linda during my next pregnancy and immediately felt at peace with her! Due to some past experiences we did have some fear that came with us and did choose to have hospital deliveries. Linda was supportive of this and while at our deliveries was able to calm any fears we had! It is AMAZING to have someone there JUST for you! Linda held my hand, stared into my eyes knowing what I was experiencing, she whispered in my ear explanations of medical things that were occurring, she was my center and peace! Linda also took care of my husband (never letting go of my hand of course!) I would ask if he was ok and she would make sure he was. Linda was our doula for the deliveries of our next 2 children. I have MANY funny, serious, exciting, and special memories with her. My favorite was the delivery of our third child, things were going EXTREMELY fast and I was a bit overwhemed. With my eyes closed listening to the bustle of a nurse trying to get ready to catch a baby that was coming NOW, I heard a laugh! I opened my eyes and Linda, still holding my hand, was laughing and staring at me, with a huge smile on her face said, "Isn't it amazing, your body knows exactly what to do!" It was exactly what I needed to be reminded of! Thank you for everything you are and everything you do Linda Bentz!"

Elizabeth

I had never heard of a Doula until I took a natural child birthing class. I knew I would need extra support because my husband has to exit when the baby is actually born due to fainting issues.  I asked our instructor if she knew of a Doula and Linda was recommended to me. I was in my last trimester so I did not have much time. I called her up, we met and I was so thankful to begin this journey.  The night I went into labor I called Linda and she ended up meeting us at the hospital.  When I arrived she had already talked with the staff so they knew what my expectation were as to the natural child birth experience I wanted. I truly think this really helped me, having someone who was not related to me standing up for my wishes and who could think clearly when someone is in labor and giving birth. I also felt the staff left us alone more because I had a trained Doula in the room with me.  She supported me with wonderful encouraging words during contractions as well as suggestions on ways to make things progress.  She kept encouraging me to change position which I was reluctant to do because I was having strong contractions. I finally did use my husband to support me during a contraction which progressed me right along with my water breaking and hitting my husbands feet:) My husband then decided I was in good hands and exited because the baby was about to be born!! There were many times I wanted to just give up but Linda would not let me. She seemed to know the correct words of encouragement to say to me that keep me going. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful natural child birth I had with my third child thanks to Linda. Writing this brings back so many happy memories. Thanks Linda

Marie

"At certain points during my labor, my partner stepped away to take care of our toddler. During these contractions, Linda supported me. Emotionally and physically. It was like receiving the most urgently needed hug -- enveloped in love and strength and understanding. That's really what her care was like from day one. All of my ideas, hopes and goals were met with genuine acceptance and love. She helped me identify and work through my fears and to visualize this birth being peaceful, healing and empowering. She helped me to visualize it and then to realize the birth I wanted, needed and knew I could have."

Raven