Wendy Hinz - Journey To Motherhood

Wendy is an amazing doula! Both my husband and I can attest to Wendy’s ability and knowledge. My husband and I felt very comfortable with her from the first time we met. Her presence during the birth of our daughter was a tremendous help. This was my first pregnancy and my husband and I wanted to have an experienced and encouraging coach to help us along the way. In addition, I wanted to complete childbirth naturally with no medication. Wendy was helpful in educating us in what to expect in the weeks leading up to the birth, the childbirth process itself, and what to expect postpartum. She was responsive, even in the middle of the night. Wendy was very professional and nurturing throughout the labor and delivery. She was quick to suggest laboring positions and to ask questions and make suggestions that were in my best interest. Wendy helped us achieve our ideal labor and delivery. Our daughter, Mariya, was born at the St. Elizabeth East hospital naturally as I wanted. We would recommend Wendy to everyone who wants to experience the miracle of a natural birth. Thanks so much Wendy!

Posted 5/17/2013

Our experience with Wendy was very positive. We contacted her a couple of weeks before my due date. To prepare my husband and I for the labor, Wendy brought material regarding pain medication, the stages of labor, breathing techniques etc. She is a big advocate of natural birth and I was fine with that as I wanted to avoid the epidural and other medicine. When my labor started, we called Wendy a couple of times to update her on the progress. She offered to come to our home from the very beginning, but we didn't find it necessary until later. When she came home, my husband was able to take a break and get some rest. She helped establish a good breathing pattern and stayed next to me all the time. What I found most helpful was the pressure she applied to my lower back when the pain from contractions got really serious. Wendy kept us home as long as possible. Her help was really needed, to both me and my husband, when we started going to the hospital and I could hardly walk. When we finally arrived at the delivery room, I was already 10 centimeters dilated. In the delivery room I was particularly glad she was there to consult when my doctor suggested an episiotomy (I ended up having one). Wendy also visited us a couple of times after the delivery at home to check how we were doing. We recommend Wendy as a doula, especially to first time moms like myself.

Posted 5/6/2013

Never thought I would be hiring a doula, but we did, and all said and done it was the best money ever spent. My wife and I interviewed a couple doula’s before we selected Wendy, she was great to work with, visited the house a few times, For our meetings and was always there on the phone or email for us – she is a wealth of knowledge and an educational asset. May 22nd my wife began to have contractions, and was supposed to call and let Wendy know but she didn’t – by the time I arrived home she had 3 contractions in 15 minutes and needless to say I had already called Wendy as I pulled into the drive and didn’t see her car. I packed bags and things into the van and Wendy arrived, she and my wife got into the van and off I went at a speed breaking pace – had it not been for Wendy we would have had our baby boy in the back of the van – she assisted my wife with controlled breathing techniques that allowed her to get through the contractions without pushing – 9 minutes at the hospital and little Isaiah is here – lol – no joke that is walking in the door and baby being born. This is our 3rd child and first pregnancy using the services of a doula – although I can not speak to the services provided by all doula’s out there I most certainly will recommend Wendy to anyone, she works for you, she worked for us, and now she is our friend.

Posted 6/18/2012

I first met Wendy through my original Doula. My doula was going to be on vacation during my 35th week of pregnancy and I have a history of early babies.  It turns out I went into labor at 35 weeks.  I contacted Wendy when my water broke and she drove the 2 hours to meet me at the hospital.  Wendy was very supportive when I wanted to try natural methods to get my labor going instead of having Pitocin.  Wendy stayed up with me for the majority of the night as we attempted to jump start things.  Wendy also really helped encourage my husband during the later stages of labor.  Overall, I was very impressed with Wendy's knowledge about labor and birth.  She helped encourage and guide me to stay focused.  I would definitely recommend Wendy as a doula.

Posted 8/10/2011

 

We knew all along that we had to have Wendy with us. So as soon as I got that postitive test, I called Wendy. She suggested Dr. Hoversland because I wanted a Dr. who would honor my wishes for a natural birth. We love Dr. Hoversland and are very comfortable with him. Anytime I had questions I called or emailed Wendy and she always had answers for me or found them for me. With everything little concern she calmed my fears and helped me understand what was going on in my body and with my baby. She was always very strict about reminding me to stay healthy- which I usually needed that reminder. I wanted to eat a gallon of pickels and she helped me to stay on track and dirnk lots of fluids, eating good foods, and take my vitamins.

We started meeting and Wendy helped us understand what to expect and how to deal with pregnancy, labor and delivery.  Finally I felt it coming and contacted Wendy to give her the heads up. by the following night I was have stronger contractions. At 2:30 AM the contractions were regular and painful. I called Wendy and asked her to come over. She did and we all got a little rest. By 6:30 AM my contractions were very strong and about 8 minutes apart. Wendy was righ tthere for me to lend her support. She rubbed my back because thats where the most intense pain was. By 9 AM we headed to the hospital and when we got there Wendy encouraged me to relax and walk to help the baby move down. during contractions Wendy talked me through them. She reminded me to relax and breathe through them.

36 hours later Wendy was still there and ever vigilant we were all and exhausted but we had our baby. Wendy helped us make some enormous decisions. She helped us ask questions and uderstand the pros and cons of our descisons.

We could not have done it with out her!!!! We love you Wendy!!!!

Posted 1/19/2010

As soon as we found out we were expecting our second baby, I found Wendy and instantly fell in love with her.  She is easy going, very friendly, and full of information.  She was an amazing encouragement during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.  The delivery of my second son was my fastest and easiest labor/delivery.  I know it was because Wendy was there.  She was very supportive, encouraging, knowledgeable, and involved.  I gained so much confidence in the birth process and my body by Wendy being there and offering different positions, talking to me and telling my I was doing great, listening to me (especially when the hospital staff wasn't), and helping me stay focused. I walked away from my birth experience knowing that a woman's body is awesome and very capable of having a baby without all the interventions the medical world has to offer. I felt empowered to know that I could be in control of my body, my baby, and my birth...and I had options outside of the typical hospital protocol.  She was even available several weeks after I had my baby to help answer questions about colic and ways to reduce it.  My experience with Wendy and the birth of my second baby is one I will always remember.  It forever changed my views on pregnancy, childbirth, and me as a woman and mama.  My husband is in the Air Force so shortly after we had our second son we moved so when I became pregnant with our third baby I wasn't able to have Wendy as a doula.  I did contact her and through her encouragement I decided to find a midwife in our new location and try a homebirth.  I had a successful home/waterbirth with my third baby with a midwife and doula attending.  Since then I have decided to pursue becoming a midwife and it all started with the birth of my second baby and the wonderful inspiration of our doula, Wendy. 

Posted 10/14/2009

We had Wendy for the births of both of my children. I can't say enough how helpful she was! She was very informative while I was pregnant, and provided a lot of useful resources that helped the birthing process. My first birth was a long and protracted one--18 hours total, and Wendy spent at least 11 hours of those with me. We labored at home for as long as possible, and she was so encouraging in the hospital, even with a nurse who was trying to push an epidural on me. I actually wanted her more than my husband! Our second baby was much faster--only 6 hours at most. In fact, Wendy got there about an hour before we went to the hospital and a little over two hours before he was born! She was fantastic because I really needed support, especially with what felt like more intense pain. Both of my boys were breastfed for a year, and I feel like Wendy was instrumental in that. I had a harder time with my first son, and Wendy really helped me in her visits to me.

If we have another child, I am planning to use her again and perhaps even have a homebirth. If you're looking for a doula who is committed to you and to supporting your natural birth choices, I can't recommend Wendy enough. Her relaxed and supportive demeanor really made me understand how a doula is really all about "mothering the mother."

Posted 10/1/2009

Wendy was my doula for my 3rd baby.  I had not used a doula previously.  She came to my house and lent me books to read.  She helped me make a birth plan, which my doctor and the hospital followed.  Wendy helped me have a say and give me the birthing experience I wanted.  I had no idea that we, as expectant mothers, have such rights!  At the hospital, she was by my side along with my husband, family, and 5 year old daughter!  She did not replace anyone or their 'role' in my delivery.  She kept me focused and walking or on the ball to help the baby come down quickly.  Thank you Wendy for that!  Though he was 2 pounds bigger than the others, I was up walking around and sitting down comfortably after.  My previous delivery (baby #2) was spent with 1.75 hours of pushing, followed by 1 month of having to sit on inflated cushion due to 3rd degree tearing.  I had none of that, thanks to Wendy!  If we have baby #4, I want Wendy there by my side again. 

Posted 9/10/2009

Wendy was recommended to me by a local doula/midwife. My husband and instantly felt comfortable around her when we first met. We originally decided to hire a doula because I have a very hard time relaxing and staying calm in stressful situations, but once we hired Wendy we realized she had so much more to offer. She had literature and coping methods for every discomfort I mentioned during my pregnancy. She took the time to drive to our home for each prenatal appointment, showing us informative and inspiration videos about birth and reassuring me through every stage of my pregnancy.

Wendy arrived at our home at about six am and immediately showed my husband several ways to support me during my contractions. I don't know what I would have done without Wendy's guidance! She was able to keep me focused when I started to panic, and was familiar with the hospital routine once we checked in.

During the pushing stage of my labor, Wendy provided invaluable support. She helped me use different pushing positions and guided me through each contraction. She was able to help me decide whether or not I needed stitches to repair a tear, assist me in my first breastfeeding experience with my daughter, make sure the nurses and doctors were aware of my birth plan, make sure I gto the skin-to-skin time I was counting on, and even take pictures for us when my husband and I were meeting our baby for the first time.

I would recommend Wendy to anyone in the Lafayette area thinking about hiring a doula. Her rates are extremely reasonable and we were able to pay her in installments comfortable for us.

Posted 8/19/2009

I met Wendy through our local breastfeeding support group after I had my first child. We began to talk and when I became pregnant with my daughter she explained what a doula does and I became interested. When I told my huband, at first he was not for someone coming in and taking over "his role" in the experience. I explained to him that she is a coach for both of us and she was. Wendy came out to our house several times and talked to us about diet, exersizing, positoning, and our options and rights. I was able to call Wendy throught and asked her  what would be the best naturel alternative for different things. I called Wendy at 1:11 am the morning I went into labor with my daughter and she came right over. She coached my huband on what he could do to make me more comfortable and helped both of us to stay focused. She helped me into the postions that would best allow the baby to move down and I was able to do all of my laboring at home. I went to the hospital at 9cm. My daughter was born at 3:49 am and as soon as she was delivered  I was wanting to go home. My recovery was very fast compared with my first child and I believe it had everything to do with what Wendy had tought us throught my pregnacy.

Posted 8/17/2009

Wendy done a great job for me. I had her for my second child. Both my births were in hospitals. (two different ones tho) The experence between both were completely different. The first birth the Dr. broke my water and basicly left me. He told me he would see me sometime the next day. (being my first and thought I would take for ever to deliver)  My second child, the Dr. broke my water also.  I was measuring way big and doc says to come in and we would get things started.  I called Wendy and she met me up at the hospital.  Wendy herself had just delivered her daughter, only 6 weeks earlier.  With my water broke, we were singing. We sang on the ball. and in the shower.  We continued and she kept me focused.  We walked back to the delivery room, stoping every 2 steps for a contraction.  My delivery was a fast one, what took the most time was waiting for the Dr. to get there. Wendy was in my face keeping me focused riding the waves.  With the lights dim, and music on, we were ready to have a baby.  Wendy even took pictures of the first moments. (as she knew I scrapbooked and we had talked about what picts would be great)  Wendy was a huge help when it came to breastfeeding too. She made trips to my house, and phone calls just to check up, and to see if I had any questions.  My children are so different and my second child is much more healthy.  My second child is an herbal baby, with no shots.  Healthy as could be, outside of the comon cold.  No problems at all.  Wendy is full of information that was very helpful.  I found a new friend when I found Wendy. Thanks again.

Posted 8/16/2009