Sarah Ford

7/27/2020

Linda was our doula for the home birth of Lincoln, and we will always be grateful of her presence during his birth. She was calm, comforting, dedicated, wise, and in tune with my needs as a laboring woman.

During the birthing process, the baby moved into an awkward position, which held everything up. Linda guided me through the experience, suggesting a certain position and breathing exercise that worked in no time. It's hard to remember moments in labor, but even six years later, I can still envision those moments we had together, working the baby down with a natural process. Amazing! 

During the birth she was calm and focused on me, and what I remember most is the love and support shown by this small but mighty team of birthworkers. It was a beautiful experience, truly one of peace and calm despite the pains of birth. Linda was so essential to that atmosphere, and I know that's the energy she brings to all mothers who have entrusted her during their labor and birth. She is one-of-a-kind and my family was truly blessed by her work with us during our one and only home birth. 

I would encourage hiring Linda as a doula because she respects the sacredness of birth, and that is evident in the way she communicates and assists in the process, from pregancy to birth to post-baby. She follows up, she brings what is needed, and she supports the family as they make the transition to having a new member of the family. 

Linda has a special way about her, a reminder of the power of birthing women through the ages, and she channels that into her work as a doula. She catalyzes a connection to the sacred feminine and the power of the mother to do what is natural for her to do. 

Erica

7/27/2020

Linda was my doula for my homebirth last year. Towards the end of my pregnancy I had some complications and had to make some decisions. Linda provided me with information and facts so that I could make the best decision for my child. She accompanied me to appointments to support me and advocate for me.  Unfortunately when it came time for the baby to be born, the baby came so fast that NOBODY made it in time. Linda got there as quickly as she could and immediately jumped into action. Having Linda there was like having a mom there. She is so caring and doting, making sure that you have everything that you need to rest and be able to focus on the baby. I really felt like I was being spoiled. My older children absolutely love "Miss Linda". Linda gave them plenty of love and attention, helping them to not feel lost in the mix. Linda kept the house up and got my huge pile of laundry caught up. She cooked us multiple meals every day. We were so sad when it was time for her to move on to the next family. 

I'm horrible at writing these kind of things, but the most important thing I want to convey is how absolutely invaluable Linda was in my pregnancy and recovery. Linda has a heart for families. During the process our family didn't grow by just one, it grew by 2. If I were to ever have another baby, I would not want to do it without Linda. 

Jaci

7/14/2020

I was an older (37) when I found out that I was pregnant with my first baby.  I made my appointment with my local OB-GYN as the standard protocol.  Knowing little about pregnancy, birth, babies, and raising children, I bought the book "What to Expect".  Combining all of these factors, I became extremely anxious and scared.  Having no family or friends that I could lean on,   I began asking about doulas.  Linda's name came up and I gave her a call.  

Linda worked with me and calmed my nerves.   Not only did she teach me about having natural birthing, cesarian procedures, induction processes, and other birthing procedures she taught me about breastfeeding, baby wearing, massage during pregnancy, essential oils, and general mothering techniques. She empowered me and taught me how much strength I possessed. She taught me to question the status quo and advocate for the birth story that I wanted with my terms. 

As a result of our weekly sessions, I had the most wonderful almost 100% natural birthing experience.  Linda was there the entire time whispering in my ear that women had been birthing babies for thousands of years and that I could too. I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl with out medical intervention.  18 months later, Linda assisted as I "stomped out" my son and told the hospital to allow me to birth him the way my body needed.  

My birth stories are moments in my life that I return to when I am feeling weak and need assurance.  It is because of Linda that they are moments of power and beauty. 

Grace Griffin

7/1/2020

Linda was the most wonderful doula I could have ever dreamed of for my VBAC. After an unwanted c-section with my first child I was nervous if I *would* be able to have a VBAC with my second child. Her unwavering support, advocacy and incredible knowledge left me with with no doubts that my VBAC would happen. And it did! She was like a magic birth drum major, orchestrating me and the other birth attendants (my partner and a friend) to help me get into all the right positions at the right time. I literally never had to think the whole time- I was free to just be in my labor and go with my bodily process and she took care of me. Her awareness, attention and expertise was so crucial and yet she was so humble and soft. She will be the best investment in your birth that you will ever make. Linda is the absolute best doula in our area! I had my VBAC at University of Iowa Hospital and she traveled there from the Quad Cities. It was super simple and easy.

Linda also came to my house for 3 days as a postpartum doula and I would highly recommend her for that as well. She is extremely knowledgeable about a mother's needs postpartum and has plenty of experience with children (having had 4 of her own) and was wonderful with my toddler. She has the magic baby touch and could always get my new little one to hush down or get the stubborn burp out. No need to look any further then Linda! 

Stephanie

4/1/2019

Linda was and still is amazing! Hiring her was easily one of the best decisions my husband and I have ever made. I met her rather late in my pregnancy. 36/37wks, or so. I was really nervous about being coerced or bullied during my hospital birth and she was excellent about teaching me about questions to ask and making informed choices. She helped me with my birth plan in making it simple and concise, and also that it was what I really wanted. During my labor she was amazing! I ended up having a very long labor and she helped me as well as my husband through the whole thing. My daughter is now 5mo old and she continues to be an amazing resource. She helped me find a therapist to help with PPA/PPD, she got us in touch with La Leche League leaders when I was having a hard time nursing, she introduced us to a baby-wearing expert as well as lots of other local mommies. She's truly proven to be an incredible resource as well as a great friend! We will definitely hire her for all future births!

Mary

4/1/2019

I am forever grateful to CYR. 

I had a traumatic labor and delivery in 2017 and when I become pregnant again I immediately started interviewing doulas. When I met with Linda, her calm and loving presence was something that made her different from all the other doulas I had met with. She listens with love. 

Her knowledge about birth and evidence based practices helped me make informed decisions throughout my pregnancy and postpartum. She gave me information but never forced her viewpoints on me. She always respected the decisions that I made for me and my family. 

I’m confident that Linda’s presence during my labor helped contribute to the birth that I had always hoped for. Linda truly cares about all women, babies and families. She is not only my previous doula, she has now grown to become a lifelong friend. 

Loretta Rozdoske Burns

1/27/2017

We met our "Miss Linda" after reading about her in a local newspaper. I was pregnant with our 2nd child (entering my 2nd trimester) in a state where we were unfamiliar with the birthing politics/environment. Because of my traumatic birthing experience with our 1st child, we were adament about taking charge on this pregnancy/delivery. Immediately upon meeting, Linda was warm & shared a wealth of information. We knew she had experience, knowledge, & mostly a PASSION for moms & the birthing world! Linda listened, gave me hope, & devoted herself to me/my family. She never judged or tried to persuade me in any direction when it came to our birthing choices.....instead she provided us with documented information, instruction, advocacy, support, respect, & love. Unfortunately because of the negative birthing environment in the area, I found myself without a provider at 36 weeks. We were devastated & in awe that such politics & bullying could actually make someones world drop out from underneath them. I remember calling Linda with the news about my provider, sure that she would desert us too, she didn't! She remained loyal & determined to help us out. Our birthing plan changed dramatically to say the least & we found ourselves having to travel out of state, with me (& our toddler) separated from my hubby until the day of birth. I have no doubt that my birthing experience was forever altered because of the stress that we endured. However, having Linda next to us the entire time was more than we we could have ever expected from a doula. We put all our trust in her helping us, in a time where we had no clue which direction to go in, & she performed without question! Linda will always hold a special place in our family! She is more than a doula to us & I would, without hesitation, recommend Linda over & over again!

Regina Rahman

1/18/2017

Linda was my son and daughter in law.  As new parents to be they had a lot of questions as well as a lot of expections.  Linda was patient, caring and explained in detail everything  would happen in the hospital and all of their rights.  She guided them every step of the way.  Everything always was their decision and Linda was their advocate.  I am a big fan of Linda and really wish I had her at my births.  She is still in contact with my daughter in law and her new baby.  Actually she was the first to recognize a tongue tied issue with my grandson making  difficult for him to latch.  Within one week the issue was diagnose by  dentist and I am happy to announce my grandson is nursing  for the last 6 months. we love Linda and very grateful for everything she has done and everything she continues to do for young couples. Thank you Linda

Tracy Tuftee

1/15/2017

Linda was an amazing support to me prior, during and after giving birth. I am grateful to have Linda in my life. In months leading up to birth, she provided education and recommendations of resources and networks to tap before baby came. She is always full of lots of info and provides it in a caring way. When you haven't given birth before, you don't necessarily know what you will want during that event. How could you know? But, she helped me by putting it in perspective and helped to prepare me emotionally. And even now, I still am gaining perspective from birth and being a mother. She got me on a track to a healthy happy birth and relationship with my child. If I had gone it alone, I don't know where I would be.

During birth, Linda provided expert support in positioning, breathing and normalizing natural birth. She kept me relatively calm. She allowed me to let loose and scream like an ape and beat the bed and then helped reign me back in and breath with the contractions. Honestly, my husband was there the whole time, but Linda was who I wanted in front of me. I wanted a natural childbirth experience and I got it. My midwife did awesome per birth plan with no vaginal checks until she suspected me to be in transition. She allowed the process to flow without interruption. When it was time to push, the baby was not in ideal position. So, it took many efforts to reposition my body. We were all over the room. I wasn't always physically comfortable, but Linda pressed on with the positions because she knew what needed to be done. And she did it with such care that I trusted her. And the baby finally shot out unexpectedly quick after such struggle! And life has never been the same.

She provided postparteum support visits and continues to be part of my life. I had a child and at the same time gained a friend and ally in Linda. She is genuinely concerned, informed and invested in the wellbeing of Moms, Children and Families.

Shane Hatch

1/9/2017

Linda at Childbearing Year Resources was my Doula in 2009 for my son's hospital birth and for a childbirth options consult when I was pregnant again in 2011. I was looking for an experienced and wise woman to offer support for my goal of a low intervention birth. I am very satisfied with her service and support. Linda met with us at several prenatal meetings and offered information as we researched and made decisions about our prenatal care, birth, and post-partum. Linda came to the hospital when I asked and stayed with me, holding space, answering my questions and listening. When labor became intense for me I felt reassured by Linda's presence, massage and soothing touch, helping my husband with ideas to support me in labor, and encouraging words. I felt all the preparation and learning we did with Linda really helped me not be afraid and know what to expect from my body. My baby came prematurely and Linda went above and beyond after birth by offering me support over the phone and in-person when we were in the NICU. Linda introduced me to La Leche League peer breastfeeding group, ICAN, and other local parenting support groups and resources. I felt loved and supported throughout my Childbearing Year and I trust Linda. She empowered me to learn about and advocate for the respectful care and type of births I felt were best for my family. When I became pregnant again I hired Linda for a childbirth options consult and feel it was well worth the investiment as it helped my husband and I sort out what we wanted and offered referrals to providers. Linda really cares about her clients and about parents and babies in her community as evidenced by volunteering her time, knowledge, and experience to help families and her advocacy in support of people's rights in birth. She inspires me to serve parents in my community too. If I have another hospital birth and Linda is available, I would hire her again. Katie Hatch

Dustin Roelle

1/8/2017

My wife Stephanie and I had the pleasure to have Linda present at the birth of our third daughter Lucille Blue. We were recommended to Linda by our very trusted midwife, Gayle Wallace. At our first visit, my wife and I had the pleasure of visiting with Linda on our front porch on a beautiful day. The meeting was as if we had known her for ages. This was our third birth, and by that time, we had a very good picture of what we wanted our birth experience to be like. The acceptance she showed to our choices were most important to us, and it really made us feel great when she brought other ideas she thought best for US and our new baby! We met throughout the pregnancy just as you would any medical provider, only our interests were the topic of conversation. The cold medical conversations, insurance qualifications were no where to be found. Imagine, someone devoted to how you and your baby feel, and what will be done to make sure the strongest measures are taken so that those goals are met. There are a great deal of situations that are brought to you during pregnancy and birth that you haven't experienced before. The thought of having an extremely well educated advocate in your corner, with your best interest in mind, should be the norm. You have the opportunity to have Linda on your side during this beautiful experience, and I recommend you taking advantage of it. Good luck on your journey!!!

Jamaal Rahman

1/8/2017

From first appearance, Linda is very warm, approachable and has a very calm and soothing voice that keeps you centered. Me and my wife were very stressed and anxious about having our first baby and Linda became our favorite person to have meetings with because she made our pregnancy alot less stressful and kept us calm and positive even when the hospital staff made us feel uneasy. Linda never looked to argue with us if we had differing views and always made sure my wife and I were 100% comfortable in any decision we made in our birth plan. After all of the information given to us from her during the pregnancy we felt confident in what would happen next and even today I feel like I know enough to deliver babies on my own! She gave us tons of resources to use during the pregnancy and even after birth!

During the birth process and in meeting with the hospital staff right before labor started, Linda turned out to be a beast for my wife and was not as soft spoken as she seemed with us. She is not afraid at all to stand up to anybody when it comes to protecting a supporting a new Mom to be. It was never about her way however, so even if she did not agree with what the hospital staff wanted but my wife wanted it, she 100% supported it. I am so grateful for that because I was on edge about having to be aggressive if the Doctors were trying to pressure my wife but she handled it way better than I would have and got the job done. We feel immensely grateful that Linda was recommended to us as our doula and even to this day has continued to be a great resource and friend as we enter this new territory of parenthood. Do not hesitate in hiring her as your doula, she is definitely the one you want on your team.

Jessica Rairdin-Hale

7/26/2013

Linda was my doula for the birth of my third child. It was my second VBAC and first home birth. This birth was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life and her support was such a huge gift to me and my family! Linda is friendly and chatty at prenatal appointments and I always looked forward to our meetings. During the birth she was quiet, calm, and loving. I asked her to rub my lower back during the pressure waves, she really helped me stay comfortable. The tireless massage she did during pressure waves felt magical, she really knows women's bodies and the process of birth. I felt like she was helping me to progress and stay comfortable. I prepared for my birth with Hypnobabies Hypnosis for Childbirth and Linda happily learned more about the techniques I was using and helped me use them during birth. Linda is passionate about women, babies, and families and their right to be respectfully cared for during birth. After the birth she and my midwife took care of emptying the birth pool, cleaning up, etc. so my husband and I could just enjoy our baby girl. Linda also organized a Blessingway for me, it's a mother-blessing ceremony, kind of like a spiritual baby shower. She made the plans and served as hostess and coordinator for the afternoon so I could enjoy the ritual and the company of the women I'd invited. I feel so blessed to have been supported by Linda as I gave birth, I wholeheartedly recommend her!