The Lake Bluff Doula - Lake Forest, Illinois

Belinda Menendez

Betsy felt more like a friend than just a doula. We talked through video chat weekly. It was part of her job but to me it meant a lot because she showed a lot of kindness, gave great advice and was there for me. She helped me SO much with my birth plan. She filled in a lot of blanks for me. She supported me through every choice. She was there for me. She accompanied me to appointments, and helped me prepare for delivery. My body was ready to start pushing but I wasn’t mentally ready. I felt ready as soon as Betsy entered the room at 4am. That’s how safe she made me feel. We never had in person visits since I was in the process of moving. It was something I wanted and if there was a way to extend time with her I would’ve. The first 6 weeks went by so fast. Betsy is THE reason why I had such a successful birth. Thank you Betsy! God bless you.

Melanie De Caprio

I can’t say enough good things about having Betsy as my doula. She’s very attentive and offered lots of resources. She’s sensitive and supportive, and followed up with me gently when I got too busy. It was really wonderful having an advocate in the hospital, and someone to be there so my husband could sleep and I wasn’t alone. Betsy took lots of thoughtfully-timed photos of us during and just after the birth. At the end of our time together, she brought me homemade lactation cookies. Betsy is genuine and kind, and would recommend her to moms-to-be across all types of birth plans.

Christina Trkalovska

I worked with Betsy for the delivery of my second child. We had planned to meet in person, but the baby came early and the first time we actually met was in the delivery room. The moment she entered the delivery room at 2 am, she brought a sense of serenity and calm. I knew I was in good hands to guide me through the experience of childbirth. Betsy was gentle and caring in contrast with the hospital setting. She guided me calmly through the pain of contractions, and explained what was happening to me. She was in tune with what I was going through the whole time. When the real labor began, she was by my side encouraging me and giving me hope when hope was starting to leave me. If it weren't for Betsy, my labor could have ended in another c-section or with the use of vacuum or forceps which are all very scary.

I would strongly recommend Betsy to be your doula. She knows how to get you through the delivery experience, and she can save you from potential complications. I'm very grateful that Betsy was next to me during the birth of my second child.

Mary Born

Hiring Betsy was the best decision I could have possibly made for myself while pregnant for the first time. She was so knowledgeable and empathetic, I felt totally ready for childbirth, breastfeeding etc. I ended up having a very difficult, long labor that resulted in a c section & Betsy was by my side through it all. I don’t know how my husband & I would have gotten through it without her. She also helped me with much needed postpartum care & resources. She was a lifesaver & the best support/friend I could have asked for during pregnancy & labor.

Mehrdad Morse

Betsy is awesome! We knew right away that she was the doula for us. We didnt even bother to meet others. My wife delivered in the hospital but it was a long, natural delivery. The delivery nurses loved her as well. During the entire process, Betsy really listened to our unique needs, recommended and loaned many specific books, a birthing class, and child wearing wraps. We ended up doing the placenta pills which was also a success. If we end up having more children, we will hire Betsy again.

Gracie In Gratitude

Our experience with Betsy was outstanding! She provided so much guidance as we prepared for birth - spending several hours/visits going over eveything from the basics of how the baby is intended to pass through the canal to pre- and post-labor nutritional tips and exercises, not to mention the creation of an in-depth birth plan. Her guidance led us to asking questions of our doctors that I never would have thought to ask, and to consider aspects of the upcoming experience that I never would have thought of on my own. All of this led to a far more personalized experience. I gained the confidence to labor at home, on my own, for a much longer duration than most first time moms would, and to resist the arm twisting of the hospital staff to cave into the use of drugs when I was committed to a natural birthing experience. At the hospital, between the help of Betsy and my husband, I was able to retreat into a sacred bubble as I prepared to deliver my baby. Betsy rubbed my back the whole time, using a fan and lavender essential oils to keep me calm and cool, allowing my husband to be totally present in chanting and breathing with me. Betsy brought a mirror so I was able to watch as my baby crowned, and much to my surprise, I saw a full head of black hair! My baby girl arrived after 8 hours of labor, and it was the most beautiful experience of my life. I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this any other way than naturally and supported. Afterwards, Betsy frequently checked in on me and answered my first time momma questions as they arose. Her support allowed us to find great ease through this unknown territory. We highly recommend her!

Jencie Richtman

**Update: We did call her for our second. I had a very long labor and Betsy was with me basically every step of the way. During labor pains I found myself grabbing for her instead of my husband! We love her, and I can't imagine having a baby without her by my side.

Absolutely recommend Betsy. She is supportive, calming, and knowledgeable. Will be calling her when we're pregnant with our second.

Melissa Gates

My deliveries were not easy. I should have trauma. Instead I have memories of love and support. Of meeting the amazing little human beings I get to parent. I also have the peace of mind that my voice was present and that I consciously participated in the decisions made to do the best I could. This all would not have been possible without the work of The Lake Bluff Doula.

Betsy, in such a kind and gentle way helped me be in the moment. She was present in the room in such pleasant way and she constantly helped refocus on us and our babies. Betsy was present at two of our deliveries. My first delivery of twins she helped me feel brave during an internal version of my baby b. I ended up having baby a vaginally and baby b by c section. She stayed present in the room with my little boy while my husband and I went to csection and she helped us advocate for him to be kept out of the nicu. Without her we would have failed at exclusive breast feeding. She went above and beyond in every way.

Our second delivery was also complicated medically. She stayed in the room with me while my husband was caring for our newborn in the nursery. She helped me pump breast milk on a schedule so I was set up for success when my baby was ready. She also helped stay on top of my postoperative pain. Lactation cookies and produce she gave me helped us get a good start back at home.

As a physician who has done deliveries as a medical professional I have not always had good experiences with doulas/midwives. Betsy has a way of being an advocate without alienating the other health professionals. She fits into the team while she empowers thoughtful decision making.