When I found out about the Sacred Pregnancy program, Linda offered classes at Pregnancy Sanctuary. I called her and loved her right away. She has a very soft, kind and loving personality and she can make you laugh. She has such a beautiful way of communicating to women in such a vunerable time in their lives. I loved her classes so much that I took them twice during my pregnancy! It was my third pregnancy and needed extra TLC. Linda is sent from Angels! I drove from San Clemente to Leucadia just to take her classes once a week! She also guided 16 women at my Blessingway! She was so great! Her way with words brought the whole group of women together. After my third baby was born, I continued to be a part of Pregnancy Santuary by meeting at the (free) Nursing Circles once a week! I cannot say enough good things about Linda and her welcoming space, Pregnancy Sanctuary. read more

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Linda is an angel and I'm so grateful I stumbled across the pregnancy sanctuary early in my pregnancy. The first time I walked into the pregnancy sanctuary I felt a sense of ease and an immediate comfort with Linda, she's the kind of person you immediately know you can trust. She was an amazing resource throughout my pregnancy and invaluable in dealing with the surprises birth can bring. I truly wish every pregnant woman could experience a pregnancy circle! It is so special to be able to celebrate, cry, laugh and relate with other pregnant women. It helped me go beyond the aches and pains of pregnancy and really appreciate the sacred time this was in my life and focus on bonding with my sweet baby. Linda and the pregnancy sanctuary will always have a special place in my heart! read more

Pregnancy Sanctuary - Linda holding my sweet girl, giving mom some much needed rest! - Doulas Near Me - Encinitas, California

I had an AMAZING experience here with Linda!! I came at 8 months pregnant for a pampering day of relaxation and much needed personal time. It was a perfectly balanced day that included rest, belly casting, massage, creative time, guided visualization, practical support for my birth, and getting to pose for some beautiful pictures (she took my favorite pictures of all the ones I had done during pregnancy!!). She is so genuine and kind, totally fun, deeply wise, and truly cares for the well-being of her clients. I'll be back for more when I'm pregnant again one day! read more

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There are no words to express my gratitude to Linda Goldsmith. The Pregnancy Sanctuary is such a gift. I participated in a Sacred Pregnancy circle, and it completely exceeded my expectations. The circle brings women together during such a special time and provides a safe place to share excitement, fears, as well as joy as we welcome our babies into our lives. I formed such strong friendships and a forever bond with those mamas. Linda will always hold a special place in our hearts, as she was also our doula during the birth of our son. Not only was she the most amazing support system, but also a wealth of knowledge. When I first suggested getting a doula to my husband, he said, "What is that? Why do we need one, and how much is it?" After working with Linda, he's said over and over..."Thank goodness Linda was there. She was worth every penny!" If you're considering a pregnancy circle or a doula, but not sure, I strongly encourage you just to go meet with Linda and check it out. She taught me that carrying and delivering your baby is the most important job you will ever do. Trust me, honor this time...do you and your baby a favor by embracing it in all ways possible. Linda and the Pregnancy Sanctuary are THE place for expecting mamas!!! read more

The Sacred Pregnancy Circle made such a difference to my experience of being pregnant and having a little one! Pregnancy can be pretty tough and having a group of women who are going through the same thing made all the difference. Linda facilitates these meetings and she is fabulous! Generous, understanding, open minded, and encouraging, Linda makes these groups such a positive experience! I highly recommend this to any mom to be. Pregnancy sanctuary also has a breastfeeding group for new moms to come and hang with their babies and chat. I feel so lucky that Linda provides this wonderful service for mamas! read more

When I think back to my birth experience, I feel empowered beyond words. Working with Linda Goldsmith as our doula during our pregnancy and birth supported both my husband and me in feeling informed, present, and supported throughout what turned out to be a 42-week long pregnancy and a very dynamic 67-hour labor! Linda was with us every step of the way! She was very generous in the way she shared information and resources surrounding her depth and knowledge about all things pregnancy and delivery! We met with her for four sessions during our pregnancy. At each session, she shared information, answered our questions, and loaned us more resources such as movies and books that supported us in feeling empowered throughout our experience. She is more than a doula, she is an angel for all things pregnancy and delivery. My husband and I are beyond grateful for what she provided us during our birth and I have no doubt that if we are ever blessed with the chance to bring another baby into the world, we will use her as our doula again! If you are expecting a baby and looking for a professional, experienced, personable, authentic, communicative, supportive, knowledgeable, and highly connected doula to support your journey, I highly recommend working with Linda Goldsmith. She is simply the best. :) read more

Pregnancy Sanctuary - Post Delivery BLISS! Thank You Linda for EVERYTHING!!!!!! We are so happy! - Doulas Near Me - Encinitas, California

Ritual, Intention & Connection with other pregnant mamas due around the same date as me...wow. What a great way to honor the journey to birth in the sacred space of women with a trained facilitator. Imagine spending time cultivating time with your little one before birth and setting the stage for a healthy, clear and wise goddess to emerge within you as you get in touch with the miracle of pregnancy. Sacred Pregnancy circles are a gift to you, your baby and your family. This is not Lamaze or Birthing from Within...this is a unique group of women focused on cultivating a very special space in the last 20 weeks of pregnancy! Join us! read more

Pregnancy Sanctuary - Visit Pregnancy Sanctuary in Encinitas to make your journey even sweeter! - Doulas Near Me - Encinitas, California

Linda is a wonderful woman that I was very fortunate to meet. During my pregnancy I was new to the area and being able to connect with women through the pregnancy sanctuary circles was amazing. They allowed me to find my place within the community and bond with some amazing women that helped make San Diego feel like home. After the baby was born I have enjoyed attending the breast feeding circles where I have continued to meet other mamas and develop friendships! Would highly recommend! read more

I will start by saying that Linda is an Angel. She truly was sent here to help all kinds of mothers and babies. My favorite thing about Linda is how present and in tune she is when you are her friend and client. It it because of her experience and intuition that I had a safe and awesome delivery with our second baby. More specifically, Linda was very clear about the best timing for us to get to the hospital. If it weren't for her advice throughout my pregnancy, I might have ended up having a much more stressful delivery. She is 100% available and reliable for her expecting mothers. Linda made me and my family feel safe, supported, and loved. I'd refer her to any of my friends and family. read more

I found Linda and the pregnancy sanctuary in the middle of my third pregnancy. We needed some TLC and we found the right spot for it! Linda was our Doula and was an absolute angel and a blessing to our birth. I attended the pregnancy groups through pregnancy sanctuary throughout my pregnancy and absolutely loved them. It was such a pleasure each week to go to such a comfortable, safe place to reflect on our pregnancy and find words of wisdom and comfort. Not to mention the great friends I met along the way! I would recommend the pregnancy sanctuary-and Linda- to anyone pregnant mama! You won't regret it. read more

I walked into the sanctuary when I was very early in my last pregnancy, and just felt at home. I'd had a stressful day, I was tired, and hungry. All of that melted right away, and I met Linda and I knew the rest of the pregnancy would be much more peaceful. I appreciated the Sacred Pregnancy course Linda offers - I loved being able to forge bonds with other pregnant women and be open about my unique challenges in a safe space. Linda is gentle, kind, and honest - I love all our time together and am so happy to have made such a great friend. read more

Linda was referred to me by a friend who said, "I wouldn't have done it any other way." When I became pregnant with our second, my husband and I met with Linda. She made us feel very comfortable and it was clear she was extremely knowledgeable. I could go on and on but I'll just say that the experience without her verses the experience with her is night and day. And, like my friend said (now) I wouldn't have it any other way. With Linda you don't just get a doula. You get a friend, a counselor and an entire network of knowledge and friendships. Just looking through my inbox I have the following emails: "Photos with Santa at Pregnancy Sanctuary", "Baby Wearing Flash Mob", "Holiday Gift Giving and Receiving Soiree", "Baby Wearing Dance Class", "MovePlayGrow", "Need a Nanny?", "New Mom Essential Oils 101". "VBAC Circle", "Breastfeeding Circle", "Sacred Pregnancy Circle". There are a wealth of resources available to you (very often FREE)! I urge anyone I know that is pregnant to "please call Linda!!" read more

The Pregnancy Sanctuary is a special place and Linda is a very special and gifted doula. Linda was refered to my husband and I by a co worker of my husband. I was seven months pregnant with my second child and having had a wonderful doula (who moved away) with my first child I wasn't sure if it would be easy to find a connection with another but we did when we found Linda. Linda not only offered years of experience as a birth doula but also the wonderful services and women she brought together at The Pregnancy Sanctuary. I participated in the pregnancy circles where I bonded with others by sharing stories and personal feelings that allowed me to be better prepared for my delivery and beyond. My only regret is that I didn't start sooner in my pregnancy and that I didn't do the belly cast. I would highly recommend Linda and her services at The Pregnancy Sanctuary. read more

I attended the sacred pregnancy circles where I got to know Linda, and then used her as a doula for our natural birth. She was priceless in helping me navigate the many emotions tied to pregnancy and the web of information surrounding birthing options. At first I was skeptical about paying someone to help us through the birth... After all we are parents on a budget! Linda was worth every penny... And more. She gave us the gift of confidence, resilience, and a beautiful natural birth in a hospital setting. The medical team was very complimentary of her and she really knew how to adapt to our desires and personalities on what ended up being a perfect day. I highly recommend Linda, and Pregnancy Sanctuary! read more

I met Linda and started going to the pregnancy sanctuary when pregnant, and continue to go to the breastfeeding group. It's a great way to get some social time. I've met so many wonderful women, and adore Linda too. She has been a wealth of information and has fantastic groups. I would recommend this to anyone! read more

Sacred Pregnancy was an amazing journey! It was a community and safe place to connect, share, and create. I am a Nurse Midwife so I can say as both a mother and professional how this experience helped facilitate the ease of my pregnancy, homebirth, and postpartum transition. The bonds we formed to each other -and deepened with our babies- surrounded me in love during such a special time in my life. Linda is truly gifted in the ability to hold space for both fears and joys, with neither judgement nor unsolicited advice. I will be forever grateful to her for the creation of this circle of sisterhood. read more

I am writing this review for two reasons- the first reason is because I absolutely love Linda and had an experience with her as my doula that was life-changing. The second reason for my review is to respond to Michelle W.'s review. I am going to begin with my response to Michelle W., because after reading her review, I am seeing red! I am the client of Linda's who she had to attend to and cancel your puberty workshop because of. I can assure you that up until minutes before she called your group leader, Linda had no idea that I would be in labor at that time. I had a liver condition and needed to be induced last minute. This was not a planned induction and I had planned on a natural childbirth, with Linda's guidance and expertise to help me through. My induction did not work at first. I was told it would be hours and hours before my labor would progress. Linda was about to walk out the door to prepare and carry out the workshop when my labor started- hard and fast. I had a traumatic experience delivering my daughter 3 years ago and my husband and I hired Linda because of this experience- much of which was the fault of doctors and hospital politics. We prayed for a different experience and because of Linda's wonderful reputation, caring demeanor and extensive experience, we decided she was the perfect doula to help give us the experience we were longing for. Linda knew that her presence at my labor was very important. She and I built a deep bond and friendship over the course of my pregnancy and she knew I needed her, and no one else, by my side. She was beyond torn, but as my labor started, and I was terrified and in excruciating pain, she made the choice to stay with me. My labor ended up being long and difficult and without Linda, my husband and I would have been completely lost. I am so sorry that you had child care set up, and that this was such an inconvenience for you, but I am shocked that you weren't able to see that Linda was being a good person- and missing out on a lot more money by canceling the workshop. I know she offered your group a workshop at half price (which you referenced), to be scheduled at your convenience. I know she tried to do everything she could to make this up to you. In the end, linda did what was right and kind. Your review makes me sad and angry and makes me question what kind of person attacks someone like Linda. Anyone who knows her, even very casually, knows that she is an exceptional human being. PS I would have loved your pot luck left overs! We were in the hospital for days and then spent over a week in the NICU. My husband and daughter could have used the food, too. I mean, that really is an argument of yours?! Your potluck leftovers? On to my review of Linda as a doula. A friend of mine who used Linda for both of her births, suggested I call Linda when I learned that I was pregnant. My husband and I met with Linda and, after an hour of chatting, knew that she would be the perfect fit for us. Not only does she have years and years of experience, her positive and upbeat personality is infectious. Soon after we hired her as our doula, another friend of mine told me about Linda's business, Pregnancy Sanctuary (a pregnant and postpartum momma's haven) and Linda's Sacred Pregnancy circles. I joined a circle and my life was changed forever. The circles, and the connection I made with the other women in the circle, taught me more about myself as a woman and a mother than I had ever dreamed possible. Linda's dedication to us in and out of the circle amazed me. She is most certainly under-paid! :) After 9 months of cultivating friendships, and becoming very close to Linda, she again impressed me by her love and devotion to me by how she handled my very long and intense birth. And since my birth three weeks ago, Linda has continued to be a huge support to my husband and I. Linda is a uniquely wonderful person. People like her are rare. She is truly and deeply a good human being. I am lucky to know her and will not allow our friendship to dwindle now that my childrearing days are over. I just can't. She is too wonderful. -Sarah and Kevin read more

I am so overjoyed that we found Linda. I wanted a natural birth, and was lacking support in every direction; I found support in her. Throughout our meetings my husband became more educated and on board with my choices for a unmedicated birth. Lisa was their by our side the whole way. She also offers a variety of services. I'm not an extremely spiritual person and the idea of a pregnancy circle seemed a little odd and supper hippy to me, but I am so happy that I went to the first circle to "try it out." It was so refreshing to be around positive and like minded women, and take time to focus on myself and my baby. The circles were a high of every week, where I found extra support from the negativity I was receiving from my doctors. I was having a big baby and the doctors wanted me to have a c-section, when I went past the due date they really turned up the pressure and scared me into an induction. Luckily I wasn't induced and was able to have a dream birth. If it wasn't for Linda's experience and guidance we would have been sucked into hospital protocol and politics leading us to a birth story that we didn't want. I am so grateful to have found Linda, because she is an invaluable person to have in one's life. She made our road to meeting Ari a great one. Thank you Linda read more

If I could give zero stars, I would. Linda had a commitment to our Girl Scout troop to give a 6 hour long puberty talk. The amount of effort in scheduling this was pretty extensive on our end. Many of us are working moms and also had to line up child care for siblings. This was planned over a month in advance and Linda cancelled one hour before the talk. She had a client who was in labor. Completely understandable. Not. If you are a doula, you have a pretty good idea of when your client is due to deliver. She told our troop leader that she would reschedule with us at half price and her ENTIRE month of October was free. If she knew this, why didn't she book with us in October??? Now we are left with our potluck items, mixed up schedules and disappointed girls who have been anticipating this day for weeks. Linda basically dropped her commitment with 14 people for one person. If that doesn't show you what kind of person she is, I don't know what does. She shows a complete disregard and utter lack of respect for others. My troop leader is in tears and the rest of us are pissed off. My recommendation is not to use her for your Girl Scouts. read more

Linda is amazing and has so much advise, insight, compassion and support. If you are pregnant no matter how far along and how easy or difficult your pregnancy is I highly recommend you go. At the meetings she guides you through parts of your pregnancy you never thought to address but will have to at some point. Having her as a guide has been such a blessing. I have a high risk pregnancy due to age and placenta previa and all my doctors want to do is freak me out. She helps me cope with the fears and embrace my birth plan and has helped guide me on how to make it an amazing experience. If I have to have a c section I can still look forward to my birth being a peaceful beautiful experience. Thank you linda read more

Pregnancy is an emotional experience, and although my fiance and I were ecstatic about being pregnant, I found that I had very few outlets to express all my joy, angst and confusion. Linda at the pregnancy sanctuary introduced me to a group of women that I will never forget (it was very yaya sisterhood in there). Some of these women were second or third time mothers, some were strong in ways I was still learning to be. I learned SO much about myself and about pregnancy. I feel so much better equipped to be a mother in a few months (and to handle anything else along the way). Thank you, Linda!!!! read more

I did the Sacred Pregnancy circles at the end of 2014 and it was MAGICAL! Having that time to focus on my baby and connect with other mothers going through the same thing at the same time was exactly what I needed. Linda, the facilitator (and a doula), is such a great resource for moms-to-be and is truly a special person. If you're looking for a doula look no further! She really cares about everyone and knows her stuff. I've recommended this experience to every pregnant woman I've met since. read more

Linda was our doula for our first born and she brought so much to our birthing experience. The preparation sessions we had leading up to the birth were invaluable, as was her presence at the birth of our son. She really helped my husband and I with setting realistic expectations and helped us get the most out of this amazing experience - before, during, and after the birth. She has a wealth of information, and respect for the intentions my husband and I had for our birthing preferences. She is and always will be a trusted mentor when it comes to raising our child. read more

The overall experience that Linda provided was by far one of the best decisions I made during my entire pregnancy- for both myself and my bundle! If you are contemplating with the idea of whether "to or not to" ... it is a MUST and you'll be so glad you did. I know I am! read more

Linda Goldsmith made me feel welcome and really relaxed me while I was at the pregnancy sanctuary. I had the most memorable experience there which I will remember and cherish forever! I wish I had gone there with my first child. I highly recommend the Pregnancy Sanctuary- it's so important to have that special time to get ready for the birth of your child- Linda has a true gift at what she does. Everyone there, including the massage therapist were wonderful!! I am happy to say that Linda was able to share her talent with me. read more