I found Mary for my second pregnancy; I knew I wanted to do things differently than with my first birth - better. For my second round of being pregnant and giving birth I wanted to trust and listen to my body in a way that isn’t typically encouraged. Strength, trust, care for myself- these were my wants and goals. Finding Mary was the blessing that kept giving. She completely supported and championed me. She brings so much as a doula and more.
Beyond expected things like game planning labor and sharing advice to prepare my mind and body, Mary also gives the most wonderful (and much needed when you’re super pregnant) massages, chakra cleanings, family mediations and sound baths! When it was time for labor, her presence was paramount to my success and feeling supported and strong. I was fortunate to have the birth I envisioned and credit so much to Mary and her encouragement. Then, in postpartum, she continued her gifts of support. Her advice, joyful spirit, the foods, yummiest tea, more massages and sound baths that she brought were so helpful. Visits from Mary became the best part of the week!
Mary is such a special person who is truly living her calling. She is equal parts wise/ serious and light/ hilarious. Trust that you’ll inevitably need both of these sides during your birthing journey! Give yourself the gift of Mary’s support.
This was my 3 pregnancy, second surrogacy. My sister supported me in my last labor and as much as she was to be by my side and help me through my delivery it felt like there was still something missing. For this last pregnancy and labor, I wanted to see if having a doula would change the tone and labor experience. At our first meeting I knew Mary was going to be there for me and do whatever she could to help my pregnancy and my labor be special. Mary has a way of making you feel cared for and gives off a sense of warmth and love. When I went into labor Mary was quick to respond giving reminders on prepping my body for the work to come. My labor was pretty quick and Mary made sure I got to the hospital just in time to deliver. She was a beacon of light as I was having contractions helping me through each surge with encouragement, just the right amount of direction, and fabulous hip squeezes. I credit the positive experience in the hospital to her presence. The staff and nurses responded well to her suggestions and nudges to the birth I wanted to have. After delivery Mary made sure to check in with me and set a more “cozy” tone in the delivery room as I geared up for the delivery of the placenta. I believe that having Mary there made all the difference, her presence not only helped me but I feel kept the interactions with the doctors and nurses less “medical”. It seemed like we were all just a bunch of friends there helping me deliver baby. Once you meet Mary you will see that she LOVES what she does and is super passionate about helping you have the birth you want. I really enjoyed the prenatal yoga classes she provides (I did go into labor a day after her yoga class) it helped me feel calm and connected. Mary really did make a difference in this last labor. As much as it was nice to be supported by family, having Mary there to bring in a calm presence and bridge the interaction with hospital staff was priceless.
A Phenomenal Doula Experience with Mary
(5/5)
I can't express enough gratitude for Mary, who served as my doula during the recent birth of my child. From the moment I decided on a home birth, she was there every step of the way, providing unwavering support and care.
Mary's presence during my labor was extraordinary. For three intense days, she guided me through contractions using meditations, essential oils, and her gentle touch. Her ability to anticipate my needs, catch me when my body faltered, and offer words of encouragement was truly remarkable. She made me feel like a superhero, reminding me of my strength and assuring me that soon I would hold my baby in my arms.
What sets Mary apart is not just her doula skills but her incredible personality. She is one of the most kind-hearted individuals I have ever met. Being a mother of three herself, her faith, humility, and grace shine through in everything she does.
Even in the midst of challenging moments during labor, she found ways to bring humor and tenderness, making the experience more bearable.
When the decision was made to transfer to the hospital after three days of labor, Mary remained a pillar of support. She held my hand throughout the entire process and reassured me that we were on our way to meet our baby.
During the postpartum period, Mary's care continued. She visited us, organized a food train for meals, taught me how to belly bind, and even created placenta capsules. Her dedication and genuine concern for my well-being were evident in every interaction.
I can confidently say that Mary is the doula every mother dreams of having. Her role extends beyond just a doula; she becomes a part of your family. Her love, support, and expertise make her an exceptional choice for anyone seeking a doula. If you're looking for someone who will go above and beyond to make your birthing experience memorable and empowering, Mary is the one.
I am forever grateful to Mary for expanding our hearts and being there for us unconditionally. She is a guardian angel, and her work is truly invaluable. Thank you, Mary, for everything you have done. We appreciate you more than words can express.
Mary was an essential part of my birthing story. I decided I needed a doula about 6 weeks before my due date and was anxious for support as birthing fear and preparation crept in. Her calming spirit was just what I needed. Mary helped me connect with my body, calm the outside world and focus on what I could do for my baby and self in the weeks leading up to his birth. Through yoga, conversation, pain management techniques, breathing and meditation, massage and energy work she got me to the headspace I needed to get ready for labor.
At the hospital she hit the gas pedal, keeping me in pain management head space with close talking, different positions, shower laboring, and ultimately helped me to the finish line. It was my first birth and I was in labor for less than 10 hours with only about 25 mins of pushing. I know the work we did leading up to birth and in the hospital helped bring baby boy into the world quickly.
Her postpartum support was essential. It gave me something to look forward to in those early weeks. The full body massages gave me life as I healed and felt the pains of breastfeeding and being hunched over all the time caring for baby. She made me feel seen and cared for, holding space for me to mentally process birth together. All my emotions didn’t phase her a bit!! PLUS her meals and treats she dropped by were all delicious!
Mary has found her true calling in life as a doula and us mamas are all better for it. What a gift! I would highly recommend her and her services.
Having Mary as our doula was great. I was a little hesitant to work with a doula because I knew I would be having a scheduled C-section due to past medical complications, and I didn't know how a doula would help. But having Mary as our doula was incredibly helpful! She's a wealth of information related to all aspects of birth. Before my birth we met to do prenatal yoga, and review beneficial excercises, poses and postures. She also helped me put together a birth plan and review all of me and my husband's preferences about everything so that when the time came to go to the hospital I felt prepared and ready. At the hospital she was an advocate for our birth preferences putting us at ease and making the experience easier. Her presence was calming and reassuring and the food she left me with was a welcome delight compared to the stale hospital food. Every time she visited after the birth was different based on what I needed that day and how I was feeling, (but always involved delicious food!). She knew how to deal with all the pains, and discomforts that come with a birth (in whatever form it takes!), and when I felt stronger she led me thru personalized yoga sequences. Her sound bath and massage sessions were absolutely heavenly, always worked around the needs of mother and baby (nursing, diaper changes, spit ups etc.), and offered a space for mother-centered calm relaxation that was otherwise hard to find with a newborn in the house (even the baby loved the sound baths!). She also jumped in with changing diapers, folding clothes, dinner prep, washing dishes, and absolutely whatever was needed I highly recommend working with Mary!
As a single mother by choice, I knew I wanted extra support during my labor and delivery. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but after speaking with Mary, she was it! I immediately felt comfortable with Mary, her energy, calm presence, experience, sense of humor, and support of me and my birth plan. I had a VERY long induced labor and Mary was helpful every step of the way doing her best to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible, and more importantly, making sure I was comfortable (mentally and physically). The doctors and nurses loved coming into my room because Mary made it such a pleasant atmosphere! Not only was Mary helpful during my labor and delivery, she also does many other things! I attended one of her prenatal yoga classes which was very relaxing, and I chose to have two postpartum visits which were wonderful. Mary helped me with self care, brought comforting food & goodies, gave a relaxing massage and sound bath, did belly binding, and performed a “closing of the bones” ceremony for healing and birthing a new mother. I had a great experience with Mary as my doula, and now consider her a friend. If you’re looking for someone who is caring, nurturing, supportive, honest, and will fight for you and your baby… give Mary a call, I highly recommend her for all of her services!
Where do I even start, Mary was the most amazing decision I made during my preganancy! This was my third birth and I was so excited to meet Mary and have her as my doula. Her energy as a person is contagious and so loving. We had prenatal appointments and post natal. Having someone come check in on me after birth was very feeling. She helped my body as well as my mind in such an important healing time. My experience with her at my birth was phenomenal! Mary knew exactly what to do. She can read the room very well and always helped at the right time or took a minute away to let my mom step in. Mary helped guide my husband with how to help me and they worked as a team to get me through my contractions. It was the most amazing experience and I will definitely have her at my next birth! She was there throughout my induction and helped me every step of the way.
Mary was my doula when I gave birth to my third baby just two months ago. I cannot recommend her highly enough. This was the first time I succeeded at giving birth unmedicated. She was such a support to me before, during, and after the labor process. Dropping everything when my water unexpectedly broke a few days early. And even helping to clean my messy kitchen that I had left in a hurry to go to the hospital. (Nothing better than coming home to a clean house with a new baby!!) And she knew when to step back and let me husband be the main support when I needed him. She provided the calm, loving, and encouraging energy that I needed so badly. She was so prepared with essential oils, massaging techniques, humor when I needed a laugh, and compassion when I wanted to give up. Hendricka and Mary make the perfect team. You can't go wrong hiring Lotus Doula Tribe.
From the get-go, Mary radiated a warm loving energy matched with knowledge and expertise! We worked together towards the later end of my pregnancy but she immediately stepped into action and helped dial in a customized birth plan while sending over helpful tips to prep for birth. During labor her calming presence and words of encouragement made all the difference in keeping things positive and focused. What I loved the most was her postpartum care. Such a beautiful array of nurturing modalities from massage, sound baths, yummy nourishing meals, sitz baths, and belly bindings - really made the healing process the best I could've hoped for. Mary is a supportive, compassionate doula who truly cares about her work and I could not recommend her enough!
Best birth experience I could've wished for! I had my first baby last month and Mary was my rock. My labor started at 10:30 in the morning but I thought it was just stomach cramps rather than contractions. At 8pm that night my water broke and things started moving quickly. Mary met us at our house and followed us to the hospital. Mary wheeled me into the ER at 9:40 pm and our baby arrived at 10:56. Mary kept me in my groove with oils, massage, breathing, and coaching my husband in how to move my body to help me. Honestly I was terrified of labor my whole pregnancy and with Mary's help I thought it was such a great journey that I can't wait to do it again! Lotus Doula Tribe is the only tribe I want by my side
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