Dara

4/20/2024

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. 

Carrie

3/27/2024

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.

Rashell George

2/12/2024

          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!

Rashell George

2/12/2024

     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!

Cherisse

12/20/2023

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 post-partum 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 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!

Anne-Marie Ikenouye

12/13/2023

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 here 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.

Dasha

12/4/2023

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 labo 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!

Casey Thomas

8/26/2023

As a first time mom who had been a nanny for years, I was nervous because I knew how to do everything except for give birth and breastfeed. I read all the books, followed all the accounts, and took all the classes but I wanted to have an expert by my side to coach me through my birth. I had known Mary for a long time and knew from her yoga sessions that she was the perfect calming presence. My birth was smooth and surprisingly fast. She kept me focused, centered, and calm. While I was in the zone of bringing my baby into the world she was my voice. She coached my husband with putting pressure on my hips, moving me into different positions, and keeping the feel good hormones flowing. Everything she did made my birth feel so easy. After the baby was born she helped me understand the importance of healing through food, stretches, and rest. I honestly can't wait to have more babies with Mary's help! 

Michelle Dozier

8/21/2023

Mary was my doula when I gave birth to my third baby in February. I cannot recommend her highly enough. This is the first time I succeeded at giving birth unmedicated. She was such a support 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 left in a hurry to go to the hospital. Nothing better than coming home to a clean house with the new baby! And she knew when to step back and let my husband be the main support when I needed him. She provided the calm, loving and encouraging energy that I needed so badly. essential oils, massaging techniques, humor when I needed a laugh. Hendrika and Mary make the perfect team. You can’t go wrong hiring Lotus Doula Tribe!

Brooke Cushman

8/21/2023

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.