Nichole S.

11/13/2024

Mary is the sweetest, most giving and loving person you could ever have as your doula. We had a very unexpected experience postpartum and Mary was so caring and there for us every step of the way. When I was alone with my son for the first weeks after birth due to my baby being in the NICCU (my husband stayed with her at the NICCU), she'd come with me on our walks to school and give me delicious sound baths and massages and treats. The emotional support was so needed and Mary was always there checking in.
Mary, you are such a light in our lives and we are so grateful you were part of our birth journey. Thank you for being there for us when it was tough and for showering us with all the happy/good vibes. Your experience as a doula/mothering us as a family was everything to us. The meals were phenomenal. You're the best masseuse. The best caregiver. The best yogi and just an amazing human. We love you!

Megan R.

11/4/2024

I've been trying to find a way to articulate what Mary meant for my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience for weeks now (20, to be exact), but words fall short. The sentence that keeps coming to mind is, "Everyone deserves a Mary." Between my husband, Mary, and our widwife, I felt completely safe and was able to lean in and the trust that my daughter and I's intuition would guide us both through labor. From the moment that we woke up and called our team, to the second Mattie was born in our home eleven hours later, I had zero fearful or anxious thoughts—and I credit so much of that to Mary. From hip squeezes to hugs, a reassuring hand on my back, or her comforting voice counting me through every contraction, I fully absorbed her positive energy, comfort, and experience. Mary helped me to stay grounded in my body, which was my labor intention. To be fully present for Mattie's birth experience. I'll forever be grateful to her for being a partner to both me and my husband. I know he's thankful for Mary's coaching and affirmations along the way (he tells anyone pregnant who asks about our birth story that he recommends they hire a doula ??). So, yeah. All that to say: Everyone deserves a Mary.

Megan K Cameron Muscarella

10/31/2024

I knew I wanted a doula to compliment my midwife. My husband and I had a FaceTime consultation with her to ensure she was the right fit for us and I could feel her warmth instantly. Her long lineage of birth workers and history of home births were felt like a big hug. I think I cried three or four times during our time on the phone. Everything she offered and who she was at her core aligned with everything I was looking for in my doula. Placenta encapsulation, yoga and meditation (essentially hypno birthing) sound baths, belly binding, postpartum nutrition and holistic alternatives to western medicine etc. It was all music to my ears. It felt so right- Mary had her babies with the same midwife we had chosen for our home birth and I took it as a sign I was right where I belonged- in the tender loving care of Mary and her tribe. Over the next 8 months I spent Fridays at her prenatal yoga-birth medication- and sound bath class. I swear that class was one of the main contributors of my successful unmedicated, practically pain free home birth. Mary held me as I grew our baby, held me through labor and held me through postpartum. I will never forget the moment she walked into our home and I melted into her arms during labor- she gave me so much calm and peace and she carried me into motherhood. She was right there with me every step of the way. The best day ever. I looked forward to every postpartum visit, her warm massages, delicious food, conversation, advice and really just her energy- she has some of the best energy. I will never forget our closing of the bones ceremony- it was one of the most powerful experiences- we held each other as tears rolled down both of our cheeks. She will be our doula for all of our babies. Mary and her tribe are nonnegotiables. I highly recommend the bliss package! Worth its weight in gold!

Amber Stern

10/30/2024

Lotus Doula Tribe is amazing! I was stressing during pregnancy, wondering who to trust for my birth and postpartum care... so glad that my 3 am anxious google search led me to Mary! She is better than I could have imagined. She supported me through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. So lucky to have had her through such a vulnerable and special time. Mary is very knowledgable and I trust her wholeheartedly. She was always available when I needed her. Love her weekly prenatal yoga class - I swear that class & the mental prep helped me achieve my ideal unmedicated birth. During birth she was comforting and supportive. And then after birth she showers you in treats, homemade bread, goodies, foot massages, belly wrap, closing of the bones ceremony. Can't recommend Lotus Doula Tribe enough!!!

Liz De Leon

10/25/2024

I have heard many stories about getting a Doula, but I never explored it myself...until I met Mary, Michelle and her team. The abundance of resources Mary has to offer leaves no stone unturned! She's a world renowned yogi and the mental preparation her and her team go into fitting you for birth is relaxing.her postpartum meals and massage are exactly what you want as well. She accommodates all needs and loves connecting you w all her external services as well. 

Arielle Creager

10/23/2024

Mary is an angel! I loved working with her and the education she provided left me much better equipped for pregnancy and beyond! My pregnancy didn’t go as planned, but she provided me with the support that I needed (ex: sound bath, massage, yoga, birth support etc.) I truly don’t know what I would have done without her through this journey. Thanks Mary!

Daisy A

10/23/2024

Mary is absolutely amazing! This was my 3rd pregnancy and I knew I wanted a different experience but needed guidance. I saw that Mary was recommended by so many other moms and I'm so glad I got to experience what she has to offer. Mary is loving, caring, understanding and most importantly has a voice that can calm anyone down. Having her in the delivery room was the key to being able to have an unmedicated birth, she knew what I was capable of, she cheered me on when I doubted myself and all while remaining calm for me and my husband. Her postpartum care was so instrumental in my recovery, I looked forward to all her visits as did my family. Mary will always have a special place in my heart!

Anel

8/6/2024

I was on the fence about working with a doula, but I am so incredibly grateful that I found Mary, Michelle, and the rest of the Lotus Doula Tribe. The advice Mary and team gave us before the birth made my partner and I feel a little more confident as first time parents. I had covid right before I went into labor so we were not allowed to have a doula present until the very end of labor, but Mary was able to provide support through the phone to me and my partner throughout, which helped us stay calm during a very long labor. Michelle came in person for the last few hours and made what could have been an incredibly stressful situation so much calmer. She made me feel like “I got this.” She also helped my daughter latch during skin to skin after the NICU team gave her back to me. Michelle also took pictures for us to have once the fog cleared, and I am so grateful to have pictures of those special moments. Michelle and Mary have also provided amazing postpartum support, including nourishing meals and great recommendations for resources.

Ariela Ramos

8/5/2024

If you are looking for Doula to support, encourage, nurture, and advocate for you, Mary Skinner is the one! My second pregnancy I was trying for a VBAC and Mary was in my corner from day one! She is an inspirational mother herself with 3 unmedicated home births. Mary was always looking out for me in every possible way to find the right doctors, hospitals or midwives that would help me have the birth of my dreams. One thing that stood out the most about Mary is that when I found out I was going to have an emergency C-section, she rushed to the hospital to hold my hand and be there for me hours after the surgery to make sure I was eating, recovered and emotionally ok. I didn't have the birth of my dreams, but Mary led me to all the possible people who were willing to help me get there and for that I am truly grateful to have met her. Not only is she an amazing doula but she is a good friend and beautiful person inside and out! Her postpartum care is so wonderful, and she is truly a breathe of fresh air when you feel your world is dark. I highly recommend hiring her for your birthing experience. 

Francisca Alvarado

7/9/2024

I met Mary in my 3rd trimester & I am so grateful!!

My husband and I had a thousand and one questions (it's our first child) and she took her time answering each and every one and was always just a phone call/text away for last minute thoughts/concerns. After every visit, I was left feeling more calm, at peace and prepared for what was to come. From pregnancy, labour, birth and PP she was there every step of the way with endless amounts of love & support. You want this beautiful soul in your corner!! She instilled so much confidence in me where I was once so frightened and anxious about birth. She is so hands on and played such an integral part in our birth story. She will be as involved as you need her to be and laid back when you want.

Thank you Mary!! You have been a God send!

Ashley Chadwick

7/9/2024

If you're considering having a doula to help you through your pregnancy journey, look no further and book Mary and her team. You won't regret it! I booked her bliss package, which includes prenatal appts, the delivery, and postpartum care. I also added on the Placenta encapsulation. 

Her prenatal appts were so informative. This was my first pregnancy, and I was so scared, didn't have a tribe of my own for support, and had no idea where to begin with gathering info to figure things out. Mary put mine and my husband's minds at ease. She guided us every step of the way, and throughout this process, we got to know Mary and her kind energy. She is simply the best! When I got the call from my dr that I would have to be induced asap, Mary comforted me through all my fears and tears. I remember her asking me how I felt about everything and giving me the space to express my emotions to be present in what I was feeling instead of me frantically panicking, and for that, I am so grateful! 

Delivery day came, and Mary's sense of humor paralleled with that of mine, and my husband's made for pleasant and light-hearted memories/inside jokes through such a challenging yet empowering time. I could not imagine a better birth. She was so calming and knew exactly what to do and say to get me through each push. 

Her postpartum care was my favorite part. Mary knows how to nurture and Mother the Mother so well. Her massages and sound baths were so calming, and I looked forward to seeing her each visit! She always brought amazing goodies and drew me sitz baths. She supported me in the ways I needed to be supported, momma to momma. I truly cherished each moment with Mary and  I'm looking forward to being a part of her tribe and community of mommas. She's the doula that keeps on giving even after her services have ended. So thankful for her!

If we decide to have more children, we will choose Mary as our doula again! 

Jillian Malsbury

7/6/2024

Mary was an absolute dream throughout my entire birthing journey. Her presence made the birth of my son peaceful and positive beyond words. During our two prenatal and two postnatal meetings, she meticulously guided me through every aspect of the birthing process. Her familiarity with the hospital experience was invaluable, making me feel calm and prepared for my first child's arrival. My husband and I are incredibly grateful to her, and I wholeheartedly recommend Mary to anyone.

Juliet Tabbara

7/2/2024

LOVE LOVE LOVE Mary! I hired her when I was literally like 6 weeks pregnant because I wanted to be sure she would be my Doula before the rest of the preggo community filled her schedule! Mary has an amazing energy and is the perfect balance of calm, loving, hilarious, and grounded. She can relate to just about any personality and makes everyone fall in love with her just by being herself. Her prenatal visits were very informative. She was always easy to get a hold of and answered all my texts and questions and emails. I went to most of her prenatal yoga classes which were always super relaxing and restorative. She helped me feel so empowered as I prepared for a VBAC and even connected me with other women in the community with the same goal so we could further support eachother. Mary was there for me in every way possible, every step of the way through my pregnancy, my unexpected and very emotionally challenging, unexpected c-section, and post-partum. She supported me during my lowest moments in this journey and made me feel seen, heard and loved. She goes WAY above and beyond in every detail as a doula, yoga instructor, sound bath healer, and friend. I miss our post-partum visits where she would spoil me with homemade nourishing food, massages, sound baths, and a listening ear. I couldn't recommend her any higher! 

Kristie S

6/24/2024

Mary is incredible. Hiring her for my second birth was the best decision we made when having our second baby. We hired her for pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. She brought different things to each stage always showing up and giving in ways I didn't know I needed. She is innately nurturing, very knowledgeable, and flexible. She truly wants and does what is best for mama. I 100% believe I avoided an emergency c-section because of her work with my body during labor. I also believe my early postpartum was so smooth because of her nurturing and caring kindness. I can't express the many ways we are grateful for Mary being with us in our second baby journey. She is amazing and I would recommend her to any mama/family.

Johanna Pontis

6/8/2024

As a first time mom I knew I wanted to hire a doula to help empower me throughout my pregnancy. Mary came highly recommended and I now know why. She is a wealth of knowledge and a ray of sunshine. She offers prenatal yoga that not only helped me prepare mentally and physically for birth but also gave me the opportunity to meet other mamas in my area that I am still in contact with today. She supported my birth preferences and helped me plan for the labor and delivery that I envisioned by educating me, encouraging me, and answering all of my first time mom questions. Her hands on approach to teaching helped my husband and I feel comfortable and prepared for the early days of parenthood. Mary was my lifeline during labor - she supported all of my decisions and helped create a calm and peaceful space to bring my baby into this world. The best part of my experience with Mary was the postpartum support! She stocked my fridge with nourishing meals, helped me care for my healing body, and honored my labor/delivery experience. I can't wait to have Mary support my future pregnancies!

Aly R.

6/3/2024

Mary was truly my guardian angel during the early hours of my baby boys delivery. She helped me stay grounded and relaxed with every surge throughout my active labor. I always felt that having support from a doula was incredibly important, but now that I've experienced it first hand with Mary, I can't imagine not having her by my side. I never felt scared or afraid, and I know that had to do with her calming energy. Not only did she massage me for hours on end, but she rubbed aromatherapy oil on my wrists, breathed with me, kept me hydrated  and suggested different positions to help get baby out safe and sound. I couldn't recommend her more!!!!! You will be so grateful to have her on your birth team ??

Madison

5/30/2024

Mary is such a light and her presence is so supportive! We crossed paths toward the end of my third trimester and I just knew I wanted to have her be a part of my second birth experience. She really helped settle any worries my husband and I had going into a natural/unmedicated birth. From the abundance of knowledge she shared to walking us through the process - we felt totally at ease.
Her prenatal yoga classes are amazing. These classes really helped me get into the right head space for delivery. Allowing me some time during the week to meditate, envision the birth I wanted, stretch and strengthen my body.
Not only was I able to prep and talk with Mary during the last few weeks of my pregnancy, I had the pleasure of working with her partner doula Eldrid too.
Eldrid has such a calming presence and a lot of strength! During my contractions I would lean on my husband while Eldrid applied counter pressure to my lower back/hips. She was very considerate of how much pressure I needed or if I needed her to help a different way. Eldrid provided such intuitive support; even in moments when I was unable to express what I needed she was placing cold compresses to my forehead, massaging and shaking out my legs after contractions. Really just going with the flow of my labor in the most caring way. Having a doula present wasn't just beneficial for me but also my husband. It was another person in our corner supporting us through such a big experience. With Lotus Doula Tribe you are guaranteed to be in good hands!

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.