Testimonials
What Doulas are saying about the Savvy Doula…
“My services are organically expanding beyond postpartum doula work. I'm really proud of myself for: facilitating my first retreat, first food delivery as a postpartum chef (I have typically only cooked in-home during postpartum shifts), collaborated to create poetry + art pieces made for women/rites of passage(digital product idea for website), purchased my website domain name, outsourced an expert to help me strategize and write my brand story. All this while going through a really difficult time in my private life. Growing pains + joys!”
— Sarah
“The best business decision I made was joining Mary's program- 'The Savvy Doula'. Her course is so comprehensive (so much value in there!!), wholesome, full of SO MUCH of her doula love but with savvy, practical business advice and support. Her innate wisdom and inner knowing naturally make her a leader in the birthworker space so to be able to see how she conducts herself as a business woman and in turn shows you how you can apply this for yourself is just priceless. Hot tip: make sure you opt in for her zoom mentoring calls!!”
— Julia
“So far this week I have designed and ordered two lots of posters, streamlined my photos across my website and all advertising, worked out how to create a link from my website where you can click and then book and pay immediately for a course or term of classes (I'm a yoga teacher), worked out how to create a QR code for my flyers with that link, got my first testimonial from a student, written endless copy for my ideal client in each class for the flyers and social media ads, recorded a guided visualisation for a pregnancy client to do and review, arranged a time to go up to the hospital and meet the midwives and scheduled two social media ad campaigns for this week. Most of this I didn't know how to do at the beginning of the week… Go me!”
— Helen
“I published my website and set up a Google business profile. I’m building the courage to start my social media journey, that’s my next big goal! I want to start getting myself out there a bit more”.
— Carolyn
“Your calm, confident, gentle, non- salesy energy drew me to purchase your course… I was drawn to your knowledge, expertise, life experiences etc. You helped me realise that I can truly embody my own identity/skills/gifts and those who really want to learn or receive from me will take action to do so. You challenged me to take my business seriously. To take the risk in investing in myself, to take the leap from hobby to true monkey making”.
— Sarah
“The videos are informative and easy to follow. Coaching calls are wonderful. Your responses during the calls are very intuitive and I feel welcomed and at ease being part of the calls. Even through watching the recorded calls I gain lots”.
— Sarah
My big win was an in person lunch yesterday for a VBAC homebirth - and she slid the deposit across the table. That was a pinch myself moment”.
— Jewels
What my former clients have said about my support…
"We engaged Mary's services to help prepare ourselves for labour, and gain additional support during the birth and postpartum period. Mary proved to be an essential component of our experience, helping us to unpack our preconceived notions of birth and parenthood, as well as our expectations of ourselves and each other. She is curious, insightful and more than capable of holding space for big feelings, something we all need a little more of in our lives. If you are wondering if you should seek out a doula, just do it — your future self will thank you."
— Ally & Harry
“Mary is a gentle soul and a wise woman, who, through her Birthing from Within mentoring program, has helped me to prepare for a beautiful, healing home birth after caesarean. Her many insights and gentle questioning encouraged me to look inside myself, allowing me to prepare thoroughly for my birth. In conjunction to this, Mary also supported me though the first few months of my post-partum period as I adjusted to the many demands of my new life with 2 small children. Mary has helped me to recognise my own needs as an individual and taught me to be kind to myself. I believe I am a better mother because of Mary. If you want to have an incredible birthing experience and postpartum period I highly recommend working with Mary.”
— Bec
“Such a beautiful, nurturing and kind spirit. I couldn’t have asked for a better support prenatally than Mary. She helped me workshop some reservations and fears that I had about my second birth and really helped me prepare. Unfortunately Mary was unable to attend the birth of our second son as he was in a great rush to be born but the after care and postnatal care was super lovely and she knew all the tips and tricks to make me as comfortable as possible post birth. Couldn’t recommend Mary enough!”
— Jessie
“I knew from the moment I met Mary that she was the support I had been seeking for the preperation in birthing my first baby at home. Her many years of experience and knowledge, embodied wisdom, and gentle maternal energy made me feel safe and seen. I had my own stories and fears to move through and the way Mary is able to hold space no matter how big or small the feelings, the fears and the joys was of invaluable measure. I will never forget the love and safety I felt by her presence while in labour, Mary never left my side, not once, and her soft touch and words of encouragement allowed me to remain grounded, calm and trusting in my body and the process of birth. I had a beautiful birth at home, and am forever grateful that Mary was there to witness and celebrate this journey from the beginning through to postpartum and honouring me into Motherhood and my partner into Fatherhood. Mary will give her heart to you along your birth journey and long after. Thank you Mary for your deep presence and for gifting women the sacredness of holding space as a birth keeper, to their rite of passage”.
— Sarah, Bobby & Esmeralda
“Our experience with Mary was absolutely beautiful. The support she has given myself and my husband in helping us prepare to welcome our second child into our family was exactly what we needed. Mary took me in a journey of self discovery in which I have challenged my previous beliefs and fears in search of my own answers. Her work went way beyond helping me have a great birthing experience, even with all the twists and turns that can come along. I will be forever grateful for her support. I could not recommend her more and wish all women could have the opportunity to receive so much tailored support.”
— Carolina
“A very deserving 5 stars to Mary for supporting us during our recent pregnancy and birth of our first baby. From the moment we met Mary, we knew she would be an integral part of our birth team, not only in preparing for labour and birth, but also for the realities of early parenting. Mary trusted our vision to birth our baby at home and backed us every step of the way. Mary is a strong advocate, while also showing grace and humility under pressure, and she is wise, calm and trusting of the birthing process. Mary's ability to hold space and her family-centred approach gave us confidence to trust our intuition and follow our hearts when challenges arose, which ultimately led to the safe home birth of our little girl despite multiple hurdles in labour. We will never forget the important role Mary played in this transformational time of our lives. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts Mary.”
— Meg, Mitch & Pip
“Mary supported my partner and I during the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period for our first child. The full moon package covered everything that we needed during this journey, including birth education and preparing for the type of birth that we wanted. She was always available to chat, regularly checked in with us both pre and post birth and and has many great resources. I couldn’t have imagined by birth without Mary’s support. She was with me from the get go in our home all the way through to delivery. She was a constant source of strength and support during my labour and helped me navigate the important decisions. I really valued being able to debrief and unpack my birth in the postpartum period and thoroughly enjoyed her Closing the Bones ceremony! I highly recommend Mary and her full moon package for any first time Mum!”
— Jess
“Having Mary present during labour was a great support and comfort to me, especially as the midwives would change shifts. Mary was there consistently and helped remind the midwives and myself of my birthing preferences even when I myself had forgotten in the midst of my labour… I would highly recommend Mary as a doula. She is insightful, respectful and a lovely soul to have around as a support. I appreciate her honesty and empowering me and my family to have a more positive birth experience. My husband and I couldn’t decide on middle names for our daughter but our positive labour experience inspired us and we chose Mary as a middle name, coming from my husband’s grandmother and also having Mary share our positive birthing experience.”
— Isabel
“As a first time mum there were so many things I was unsure of and needed to discuss with someone. Mary was amazing as we covered not only the physical aspects of birth, but the mental and spiritual ones as well. We explored topics such as: fears, future hopes and dreams and relationships. All essential elements impacting the birth and the pre /post natal periods. Mary continuously provided encouragement and guidance throughout the engagement - in a caring and thoughtful manner. In particular as I entered labour, her soothing voice calmed me and her words kept me motivated despite the pain. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth - I highly recommend Mary as a key support person.”
— Valentina
“Hiring you as our doula has been one of the best choices, we have made. I definitely would recommend you to other women. It was better to have you there; it was a great choice and money well spent. You were an amazing doula… you were supportive, discreet but yet very present and a wonderful support person to have on board. One of the best decisions to have hired you!”
— Delphine
"I don’t have enough words to thank you Mary for everything you did for me throughout my prenatal-birth-postpartum journey. You not only understood all my concerns and worries before birth - and addressed them all helping me have a beautiful experience - but you made THE BEST effort during my labour to ease my pain and concerns. I speak on behalf of my family as my husband was also supported by you - physically during labour and emotionally before it. You also supported me during my tough postpartum journey. What you did for us was a lot more than providing doula services. You understood our family and helped us welcome our little boy the exact way we dreamt about it. I can only hope that many women have the privilege to have you by their sides as well. I miss you already!”
— Cinthia
“… Mary helped me to focus on preparation for the post partum period, both mentally and physically, and to deal with anxieties specific to this pregnancy and the implications that COVID was having on the experience. She helped me to identify areas that could be a challenge and gave me useful insights and practical tools to help manage these areas. As a result, I was able to better mentally prepare and enjoy my birthing experience, despite it being an induction during stage 4 lockdown. I also felt Mary helped remind me to listen to my body and and trust in my “mother’s intuition” in all aspects of my pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding journey. Mary was a calm, compassionate and wise ear and committed to holding space for me for whatever was needed. She will be a great support to any woman on her birthing journey.”
— Emma
“Mary is an absolutely lovely, outstanding person and an amazing doula. From the beginning, she gave us the best information about the labour bust most importantly we could see that she wasn’t just providing a service, she genuinely cares for her clients. Mary’s wealth of knowledge, expertise filled me with confidence and fully prepared me for the birth of our perfectly healthy baby boy. She guided and supported through important decisions that helped us get educated and empowered. She was there before, during and after labour, bringing to us her kindness and knowledge all the way. My birth experience, was calm, rich and very positive. Thank you very much Mary for guiding us through one of the most important and beautiful experience in our lives.”
— Aline
“ I will be forever grateful for Mary and the influence she has had on my life. Mary supported my partner and I throughout my pregnancy, during birth and postnatally - her friendship, wisdom and knowledge has been invaluable. Mary’s presence during labour was calming, grounding and reassuring. I felt safe, confident and incredibly supported throughout and was overjoyed to have experienced the birth I had hoped for. It takes a special person to hold mothers in such a vulnerable space but Mary does this with ease and on behalf of my family I would like to say thank you.”
— Lily
“In such an important time of life, I really didn’t realise how many decisions where being automatically made for me or on “my behalf” in my “best interest”. Mary really helped me to break down the basics and figure out what I wanted, how I wanted to feel and gave me freedom to know I had choice and the rights to choose. Mary’s mentorship gave me a power I didn’t even realise I needed and let me dive a further into the connection with myself, and feelings about my baby and the new world I’m entering. Mary’s is an open and considered service, willing to work through the challenges you may face, and breathe with you even when you’re not sure what you need.”
— Shanon
“Thank you so very much for your care of us. I’ll always remember the strength and calm I felt after meeting you, and through my labour and early weeks with Eden. It has been such a beautiful time of my life and I feel very grateful to have been held by you, and this is what has helped me to have the best possible experience of birth. Thanks for always reminding me to ‘honour how I feel’, I will take that and so much more with me for life.”
— Susan
“Mary is insightful and knowledgable and always learning. I personally really appreciated Mary asking me leading questions and happily listening to me. Her ability to listen and react in such a caring way is so wonderful. I really appreciated Mary’s mentorship through my first pregnancy and postpartum. Thank you Mary for bringing joy and peace!”
— Lynda
“Mary has been a wonderful support during my pregnancy. She has educated and empowered me to look within and remain present as I journey towards meeting my baby.”
— Belinda
“It has been absolutely amazing working with Mary through my pregnancy. I really enjoyed learning different techniques and exercise through birthing from within. Mary was easy to talk to and offered great insight whilst exploring my previous birth experiences. She helped me to work through my fears and expectations surrounding birth and to open myself up to welcome my birthing experience in whatever form it came. This pregnancy and birth was an incredible journey and I have no doubt Mary had a great influence on it being a positive one.”
— Molly
“Mary was a wonderful support at a time in pregnancy where I really benefited from her kind and gentle approach to mentoring and birth education. In our work together I came to reframe some beliefs that I held from my previous birth experience, and with her guidance realised the strength that I have and can carry with me in to my next birth. Mary has a wealth of knowledge and variety of skills, and I had a wonderful learning experience with her in regards to pain management (both mentally and practically). Mary was incredibly accommodating and helpful in our birth preparation journey. Thank you Mary.”
— Marique
“I instantly knew that I wanted to have Mary assist me with my birth... Her service offering was something that I really needed at the time. I was 32 weeks pregnant and had just decided I wanted a home birth after becoming increasingly uncomfortable with my obstetrician and journey they were leading me down. I wanted to be in control of my birth as much as possible. After speaking with Mary on a few occasions myself and with my husband we decided that having Mary help prepare and assist us for our first birth was definitely the way to go. During the birth Mary supported both my husband and I from start to finish. It was a long birth and she worked with me around her family spending many hours at my home making sure I was taken care of, that I was fed and watered and had everything I needed. My post-partum visits were much needed and Mary was happy to assist with anything. Taking care of the little one to give me some time to get things done, preparing our dinner, pampering me, tidying the kitchen… absolutely anything that made my life easier as a new mum. Mary’s full body massages are beautiful and rejuvenating and her foot treatments are also lush with her homemade natural products being used. I will certainly call on Mary again for my next little one when the time comes and I highly recommend Mary to anyone wanting a more personal, loving, caring, and knowledgeable assistant and confidant before, during and after birth.”
— Michelle
“Mary is absolutely brilliant. An amazing doula, birth guide, post-partum support. Mary was there for us every step of the way as a calming, grounding and wise support person who held us and created space, helping us to find our own way. The work my partner and I did with Mary empowered us to advocate strongly for our preferences in the medical/hospital setting and ensured we were both well prepared for the birth, including complications that arose. As a result we had a very positive birth experience. Mary also walked alongside us throughout the 4th trimester and was a tremendous support. Words cannot sufficiently express how grateful my partner and I to have found Mary, and to have had her as our support person through pregnancy, birth and new parenthood”.
— Amy
Early on in my pregnancy I had an intuitive pull towards enlisting the support of a Doula but was unsure where to turn. After some Google searching, I fortuitously stumbled across Mary and immediately knew that I wanted to work with her.
Mary is such a grounded, humble and deeply kind presence. She is also a wealth of knowledge, wisdom and experience! I experienced a sense of confidence and ease after our sessions leading up to the birth due to our discussions. Mary had a gentle but incisive and pragmatic way of helping us prepare for parenthood.
When some complications began to unfold toward the end of the pregnancy, my partner & I were able to consult with Mary at every twist and turn. Mary helped us navigate some deeply challenging circumstances and decisions. Due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, I ended up having a birth that was very different to what I had hoped and planned. I know my partner was also incredibly glad to have the privilege of Mary there alongside him.
Mary was the only constant for us amid the whirlwind of the hospital system. If it weren’t for her continued solid presence and guiding support, it’s likely I would’ve interpreted some of the experiences related to the birth of our daughter and that were outside of my control, as traumatic.
However, with Mary’s compassionate guidance, I have integrated and made peace with my experience and transitioned into my journey as a mother with strength and confidence. It sure was a rocky old road, full of the unexpected, that we stumbled along to meet our beautiful daughter, and Mary accompanied us every step of the way.
I’m immensely grateful to have been initiated into motherhood by Mary and for our daughter to have been warmly welcomed into the world by this wonderful human being. Mary is an amazing, gifted Doula and I highly recommend her outstanding services.
— Adrianna
“We hired Mary to support us through our journey into parenthood with the birth of our son. Originally we had planned for homebirth, but due to COVID-19, the program was cancelled (along with several other services) and Mary remained a calm, consistent and supportive presence for us amidst all the unpredictability. She always checked in with us about our needs, provided objective information, and helped us through some difficult moments. Mary was great and I can’t recommend her enough!”
— Jessica
“Mary was the most incredibly supportive Doula for our home birth. In our pre natal visits Mary supported us emotionally and helped us to understand the physical birth process. She also shared with us her wisdom about the transition into becoming parents for the first time. During our home birth she was the most nurturing and encouraging energy -she empowered us to have the birth that we had dreamed of. Mary played an integral role in supporting my husband during the labour, reassuring him and being there for him also when he needed. We will be forever grateful for the pivotal role that Mary played in our journey.”
— Krissy
“Mary provided such amazing support during pregnancy, birth and post-partum for our third child. After 2 previous difficult births it was important to us to have additional support to guide us through such an important and momentous experience. Mary's knowledge and calm guidance helped with healing and approaching the birth of our baby feeling empowered and confident. I really am so grateful for her nurturing support.”
— Kathryn
“Mary Facilitated A Beautiful Mother Blessing For Me And 17 Of My Family And Friends. It Was An Experience Which Filled Me With Love And Strength. I'm Truly Grateful For My Time With Mary.”
— Belinda
“I Took Part In One Of Mary's Online Mother Blessing Circles During Covid And Was Really Impressed By The Sacred Space She Created For My Expecting Friend. Such A Moving And Powerful Event. Thank You!”
— Jo
“Mary came over to our house and gave me a beautiful pregnancy massage. I felt instantly comfortable and relaxed when she arrived and Mary's calm, gentle and nurturing energy made the whole experience even better. I would highly recommend investing in this experience.”
— Cailin
“Such a nurturing & professional massage. Mary is fantastic!”
— Beth
“I loved Mary’s pregnancy massages. She was always completely present and made me feel comfortable and at ease all the time.”
— Lizzie
“The ceremony Mary performs is like a much-needed hug for a mama. I enjoyed and wished I have experienced the ceremony much earlier in my motherhood journey… My favourite parts were massage with yummy oils, sipping on a fragrant tea throughout the ceremony, drum playing and poem reading. Mary uses flowers and herbs from her garden which makes the ceremony very special as well. I recommend Mary and hope more mamas can experience this ceremony to calm and nourish their bodies and souls.”
— Olga
“Mary is very thoughtful and kind as well as well organised and professional. She helped me in the healing process after a miscarriage. Mary guided me through the Closing the bones ceremony, held my hand and gave my body and soul all the kindness and warmth they were craving for. I am very grateful for this experience.”
— Saniya
“I had the pleasure of Mary facilitating a closing the bones ceremony for me. It was a beautiful experience. Mary took her time to ensure I was comfortable and adjusted all the elements of the ceremony to suit me. Thank you Mary it’s beautiful to have that sister/ mother like support.”
— Estelle
“The ceremony was really good. I found it a little hard to relax to start off with but being all wrapped up in the rebozos gave me an opportunity to reflect on the massive transformation that my body went through and thank my body for all it did and continues to do. And it also allowed me to accept the transition from being a pregnant person (which I really loved, I loved feeling bub moving inside of me) to being my own person again and accepting that [my baby] is now his own person too. Thank you so much!”
— Rebecca
“I had the honour of experiencing a beautiful closing of the bone’s ceremony with Mary. It was the closing of a chapter in pregnancy and birth of my second child. Honouring my body and experience with that. It was really powerful and felt so held, nourished and heard.”
— Sanne
“Mary was a God send for our pregnancy and postpartum journey. From our first meeting, Mary felt completely right for us and the support we felt we needed at the time. Mary always held space for us to process our previous birth experience and tips to prepare for our next one. When we were confronted with a medical diagnosis during pregnancy, having someone to debrief and work through emotions with was everything. This ended up giving us the birth experience of our dreams! We felt so calm, safe and in control the whole labour thanks to all the prep work. In the first weeks postpartum our visits from Mary were so healing and comforting as we adjusted to having our new little one home. Our only regret was not having the support of Mary for our first baby. I cannot recommend Mary enough, the gift of a positive journey into parenthood is priceless and I feel has set us on the right foot for many years to come. Thank you for everything Mary!”
— Emma H
“Mary is a wise, calm and clear presence in some special and at times stressful parts of life. Mary privileges your voice, choice and looks at collective, not combative ways to support a positive birth and postpartum.”
— Emma P
We couldn’t sing the praises of Mary highly enough!!
What a gift it has been to connect with such a caring, supportive and insightful woman. We utilized Mary’s Full Moon package as we prepared for the homebirth of our first baby. Mary encouraged thought provoking discussion as well as offering practical advice around preparing for a supported and restful postpartum.
Mary’s presence at the birth was nothing short of magic! We will always cherish the memory of Mary playing the hand drum, echoing the intensity of my building contractions during the final stages of our labour.. The atmosphere was absolutely electric and just so special!
Mary also provided post partum nourishment through conversation, massage and also performed a Closing of the Bones ceremony. This was such an incredibly important and moving conclusion to our Fourth Trimester.
It is through these rituals and intention facilitated by Mary, that we have walked confidently into parenthood, a gift that every family deserves. We absolutely got more than we hoped for through hiring Mary and we are so grateful to have crossed paths with this special woman.
— Anna
“I’d always felt that I’d left a piece of my heart in that operating theatre. Just over seven years ago, my pregnant heart felt just like my pregnant belly; expanded like a balloon and ready to explode with love when my firstborn would arrive. But when he landed in that operating theatre, a room bustling with medical staff, the silence was deafening. While his heart contemplated taking it’s first earthside beat, a piece of my heart shrivelled, and froze in my chest. My love balloon had burst and still a small heart belonging to my newborn son remained still.
When that newborn heart finally fluttered to life, he opened his eyes to meet mine. A quick but precious hello, a glance into each other's souls before he was whisked away. And there I stayed. Wounded in so many places. They were the longest seconds, minutes, hours and days in my life. Ambulances, aeroplanes, helicopters, hallway hospital whispers. The separation was harrowing, the guilt engulfing. It was seven days to the minute when we arrived back in our home to begin life as a family of three.
In the years to come, two more babies would arrive to stoke my heart fire and rekindle that warmth. But in the depths of my heart, that sorrowful iceberg remained.
Until today.
The timing was right to make a long-awaited journey back into myself, into the deep recesses of a broken heart. A meeting with a long held wound unable to be coaxed out with words alone. That wound would be greeted with empathy and understanding and would be gently melted away by a ritual of love, kindness and warmth.
I didn’t need to go back to the operating theatre to collect my heart, it was tucked away inside of me all that time. It was like my soul was being poured back into me. The deepest tissues of my body became alive again and began to sing. But most importantly, my heart soaked up this gesture of love. The iceberg melted and, in its place, my heart felt held, heard and healed.
Thank you”.