"Mary was absolutely an incredible doula and we can’t imagine what our birth would have been like without her. She was such a calming presence from the very first time we met her! Mary was very responsive to all my questions throughout pregnancy and always gave us evidenced based articles to help us decide what would be best for our family."
--Dyana D., 2/9/2018
"Her support, guidance, encouragement, and knowledge were very helpful before labor, during labor, and after labor. During labor, Mary did not leave my side at all...even when I encouraged her to take a break. She is very passionate about her job and takes it very seriously. I highly recommend her services and attribute a large part of my successful VBAC (of a 8 lb 15 oz baby) to her support." -- Angie M, 10/17/2016
"She stayed around for the multi-day birthing process at the hospital. She was helpful from start to finish. She always knew what to do to make my wife as comfortable as possible. She massaged my wife's back when it was time to sit. She encouraged my wife to walk when it was time to move. She even showed up with coffee when we needed it. She fit right into our conventional, hospital birth. We would be lost without her. She is worth every single dollar we paid her. The biggest endorsement I can offer is that my wife and I both agreed that we will use her for our future kids." -- Michael M, 8/26/2016
"I recently gave birth to my first child, and feel so fortunate that Mary was part of the process. I knew I wanted to use a doula, and Mary came highly recommended. I see why. She is obviously very knowledgeable about all aspects of prenatal care, labor/delivery and postpartum support. But, it was really her personality that made all the difference for us. She reassured me/us with her steady guidance, patience and words of support when I needed it most. She knew just when to step in and when to hang back. She made sure we understood our choices throughout the process. And although I knew Mary's preferences and the reasons behind them, I never felt pressured or judged by her if I went another route. Mary proved to be a great support after the baby was born too as I adjusted to breastfeeding and struggled with some postpartum issues. She was readily available by phone or for visits. My husband and I are so grateful to Mary, and highly recommend her." -- Mandy O, 3/7/2015
"I was scared of two things after my baby girl was born, the first was getting baby blues and the second was that I wouldn't have enough milk for my baby, as breastfeeding was a huge goal of mine. That's why I chose to encapsulate and I am SO thankful I did. It's like a miracle drug, but it's all natural! I had tons of energy (even with no sleep), no mood swings or baby blues and TONS of milk. Oh and I was only 3 pounds away from pre-pregnancy weight at my 6 week postpartum visit. This was my first baby, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I've had people tell me that I am super mom because I did so well after birth and I give all the credit to placenta encapsulation. By the way, my baby girl is 3 1/2 months old and breastfeeding is still going great with a good supply. :) I have Mary to thank for helping me achieve my breastfeeding goals!" -- Jaime J, 2/25/2015
"As a first time mom I had not even thought about using a doula and was not informed on what a doula really was. My husband and I took a birth prep class and talked to our instructor (a retired doula) and started seriously contemplating hiring one to help us navigate the birth process. Once we met Mary we were convinced that we wanted her to be with us during labor as both a coach and advocate for certain aspects we wanted. Mary has been a great touchstone for questions and reassurance for those times after labor that you just feel completely lost and like you are doing everything wrong. She has eased a lot of my fears and self doubt. One of the great things about Mary is that she is an advocate and support for what YOU want and doesn't pressure you based on her personal beliefs. I would recommend Mary as a doula for first time moms as well as any one who wants additional support during such an important time in your life." -- Tiffany D, 11/22/2014
"As a first time mom I did not know what to expect from birth, but what I did know was that I wanted to have a non-medicated birth. Although my family and partner supported me in my decision, I did not know if they would be able to help me navigate thru the contractions and everything else that labor entails. I knew that even though we were not able to give birth at a birthing center I knew having a doula was going to increase my chances of having the birth I wanted. When I first met Mary she was warm and answered all my questions, she shared her own birthing experience, the fact that she had given birth at the same hospital I would be delivering at really made me feel like it was possible to have an non-medicated birth at a hospital. Throughout my pregnancy she would send me encouraging words and respond to my fear-ridden text messages....We had a full house during parts of labor and Mary just felt like part of our family, I felt taken care of and when things got really scary, in those minutes right before pushing Mary was there to do whatever it was I needed her to do to help me through those last contractions and finally to help me in the pushing stage! After my baby was here Mary continued to check on for those difficult postpartum weeks. I am extremely thankful to have had her help in this amazing journey." -- Luisa J, 6/5/2014
--Dyana D., 2/9/2018
"Her support, guidance, encouragement, and knowledge were very helpful before labor, during labor, and after labor. During labor, Mary did not leave my side at all...even when I encouraged her to take a break. She is very passionate about her job and takes it very seriously. I highly recommend her services and attribute a large part of my successful VBAC (of a 8 lb 15 oz baby) to her support." -- Angie M, 10/17/2016
"She stayed around for the multi-day birthing process at the hospital. She was helpful from start to finish. She always knew what to do to make my wife as comfortable as possible. She massaged my wife's back when it was time to sit. She encouraged my wife to walk when it was time to move. She even showed up with coffee when we needed it. She fit right into our conventional, hospital birth. We would be lost without her. She is worth every single dollar we paid her. The biggest endorsement I can offer is that my wife and I both agreed that we will use her for our future kids." -- Michael M, 8/26/2016
"I recently gave birth to my first child, and feel so fortunate that Mary was part of the process. I knew I wanted to use a doula, and Mary came highly recommended. I see why. She is obviously very knowledgeable about all aspects of prenatal care, labor/delivery and postpartum support. But, it was really her personality that made all the difference for us. She reassured me/us with her steady guidance, patience and words of support when I needed it most. She knew just when to step in and when to hang back. She made sure we understood our choices throughout the process. And although I knew Mary's preferences and the reasons behind them, I never felt pressured or judged by her if I went another route. Mary proved to be a great support after the baby was born too as I adjusted to breastfeeding and struggled with some postpartum issues. She was readily available by phone or for visits. My husband and I are so grateful to Mary, and highly recommend her." -- Mandy O, 3/7/2015
"I was scared of two things after my baby girl was born, the first was getting baby blues and the second was that I wouldn't have enough milk for my baby, as breastfeeding was a huge goal of mine. That's why I chose to encapsulate and I am SO thankful I did. It's like a miracle drug, but it's all natural! I had tons of energy (even with no sleep), no mood swings or baby blues and TONS of milk. Oh and I was only 3 pounds away from pre-pregnancy weight at my 6 week postpartum visit. This was my first baby, so I have nothing to compare it to, but I've had people tell me that I am super mom because I did so well after birth and I give all the credit to placenta encapsulation. By the way, my baby girl is 3 1/2 months old and breastfeeding is still going great with a good supply. :) I have Mary to thank for helping me achieve my breastfeeding goals!" -- Jaime J, 2/25/2015
"As a first time mom I had not even thought about using a doula and was not informed on what a doula really was. My husband and I took a birth prep class and talked to our instructor (a retired doula) and started seriously contemplating hiring one to help us navigate the birth process. Once we met Mary we were convinced that we wanted her to be with us during labor as both a coach and advocate for certain aspects we wanted. Mary has been a great touchstone for questions and reassurance for those times after labor that you just feel completely lost and like you are doing everything wrong. She has eased a lot of my fears and self doubt. One of the great things about Mary is that she is an advocate and support for what YOU want and doesn't pressure you based on her personal beliefs. I would recommend Mary as a doula for first time moms as well as any one who wants additional support during such an important time in your life." -- Tiffany D, 11/22/2014
"As a first time mom I did not know what to expect from birth, but what I did know was that I wanted to have a non-medicated birth. Although my family and partner supported me in my decision, I did not know if they would be able to help me navigate thru the contractions and everything else that labor entails. I knew that even though we were not able to give birth at a birthing center I knew having a doula was going to increase my chances of having the birth I wanted. When I first met Mary she was warm and answered all my questions, she shared her own birthing experience, the fact that she had given birth at the same hospital I would be delivering at really made me feel like it was possible to have an non-medicated birth at a hospital. Throughout my pregnancy she would send me encouraging words and respond to my fear-ridden text messages....We had a full house during parts of labor and Mary just felt like part of our family, I felt taken care of and when things got really scary, in those minutes right before pushing Mary was there to do whatever it was I needed her to do to help me through those last contractions and finally to help me in the pushing stage! After my baby was here Mary continued to check on for those difficult postpartum weeks. I am extremely thankful to have had her help in this amazing journey." -- Luisa J, 6/5/2014
|
WHAT OTHER MOTHERS HAD TO SAY....
"She reassured us with her steady guidance, patience and words of support when I needed it most. She knew just when to step in and when to hang back...Mary proved to be a great support after the baby was born too as I adjusted to breastfeeding." |
"Mary was the perfect mix of strength and warmth and just felt like part of our family...I am extremely thankful to have had her help in this amazing journey." |
"She has eased a lot of my fears and self doubt... she is an advocate and support for what YOU want and doesn't pressure you based on her personal beliefs." |
Currently serving Jacksonville, Florida and surrounding areas. MARY FICEK CLD(CBI), CBC(CBI)
|