We were introduced to Maria through a mutual friend, who had referred us to her when we were asking around about hiring a Doula and we are so thankful to have been put in touch with her. From the very first meeting we could tell that Maria would be an integral part of our birth experience and hired her right away. Maria brought to our experience a great deal of expertise, a calmness that we both needed, a great ability to explain to us and answer all of our questions (and we had a lot as first time parents to be) in a way that was respectful of our approaches to the process, while presenting different views and ideas that allowed us to gain comfort with our own choices, or preferences, with the birth of our daughter. Come delivery day, Maria was an extremely important part of the labor and birth, in a way that I could never have imagined. She just knew what to do, what to ask, what to say, how to make me feel better, how to support my husband, and how to encourage us throughout the labor. We both felt extremely lucky to have had her support. I had to deliver at a hospital and had Maria with me through the shift changes of many nurses and doctors. I can’t imagine not having her there with us both as someone who knew us, knew our preferences, and brought with her a beautiful spirit that only she could provide. A very important piece of her service was the visit after the birth. Maria spoke about the importance of talking about the labor, processing the experience, and gave me very helpful information that has allowed me to heal in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to without her. I cannot speak highly enough about Maria and what she has to offer- she is truly a gift and I highly recommend her to everyone who is looking for Doula support with their pregnancy and labor. We feel so very lucky to have had her by our side for this journey and have the most special place in our heart for Maria.

Megan Ewing, Doula Client

Maria’s service were top-notch (Placenta Encapsulation). Excellent communication, all steps were clearly provided and Maria was available by text at all times. She always gets back very quickly. She delivered on every promise and every timeline she set. If she said that something will be done/delivered tomorrow – that is how it happened. Great service, amazing packaging (the capsules were PERSONALLY delivered in dark glass bottles, clearly labeled with instructions on how to take them + an extra summary sheet). She followed-up a couple of times on her own to make sure all questions were answered. 100% RECOMMEND her services – and on a personal note THANK YOU for taking great care of us and our placenta !!!!!

Vadim Shelkovnikov

I have been doing prenatal yoga with Maria from Lotus Mom since the start of my second trimester and I couldn’t be happier! I am new to yoga and ever since my first session with Maria, I felt totally at ease with her. She is a very kind, gentle person who genuinely cares about your well being. Maria knows exactly what she is doing and does it in such a welcoming way. She will tailor each session to your abilities and how your feeling on that day. She offers a no stress, no pressure environment…which is exactly what you need as a pregnant woman. I was so happy with my choice to do prenatal yoga with her, that my fiancé and I have asked her to be our doula. I never even considered having a doula until I met Maria. Her kindness and passion for what she does let me know that she would be the perfect birth companion for the remainder of my pregnancy. I highly recommend Maria for any of your birthing needs. You will not be disappointed!

Burgundy Weber

Maria was my doula for the birth of our first daughter and was really integral to my pre-natal care, and during my labour in the hospital. What I really appreciate about Maria is she provides information and listens to you for how you envision your labour and birth experience. She is very calm, sensitive and this is more than a job to her – it is evident it is her passion in life.

Shannon Jaffer
I have been doing prenatal yoga with Maria since I was 6 weeks pregnant and it has been a fantastic experience. She is extremely caring and accommodating and has helped me through every step of my pregnancy. Her weekly classes make me feel stronger, more relaxed and connected to my baby. I would highly recommend signing up with her for private or group prenatal yoga classes!
Mel Wright

My one year old was waking very one to two hours and we had trouble with naps. Maria came to the rescue! Maria was caring and attentive to our particular needs throughout our time working together.  She carefully assessed my son and our family, and put together a comprehensive and detailed plan that included several options to solve our sleep issues. Maria was always available to lend her friendly and professional advice and gave us encouragement and support. She help us reach our goal of happy and healthy sleep and we definitely recommend her to all. Thank you Maria !

Marialena
I thought because it was my second child that I knew all the sleep strategies already. We had struggled a lot with our first born so I read every book I could get my hands on to help our son and us sleep better. But like they say, every baby is so different and with my daughter it was a new curve ball. She was wonderful for the first 5 months, sleeping almost through the night and going down awake and happy. Then suddenly the night waking’s started. I felt like I was doing everything I could do and it still wasn’t helping and the waking’s got more and more frequent. Then I spoke with Maria! Maria’s approach appreciated the fact that all babies are different and different sleep strategies worked for different households. She counselled me through it all, checked up on progress and was incredibly supportive. I never felt pressure to let my daughter cry it out if that’s not what I felt was right for the time. She helped me make subtle adjustments to routine to help my daughter sleep and this approach was more comfortable for us. Maria is extremely knowledgeable and professional. Thank you Maria for your confidence, your skills and your encouragement!!
R. Quilty

I have worked with Maria over several months in regards to sleep training and baby basics.  Maria’s professionalism and passion for her calling is evident. Maria is kind and considerate when offering suggestions. She listens attentively to the needs of her clients and their children; she gives practical, realistic solutions. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Maria. I have gained more confidence and knowledge about how to deal with issues when they arise.

Hastings