To be honest, when I hired Mari I had my doubts. I did not know anybody who had hired a doula before and even after looking through all the package options I started to wonder if this was just another upscale way to turn birth into a business. But I was determined to have a natural birth and studies show that having a doula on hand can increase these chances. After finally going through the process myself I can say with confidence that Mari is absolutely the real deal. She has turned both my skeptical husband and I into believers. When arriving at the hospital, I was surprised how hands off the staff was during the actual labor -- they mostly left me to my own devices while they checked vitals every once in a while. Mari was there to ask questions to prompt responses from our medical team, massage my back, and suggest/show us different labor positions. I think my husband was a bit worried that he would be taking a back seat in the entire delivery process since I hired a doula but hiring Mari was more of a support staff for him. He was able to be the star by holding my hand and reassuring me while she stayed in the background rubbing my back, bringing out snacks when necessary and allowing us to take breaks when needed. No lie, natural labor is painful AF but Mari gave me this handy machine called a TENS unit which delivers an small electric buzz during contractions which pretty much saved me. The whole price of everything was worth it for that one machine. My birth plans took a detour when my physician suggested a C Section. I was really impressed that Mari was able to ask the right questions to see if it can be prevented or not. In fact, I even found her to be more knowledgeable than some of the staff members on board about the entire birth process. She truly was an integral member of our care team and even my doctor made a special exception for her to be in the surgical room with us after seeing how important she was to us. After the birth she came to my house and worked with me to answer any postpartum questions I had. She even helped me with breastfeeding which is something I probably would have given up on if I didn't have that private on on one time (there are lactation consultants in the hospital but everything is so hectic after birth it's really hard to get the hang of things.) Investment wise? It's definitely pricey and she does not accept insurance but I absolutely will (and hope!) to hire again. read more

She saved my sanity!!! Just a few days prior to giving birth to my first child I decided I needed a doula. Not just for me but also for the daddy-to-be as I thought he would need assistance just as much. So I "yelped" and reached out to Mari and thankfully she had the capacity and stopped by in the evening so we could get to know each other better. You know that feeling when you meet someone for the first time and it just clicks? That was the case here. She came and we talked and what I thought was minutes turned out to be two hours and I KNEW this was the best decision! We talked about a lot of things, pros and cons, already worked on my birth plan. When she went home my husband came home just a couple of mins after she left so she just turned around to meet him. SO awesome! When it came to my delivery it did not go as planned (as in probably most cases) but she helped me through with a variation of techniques, still I ended up with an epidural (you mums, there is no shame in this. none of us needs to be a warrior). Honestly, she was the most important person (besides my husband) in the delivery room. Though my nurse as super nice, Mari was the one that was my go to person, the one that told me to push in the way I needed it, the one that assured me everything was alright, the one I feel like I yelled at NOOOO when she asked me if I wanted to touch baby's head when he was almost out .. LOL (sorry about that again, Mari). Also her follow-up visit was really helpful, she spent a lot of time, she showed me a lot of things, explained a lot of emotions I would be going through (and sure enough I did). If I will have another child, signing her up as my doula will be one of the first things I will do for sure. If I could for before, during and after birth because it was the best.decision.ever! read more

When my wife suggested we hire a doula for the birth of our second child, I wasn't sure we needed one. She gave birth to our first child without one, why do we need one this time? Well, after meeting Mari and seeing how much she helps with the birthing process, I am forever in her debt. She was always available when we had questions, and when it came time for my wife to deliver, Mari was there every step of the way. She was always quick to make suggestions on how to make my wife more comfortable - suggestions that wouldn't have dawned on me. My wife and I are so thankful that Mari was there for us during our stressful, yet special time. Needless to say, Mari is worth it worth it worth it!!!! Have I mentioned that Mari is worth it? read more

We found Mari based on a recommendation from our birth center. While I had learned enough to know that a doula could be an excellent help during labor, I still had all the trepidation of a first time mother. I had plenty of stereotypes of new agey or otherwise crunchy women who do such work and wasn't sure if I'd be able to connect with a perfect stranger to collaborate with during what I knew would be a very intense and challenging experience. Our first meeting with Mari put me at ease immediately. She was "normal"! (Whatever that is, but for a first impression it was a good one)!! She was easy to talk to, knowledgable without being condescending, worldly without being snobby and genuinely passionate about the work she does. She had no problem making us feel confident and ready for the birth. She is an excellent communicator and shared a ton of information with us- and responded to every question I had with measured, informed, non emotional yet compelling answers. Without getting into all the gory details, I believe my labor and delivery went as smoothly as it did because of her. She gave me the emotional and physical support I needed, just when and how I needed it, intuiting my every need the whole way- especially when I had no idea what I was doing or what I wanted. Her verbal reinforcements- for me and my husband- got us through the hardest moments of labor and enabled us to have the birth we envisioned for our first child. Whenever someone asks about my birth story I don't hesitate to credit Mari for her integral support and recommend whole heartedly the work of doulas. read more

Mamas, Mari has a five-star average for a reason. Others have capably sung her praises (all of which I echo) so I'll keep this to our specifics: -I am the first among my friends to get pregnant, so Mari was my best resource. AND, my husband was deployed for more than half my pregnancy, so Mari served as my main support while he was away, through all the prenatal nerves and endless questions. -When we arrived at the hospital, it was fully booked. Mari helped me labor in a HALLWAY, and helped me give birth in the triage bay - with nothing but a curtain between us and the rest of the world! All the while helping me stick to my natural birth plan despite the circumstances. -When I experienced some post-delivery complications, she sat with my husband and our newborn to navigate all THAT, too, and stayed for hours until I was stable and we were settled in our recovery room. -Due to the complications I experienced, I was ultimately unable to breastfeed, which broke my heart. On the same day of my diagnosis, Mari connected me to another mother with an oversupply who was willing to donate her milk. My son will get milk for months because of Mari's amazing connections in the new-Mama community! On top of all that, Mari is a super fun person and (I certainly hope!) a lasting friend of the family. We love her! read more

When I found out that I was pregnant, I had no idea what to expect. I had heard stories from friends about last minute C-sections that scared me. I'd seen The Business of Being Born and knew the benefits of having a natural birth. That said, I had so many questions, and to be honest, I was really scared about my body's ability to have a baby without the assistance of an intervention. I am also a trauma survivor and was worried about what the pain of labor would bring up. I'd heard about birth doulas and decided that I needed as much support as possible. My husband and I had a long list of women to interview but after talking to Mari, we decided not to waste our time. From the beginning, Mari took the time to listen to us, to assure my husband that he played an essential role in delivering a healthy baby, and to go over our options. She never once pushed anything on us and was open to my desire for interventions if needed. The first time we met with Mari we learned a ton about childbirth. She talked us through different choices that we would be confronted with and helped us start thinking about decisions we would have to make. She left us with a well-researched pre and postnatal resource book and access to helpful info on the client portal of her website. Mary served as the perfect advocate throughout my pregnancy, especially at the beginning and towards the end. I was due during the 2015 winter blizzard and was worried about going into labor and having to go to a local hospital instead of George Washington University, the hospital that the midwifery practice was at. My husband and I decided to get a hotel in DC so that if I went into labor we would be able to walk to the emergency room. Mari also volunteered to stay at a hotel nearby for the weekend. Of course, I ended up delivering 2 weeks past my due date and felt bad that she spend the weekend away from her family for no reason, but Mari assured me that I had made the right decision and that it was important to her that she be there just in case. I cannot recommend Mari more. I ended up delivering vaginally without an epidural. I could not have done it without the support and expertise that Mari brought with her. Giving birth was scary. Mari was able to calm me and give comfort when I was feeling like I couldn't do it anymore. She provided options for us - the use of the TENS machine, music if we wanted it, light massage, explanations for things that were confusing - she was our advocate. Mary served as a reminder to my husband and I that everything would be all right. And it was. We now have a beautiful little boy and I have more faith in my body than I ever have had. Overall, giving birth was a healing process for me and Mari was an integral part of that. read more

Mari is so amazing. I knew I wanted to a doula as soon as I found out I was pregnant. I interviewed several doulas - and while all were great - I felt an instant kinship with Mari. From the first moment that I met her - I knew she was THE ONE. I signed her by the time I was 4 months pregnant. As my pregnancy progressed - we met a few times, so we could talk about how I wanted my birth to go. Unmedicated and at the natural birth center. She made me comfortable about my needs and wants. My husband by the way, wasn't sure he wanted a "stranger" in the room and didn't even know what a doula was. But it was my one thing I would not budge on during my pregnancy. As my due date drew nearer, I was in constant contact with Mari. And at the last minute, I found out I was going to be induced. I called Mari, and she helped ease my fears. I went to the hospital Wednesday evening, expecting to be induced the following morning. I stayed in contact with Mari and decided she would arrive the next morning. But then I went into labor in the middle of the night! I called Mari at 2:30 in the morning and I told her I needed her - she was there in an instant. When she arrived, she jumped right in. She helped manage my pain throughout the labor. And when I broke down and needed pain meds, there was no judgement. She made sure I got what I needed. And my husband realized how important she was not only to me but to him. They worked together as a team to make sure I was comfortable throughout. After about 14 hours of labor, which included 4 hours of pushing, our baby was born. I can't believe she was there from 2:30a in the morning until about 9:30pm. Part of her services, she came to my house a few days later and then helped me on my breastfeeding journey. She eased my fears on breastfeeding and showed me tips and tricks. Seriously, amazing. You won't go wrong choosing Mari as your doula. read more

Mari was our doula for our first baby. We've since moved to California and had a second baby, and I'm happy to say we've been in touch the whole time. In fact, and Mari may not know this, she was the first to know I was pregnant with our second. She's just that kind of person--a warm, loving soul who will nurture you through the hard parts of labor, and use her experience and wisdom to give you every advantage throughout your pregnancy and birth. We just loved everything about her. She was always punctual for our meetings, organized, ever so easy to talk to and be comfortable around, sweet and caring, and super knowledgable. It's a beautiful thing to get to work with someone who's following their passion, and this is definitely Mari's. I know you'll love her as much as we do. read more

Mari Stutzman Smith of Celebrated Birth was our doula and she was incredible-- to say the least. She knows how to support the type of birth you envision in whatever system you require (hospital, home, birth center). She is warm, approachable and incredibly in tune with all aspects of the birth process (pre-natal, delivery, postpartum). She has an incredible amount of experience and expertise, and as such, guided my husband and I through every step of the delivery. When the midwives were in and out of the room, she was our constant-- helping me labor in and out of water, patiently reassuring me and my husband as the hours progressed and my labor stalled. Mari was an integral part of the birthing team and the rock I needed as we faced difficult choices. I looked in Mari's eyes and found the strength and confidence I needed as my delivery tested my willpower. She helped me to move through different positions to ease the labor as the time went on, aided with massage and essential oils when I needed to find calm, and most importantly, helped me to find my own innate strength. She also supported my husband to be the exact kind of birth partner I needed. Together, the three of us were a team. In the days following the delivery she helped me immensely as I learned to breastfeed and thrive through the early days of motherhood. I cannot imagine my birth without Mari's guiding hand and full heart. I wholeheartedly recommend her to other mothers giving birth in the Northern Virginia/DC area. read more

Mari is an amazing doula and I highly recommend her. She helped me through the birth of my daughter and when I became pregnant a second time I knew that I wanted her to be a part of my son's birth as well. She works magic in knowing exactly what to do and say to make childbirth a beautiful experience. read more

I have to echo everything All About Town said about Mari - I had a very similar birth (in hospital, medicated) and chose a doula so there would be someone else in the room who knew what was going on, as it was a first for both my husband and I. Mari was such a simultaneously strong and calming force, her being there was so reassuring and valuable - I can't imagine how I could have done it without her. read more

I had the privilege of having Mari as my doula during my VBAC in October 2015. Her kindness, support, knowledge and advocacy enabled me to achieve the birth I had been praying for. My labor was progressing somewhat slowly and my husband decided to leave the birth center to get some food for us. Of course, within minutes of his departure, my contractions took on a life of their own and I was overwhelmed in a major way. Mari jumped in to action, dimming the lights, positioning me physically, calming me with reassuring words, stroking my arm and back, applying the TENS Unit, and filling in my shocked husband on what happened in the 30 minutes since he left. As transition continued, she never left my side. She even labored with me in the bathroom, haha! When my body began pushing on its own, she calmly looked to my husband and instructed him to get the midwife (who was attending another birth down the hall). I assumed that being in a birth center would mean we would have lots of one on one support from the staff, and while there was plenty of attention given to us, we couldn't have predicted that another mama would be bringing her baby earth-side at the same time as us. Had Mari not been with us, I don't think I could have handled my labor as well as I did. After the birth, Mari came to my home for a postpartum visit and made sure I was recovering well in every aspect, not just physically. I feel so blessed to have had Mari by my side for such a life changing event. Hiring Mari was a decision I will never regret, she was invaluable to us! Anne B. read more

Mari is the best! She provided a level of comfort and support that was so appreciated during this crazy experience! She was always calm and her goal was to help us carry out our birth plan - even though plans tend to go out the window. :) read more

I can't say enough great things about Mari! She was my doula for my birth and did such an amazing job. I am so glad that I decided to use a doula and I really could not imagine not having her by my side. She was so incredibly supportive even when I was induced. I had read that being induced makes it more likely that you will need further medical interventions and that scared me. Mari gave me the confidence and assurance I needed that I could absolutely, 100% have an unmedicated birth. I am so glad that I went to the hospital with that thought! The day I was induced, Mari arrived when I called asking for her support. I told my husband to go get lunch for himself, convinced that labor was going to last all day and night! I felt totally supported with Mari by my side even without my husband there. She helped me through each contraction and helped me to relax through them. She made great suggestions and had a calm, soothing way about her that put me at ease. By the time my husband got back, I was ready to push and we had a baby 30 minutes later! I cannot say enough good things about Mari! You will not be disappointed! read more

Mari was so integral to the birth of our son this past June that I am not sure how to express my awe, appreciation, and gratitude for her -- let alone how to express in this review just how wonderful and caring she is. Simply put, Mari is AMAZING at her job. Being a doula really seems to be her calling. A friend recommended Mari, and could not say enough good things about her. My husband & I had to use the rest of our FSA Feds allowance to cover the cost of a doula -- but we were lucky to have this option, and once we met Mari, we knew it was completely worth it. I had big dreams for my birth; I read Ina May, I meditated & journaled & talked with my husband (at one point incessantly!) about how I envisioned my labor. I wanted to have an unmedicated vaginal birth, and felt very confident that when it came time, I would be ready for it. And I knew Mari would be an amazing coach and advocate once I got to that labor & delivery room. At 36 weeks, though, I learned that my sweet son was still in the breech position. I'd been doing all kinds of crazy things to get him to flip (handstands in the pool, and so much more...), but he did not budge. I was heartbroken when I had to schedule a c-section. Mari talked me through it. She helped me design a birth plan for my planned c-section that I felt comfortable with. I can safely say she is the least judgmental person in the field of birth & babies that I've met, and she listened and responded to all my fears (and tears!) about the surgery. We set the date for when I would be 39.5 weeks. I started getting really excited. And then, when I was exactly 39 weeks, I started having contractions. I called Mari, and she told me to keep her posted that day, since it didn't yet seem like full-on labor. I called my midwife practice and they said the same. Then that evening, my contractions got much stronger and closer together. I called my midwife practice again, and spoke to a midwife who told me to stay home for at least an hour, and not rush to the hospital. She'd heard me go through a contraction and said she didn't think I was in active labor because I could still talk and had been functioning all day long. I explained that I was in a lot of pain, and my contractions were every 3-4 minutes (and that my baby was breech), but she reiterated that I should stay home and wait it out a bit more. I called Mari after getting off the phone with the midwife, and told her I'd been advised to stay home. Just then, I went through another contraction. Mari listened as I went through it, and then said two sentences that truly changed our lives: "Get to the hospital. I think you're having this baby tonight." When I arrived at the hospital, I was a shocking 10cm dilated, and fully effaced. I was ready to start pushing, but my babe was still breech -- ready to come out feet first. We hadn't even had time to tell Mari we were on our way to the hospital. But guess what -- she had gotten in her car and started driving the minute I called her. I was whisked into the OR for an emergency c-section before I had the chance to see her, but I shouted all the birth plan orders at the OBs that Mari had helped me come up with while I was undergoing the procedure (which now seems pretty funny!). After the surgery, Mari was there to support me -- to help with breastfeeding, to listen to me babble, to show me my placenta, to take photos while we gazed in awe at our new baby. I feel so much warmth when I think of that hour or two in the recovery room with my son, my husband, and Mari. read more

I asked my doctor who they would recommend and she said "Mari Smith. Hands down." I met with her, loved her, and hired her. Knowing she was going to be there for me during my labor and birth, I had this magic 100% confidence that I was going to achieve my all natural childbirth. Mari has such a calming and soothing affect, and she could read my mind as to what I needed and wanted - she did it before I could even ask, it was amazing. Without a doubt, Mari will be one of the first phone calls with my next pregnancy. I want to be sure she'll be available! read more

Just had my first baby in April and I'm really not sure I could have done it without Mari. I definitely knew from the day I found out I was pregnant that I was 100% in for a "medicated birth" so many people were confused as to why I was hiring a doula. My thinking was that although a nurse would be there, a nurses top focus is my medical needs (and they are in and out of the room with other obligation) and a doulas primary focus is on my comfort (and Mari was there from 11am - 1am all just for me!). There was 0 judgment on Mari's part that I wasn't going natural and she and I sat for a long time going through exactly what my options are for every other aspect of the big day. I'm not the type of person that likes unpredictability (which doctor will be on call? What if I don't like my nurse?) and she was able to be the one (positive) constant in this journey. She talked me through my anxiety and I could text whenever I had a question. Although I had planned on a medicated birth, I wanted to wait as long as I could before getting the epidural. During that time she massaged me (awesome), gave me breathing techniques (helpful), and used a TENS unit to help me abate the pain (fabulous). Unfortunately for me, my first epidural failed and I went to 7cm to 9.5cm unmediated - it was rough but I remember during a very scared moment, she snapped me out of a very negative mental downward spiral and helped me regain control of my situation. I'll never forget that moment. I don't want to go into it too much because my story isn't going to be another women's story and as a very nervous mama I don't want to make any other woman worry! When I reflect on that day I have the best memories, mostly revolving around Mari being there and I have the most amazing pictures (Mari took) to remember it. My husband raves about her more than I do, not only did she take a lot of pressure off of him - she was really there for him too. She eased his nerves and he's become a huge fan telling all his buddies with expectant wives that they're crazy to do it without a doula! We both agree that we will never have another child without her there! The only downside is that I like Mari so much, I want to hang out with her all the time but she is one busy doula! read more

I had a positively wonderful experience with Mari during my pregnancy and delivery! She was just the intellectual and emotional resource I was looking for. She possesses a mastery of pregnancy and labor and delivery information. I enjoyed having a third party sounding board that I could trust. She made herself readily accessible for any and every quirky pregnancy question and concern I had from day one to month ten. During labor itself, she was extremely supportive and played a pivotal role in the successful delivery of my healthy baby girl. Mari truly enhanced the entire process for me, as I am certain she would for any lucky expectant mother. read more

When preparing for the birth of my first child I wanted to have everything as perfect as possible for a great birth experience. My yoga instructor at the Birth Center recommended Mari. When my husband and I met with her for the first time we knew that God had hand-picked her for our birth. She is everything A doula should be -caring, compassionate, sweet and knows exactly what you need every step of the way. As a first-time mom it was wonderful to have her come twice before the birth and then a few times after the birth. And given I had a two day long labor experience with a lot of unexpected bumps on the way I truly do not know what I would have done without Mari. She goes above and beyond to gets you through every contraction and to be there to support your husband. My husband was unsure of the value of the Doula until he realized how he could not have done it without her support she was not in the way or taking his role but supporting him and letting him rest use the restroom and just cry when he needed to. She is an advocate for you if doctors are needed in the process. She helped me when in the end I had to get an epidural, to breathe and to not panic. She was there with me, she sang with me she rubbed my back and she has these very magical little shocker nudes that help distract you from the pain of contractions. I really can't say enough about this woman I know that God has given her a gift of nurturing and mothering new mothers that cannot be put into words. No matter what your birth experience, you will never regret hiring Mari she is truly the worlds best Doula. read more

We were lucky enough to work with Mari in May 2016. It is impossible to imagine the birth of our daughter without Mari. Her support, both before and during labor as well as the postpartum follow-up was steadfast, calm, loving and caring. Both my partner and I felt this from her. I also heard the delivery nurse say to her "you are the best doula I have ever worked with!" It was a long and difficult induction, lasting days, and she was at our side as soon as full active labor began, staying with us for a full 24 hours with very little break, and readily on the phone before that. There is absolutely no question that I would recommend Mari to anyone seeking a doula in the Washington area. She knows what she is doing and does it with her own special cheer and tenderness. Thank you for everything Mari! read more

Mari was fabulous! From our first meeting, Mari supported us in figuring out what was important to us in the birth of our daughter and then helped make it happen. She was always available to answer questions and always offered us tons of information while being very supportive of all of our decisions. I would not have been able to have the unmedicated birth I wanted without her support. And, for all the dads out there, my husband was very skeptical of@ hiring a doula, but after the birth of our daughter he said hiring Mari was the best money ever spent. :) read more

Mari is the best! Going into my first childbirth there was uncertainty and nervousness, but Mari was a calming and jubilant voice. She filled in the gaps of our childbirth education, gave us lots of books and other resources, as well as helping us figure out what we wanted for our birth. I can honestly say that without Mari we wouldn't have had the amazing birth experience that we did. My husband was wonderful and helpful, but Mari knew exactly what I needed without me even realizing it myself. She is an essential part of my birth team and she joined me for my second birth as well. I actually can't even imagine a birth without her. She is one of those people you meet where I just felt an instant connection. She is completely there for you before, during, and after your birth. I really could go on and on...but suffice it to say that she is an extraordinary resource and presence to have during the child birthing journey. read more

Early on in my first pregnancy, I knew that I wanted as natural a birth experience as possible. I contacted Mari after googling doulas in the area and she was both informative and warm from the start. She helped me to create a birth plan, answered lots of first time mom questions and was available on short notice even when I ended up in preterm labor. She was an invaluable resource during labor and delivery and I felt fully supported in my choices by her, and even more assured that my choices would be communicated and reinforced to the hospital staff because of her being there. I think the ultimate praise of any professional is a repeat client, and I am now pregnant with baby number two and looking forward to having Mari attend my second birth as well! read more

Mari was actually the backup to the doula my husband and I originally hired who, as luck would have it, was already tending to another client's birth when I was in the hospital. We had never met Mari in-person until she knocked on our delivery room door! I'd been having contractions for over 24 hours by the time we requested Mari come to the hospital. When she arrived I was in considerable discomfort because I was in the middle of a contraction so the introduction was kept brief. She wasted no time getting right to work. I mean, she was just a godsend and almost instinctively knew what methods would provide the most comfort to me at a given point. She started with a leg & back massage with aromatherapy lotion/oil that provided immediate relief and began to coach me on coping with the pain. I think her presence was a relief to my husband too. He was great during the early stages of my labor, and even after she arrived, but it was really nice to have a professional labor support person there who could lend her experience to the situation and provide helpful tips that neither of us would've come up with on our own. Mari was also a terrific advocate for me when it came to my birth plan wishes and in helping us understand what the doctors advised doing next and how that fit in. (She helped me postpone an epidural twice, true to my birth plan.) There was really nothing Mari wasn't willing to do. She helped me change positions, on and off the bed, get to and from the bathroom, encourage me and my husband, try different techniques, explain options, and so on. When my baby was born about 10 hrs after Mari's arrival she even took pictures of his entrance (exit?) and the aftermath of delivery - something we hadn't planned to ask her to do, but that I'm personally so grateful she offered as these pictures are treasured mementos. All in all, I can't say enough great things about Mari. I wouldn't hesitate to use her at future births and highly recommend her to others. read more

Mari was my doula for the pregnancy and birth of both my babies. I didn't have a direct recommendation for a doula, so I found it difficult to know who to go to... However, after talking to Mari for the first time, I knew she would be the perfect doula for me. Her warmth and friendliness made me feel calm and cared for from the beginning. I had non-medicated natural childbirth for both pregnancies. That was very important for me along with other factors related to my labor and delivery. Mari was my advocate, and in a gentle and resptful way, she was able to communicate with my doctor and nurses to ensure my birth plan was followed. The physical and emotional support she provided was immensely helpful. Her support allowed my husband to be there for me in the way I needed as well. I needed his hand in my hand and his head close to my head. While he was able to be there encouraging me, Mari was there with massage, getting me cool cloths, preparing a bath, etc. I will forever be grateful for her loving support... And, after the birth she grabbed our camera and got some gorgeous and priceless photographs of us welcoming our new baby into the world. read more

When I became pregnant with my third child, I was living overseas and knew I would return to the United States before the birth. I was nervous about this transition - my first child was born in DC, and I desperately did not want to return to the medical practice I used during that pregnancy, or anything like it. Mari was a comforting presence for me from the moment I spoke with her on the phone. I could tell right away how incredibly kind, patient, and competent she was, and that she would help me ensure my child's birth was calm and natural. Mari was a steady and soothing hand while I was in labor. She had excellent recommendations on pain relief, gently reminded me to keep hydrated, and stayed in the background when things were going fine. She never lost focus on me or the birthing process, yet kept my husband included the whole way through. She instinctively knows when to intervene and when to step back. She loves what she does, she is very experienced and knowledgable, and other childbirth professionals love working with her. Though these qualities should be a given, they sadly are often not. Mari is the gold standard, and I am so grateful my family and I had her to rely on as we embarked on this new phase of our lives. Every woman should have someone like Mari for their pregnancy and childbirth. read more