Mary Carroll

Wow, where to even start!! We worked with Lisa as our doula to support us through our first pregnancy & birth of our son. I knew as soon as I got pregnant that I wanted to hire a doula, and after our chat with Lisa, we knew immediately that she was the one. Her depth of knowledge and passion for her career was apparent as soon as we started talking to her. Not only that, but she is incredibly kind and caring - I immediately felt safe and supported by her. Throughout my pregnancy I asked her lots of random questions and she never batted an eye & always provided clear answers and resources. She even said to me “don’t google anything, I’m your Google” and I REALLY appreciated that because I had a tendency to google everything and freak myself out!! But where Lisa really blew us away was during my labor & delivery. I had a hard and long labor that ended in a c section, and I am SO grateful Lisa was there to support my husband and I throughout the process. She helped me get into comfortable positions after my epidural, gave me an incredible massage to help me relax, and kept me & my husband informed about what was going on throughout labor. When I found out I needed to have a c section, she asked my providers all the right questions and comforted me before / during my procedure. She took photos of my husband and I meeting our baby for the first time, and held our baby up to my face for skin to skin when my husband needed to leave the room to move our things to recovery. Having her there to support us through the twists and turns of labor and delivery was TRULY a game changer, especially when things got stressful. She kept us both grounded and calm when we needed it most. I could keep going on and on about how amazing Lisa is, but I’ll finish by saying: hire her !!! she was worth every penny - truly the best investment we made, and I’ll remember her kindness and support forever. If we have another kid, she’ll be one of our first calls. We love Lisa!!! 💗💗💗

- Lily O'Neill

I am so grateful to have had Lisa by my side for the birth of my first baby! Lisa is one of those people who you meet and instantly feel safe with. She has such a calm and wise energy. Her presence and expertise was a huge part of why the birth went so smoothly, and she was an incredible resource in pregnancy and postpartum as well. When I went into labor three weeks early, I was in disbelief that it was really happening! Lisa, however, knew it was labor right away when I described what was happening, and she set a positive tone from the get go. She met us at the Midwife Center, where she was by my side for what turned out to be a beautiful and empowering birth experience. She guided me with breathing, vocalizations, a variety of positions, and words of encouragement all along the way. She was so great at gently encouraging me to keep moving and knew what would be helpful at different moments in the labor. My husband also said having her there allowed him to feel calm and useful—he didn’t have to stress about being the “expert” and could just focus on comforting me as my partner. On top of everything else, Lisa also captured beautiful photos that are such a joy to look back on. We would recommend Lisa to anyone we care about, and hope to have her join us again if we are able to grow our family in the future!

- Judith Swanson

I'll be honest, when my wife first brought up hiring a doula, I was skeptical. As a husband, I figured that was my job. I thought paying someone else to be in the room during one of the most personal moments of our lives sounded unnecessary, maybe even an expense we didn't need. I couldn't have been more wrong. We labored at the midwife center for 12 hours, and during that time Lisa was invaluable. She empowered my wife through natural labor, walking us through positions, breathing techniques, and encouragement that helped us stay strong and confident without relying on interventions. She gave both of us tools and reassurance that made a really intense process feel manageable. But things didn't go quite as planned, and we ended up needing to transfer to Magee. That moment could have been chaotic and terrifying, but Lisa was right there with us, helping us understand our options and make the decision with confidence instead of panic. She didn't just show up for the "easy" parts of labor. She stayed well into the early morning hours the next day, long before our son was even born, making sure my wife and our unborn child were safe every step of the way. What struck me most was how Lisa balanced expertise with genuine care. She knew when to advocate for us, when to explain what the medical staff were saying in terms we could actually process, and when to simply be a calm, steady presence when my wife and I were both exhausted and scared. She never made me feel unnecessary as a husband. If anything, she helped me show up better for my wife because I wasn't drowning in the unknowns alone. It was a long, tough birth, but because of Lisa's knowledge, her ability to navigate a stressful transfer, and her doula skills, we came out the other side with a healthy baby boy and a wife who felt supported the entire time. Looking back, hiring Lisa wasn't an added expense. It was one of the best investments we made in our son's birth. To any dads out there who are skeptical like I was: don't be. Get a doula. Get Lisa if you can. You won't regret it.

- Jake Silvers

The knowledge and emotional support provided by Destiny was worth every penny. I appreciate her beyond words. So happy we chose Golden Lotus.

- John Moeslein

Mary at Golden Lotus was a phenomenal lactation consultant. It was our first baby, and we were able to find her through the Lactation Network. She was knowledgeable, kind, dedicated, consistent and above all, did not make us feel judged for any of our parenting decisions. My baby was pre-term and had trouble latching well into her first three months and Mary visited us several times during that period to help us understand timing and different techniques. She also helped us identify when we were over or under feeding after a pediatrician told us neither was an issue. If you have the opportunity, choose her to support your family!

- Shana Yearwood

Destiné has been amazing to work with! She is so kind, loving to our daughter, and just a great person to talk to! Would recommend her to anyone.

- Alexa Del Cielo Burley

Lisa at Golden Lotus Doula Services was absolutely amazing. We connected during my first pregnancy and stayed in touch afterward, so I knew immediately when I became pregnant with my second that I wanted her there for my birth. She was such a wonderful resource and source of comfort throughout my pregnancy. I felt incredibly supported, informed, and prepared for my unmedicated birth with a midwife. During labor, Lisa’s presence and support were truly unmatched. She brought such a peaceful, calming, and empowering energy to the room, and her encouragement helped me have a birth experience completely different from my first. I’m so grateful for her care, guidance, and steady support throughout the entire journey. She is such an amazing addition to any birth team, and I highly recommend her. If we are blessed with our family growing again in the future, I would without a doubt want Lisa to be part of our birth experience again.

- Marissa Miller

My partner & I had Rae throughout our pregnancy journey and 5 stars doesn’t do her or Golden Lotus justice! We were always attended to, answered, cared for, informed, and thought of! Rae was there for every question at odd hours, provided tons of reassurance, and was truly the shining part of our experience. I could not have imagined going through any part of our journey without her & Golden Lotus!

- Samantha Schroll

I was lucky to have Destine as my Doula. She was responsive and as soon as I talked to her I knew she was a subject matter expert. During my labor she followed through all my requests. She also went above and beyond on being thoughtful for me on things I could not have thought of myself doing or considering (heat pads, deeming lights, giving me water, etc). I felt her advocating for me in a moment I could barely think clearly (reminding nurses and Dr of my requests) but my favorite quality was her super calm energy. She made me feel calm and positive.

- Vane C

I had the best experience with golden lotus! So knowledgeable, friendly, compassionate, listened to all of my requests, put my fears at ease. My labor was long and I ended up having a second doula switch out with my primary one, and they were all wonderful! Would highly recommend their services for anyone looking for a doula.

- Susan Rizzi

I cannot recommend Lisa enough. I have been meaning to write this review for months because she truly made such an incredible impact on both of my birth experiences. I first worked with Lisa during the birth of my first son, which was a very long and difficult labor that lasted several days. It was overwhelming and, honestly, a bit of a blur. Having Lisa by my side during that time made such a difference. Her calm presence, support, and guidance helped me get through one of the hardest experiences of my life, and I will always be grateful for that. When I became pregnant again, I knew without a doubt that I wanted Lisa with me for my second birth. This time, I was really hoping for a different experience, and thanks to her, I truly got that. My second labor and delivery ended up being everything I had hoped for and more. Toward the end of my pregnancy, I was extremely uncomfortable and overdue, and I was ready to go to the hospital to be induced. Lisa gently guided me to trust my body and be patient. When contractions started, she encouraged me to labor at home and came over to support me. That decision made all the difference. With her help, I was able to move through labor more naturally and efficiently in a calm, comfortable environment. She also guided my husband in a way that allowed him to be more involved and supportive, which meant so much to both of us. From helping with hip squeezes to coaching us through intense contractions, she made us feel confident and cared for every step of the way. This birth experience was peaceful, empowering, and honestly so beautiful, and I truly believe it would not have gone the way it did without Lisa. I am beyond grateful for her knowledge, her intuition, and her unwavering support. If you are considering working with a doula, I cannot recommend Lisa enough. She is absolutely incredible.

- Leah Van Dale

Our experience with Golden Lotus was nothing short of amazing. We had the privilege of working with Lisa as our birth doula, and she was exceptional. If you’re seeking a knowledgeable and nonjudgmental supporter, Lisa is the one for you. She wholeheartedly supports your birth preferences, no matter how you envision that journey. She also takes the time to educate your partner, ensuring they feel included and confident in the process. We also had the pleasure of working with Destiné as our postpartum doula. She truly is a baby whisperer, bringing a calming energy to our home. Mary helped us with her lactation services. I went from feeling so frustrated with breastfeeding to feeling hopeful. She helped us to finally get a latch. If you’re struggling, she will undoubtedly help you! We utilized their newborn photography services, Burgh Babies, with Lily. We absolutely love our family photos. Golden Lotus has a whole team of wonderful people who can help with anything you need throughout your pregnancy journey and after.

- Chelsea Kapp

I cannot say enough wonderful things about Mary Carroll of Golden Lotus Doula Services. Mary’s depth of knowledge, calm presence, and practical guidance were extremely beneficial with my breastfeeding journey. She created detailed daily feeding and pumping schedules that were invaluable for the early postpartum days. She helped with improving my daughter's latch and my overall confidence in breastfeeding. I also dealt with a painful, recurrent case of mastitis that lasted over a month, and Mary provided up-to-date, research-based guidance to help me manage it. She was incredibly responsive, answering texts at all hours and checking in frequently with genuine compassion. I’m so thankful for her expert care and would recommend her without hesitation to any family needing lactation or postpartum support.

- Shireen Thomas

We are so grateful to have had Ranelle (Rae) supporting my pregnancy and labor journey. She felt like a friend who was full of knowledge and support in such a sensitive time. She provided me so many resources to know all my options with labor and helped me understand how much of a mental game delivery is. She was always available for questions I had throughout pregnancy, no matter how big or small. As a first time mom, my labor was overall very smooth and I dilated quickly on my own. I feel the “success” of it was definitely impacted by the labor preparation resources that Rae provided me in the weeks leading up. And she brought the best energy, calm and supportive, to my delivery. My husband also greatly appreciated how involved she was which allowed him to be more comfortable throughout the delivery as well. We’re so thankful we made the decision to get a doula and that Rae was our girl!

- Bree Seitz

I had the pleasure of working with Mary. I was referred to her by a friend, and as soon as I reached out, Mary was incredibly supportive. She helped me work with my insurance (including sending me forms and how to complete them), she texted me to check in multiple times and always answered all of my questions (even some late night texts!), she came to my house for a weighted feed, and helped me control my production/mastitis. I highly recommend working with Mary and Golden Lotus!

- Jenna Antal

Mary is amazing! Highly recommend especially if you are looking for lactation consultation in addition to doula services. We had her help at our home for the first two months or so after baby's arrival. She was gentle, patient, friendly, and communicative, and it was easy to trust her with caring for the baby. Her lactation expertise was a lifesaver for me in the first week of breastfeeding when nothing seemed to be working.

- Siyao

Inviting Lisa into my birth space was the best decision I made during my pregnancy. Throughout my entire pregnancy Lisa was involved and helpful. She listens and cares tremendously. During my labor was when Lisa’s knowledge and passion really shined. She knew exactly what I needed before I even knew I needed it. She gave my husband and I the space to share the experience together while also being preset and available when we needed her. I attribute my smooth labor to Lisa being my doula!

- Dr. Deborah Nikolin

We used Golden Lotus for lactation services and I can’t say enough good things about Mary! Breastfeeding was extremely difficult with my first, and going into it again felt overwhelming, but from the very beginning Mary truly listened to my experience and met me with so much understanding and support. She provided incredible one-on-one care and was always responsive, warm, and extremely knowledgeable. She was there answering questions right after birth and even came to our home for a weighted feed within the first week. Mary has continued to support us as new challenges have come up with my growing son, and I’m so grateful to have her as a resource. I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for lactation support!

- Mia Mackall

Lactation support with Mary was so wonderful and incredibly helpful. She even came to meet us before my baby was born, which immediately put me at ease. Becoming a new mom can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to figure out breastfeeding for the first time. From the very beginning, Mary made me feel calm, supported, and confident. When my baby was born, I had Mary come over the day after birth to show me proper technique, especially since my milk took about two days to come in. I had also seen a lactation consultant in the hospital, but unfortunately none of their suggestions worked for me. Mary, however, took the time to truly watch, explain, and adjust what I was doing. She helped me figure out how to latch my baby on both sides when she was struggling on one of them, and the techniques she showed me solved the problem quickly. The relief I felt was immense. Months later, when my baby suddenly started refusing the bottle, Mary came over again and found a solution fast. I was worried she wouldn’t be able to go to daycare when I had to return to work. She gave me simple exercises to practice daily, and within a couple of days the issue was completely resolved. Now my baby is one year old and still happily breastfeeding on both sides. I have never experienced nipple pain or discomfort throughout this entire journey. Breastfeeding has been a blessing and a beautiful way to connect with my baby, and I truly believe working with Mary from the very start made all the difference.

- Amadea Szamosi

Mary came to my house twice after the birth of my first child to help with breastfeeding. She was able to measure me and get me the correct flanges for my pump, which I wasn't even really thinking about. We were able to weigh him and see how much milk he was getting in a feeding/how close he was to birth weight. She coached me through some additional positions to try, as I was initially only using football hold, including side lying and a reclined cradle. And her advice helped me move off a nipple shield within four weeks or so after birth! I felt much more confident after working with her, and we are breastfeeding very successfully now!

- Nora Kinzler

Mary was a savior when it came to helping navigate some breastfeeding challenges. I’m so grateful for all her help and knowledge. Would recommend to anyone!

- Jess

Update #3 January 2026: If you can’t tell, I love Lisa of GLD. She has been a part of the birth stories of our THREE beautiful babies and has been the best support, friend and doula throughout these transformational life experiences. Her kindness, comfort, compassion, confidence, knowledge, and true connection to understanding and checking in on your individual needs during labor is so remarkable. Lisa encouraged a deep desire I had to explore a home birth for each of my birthing journeys, and our final birth was a home birth and it was breathtaking and beautiful for me and my family. Her support each step of the way from first trimester through postpartum is the hug and tension reducing breath you need in your life. Not all doulas are created equal. Lisa is engaging, present, hands on, and encouraging. She takes the guess work out of the unknown time of birth, and helps you focus, rest, and trust your body and process. Hire her! And I mean call her the moment you find out you’re pregnant because she is that good (and that popular!) Although our birthing journey is done, Lisa will always be a part of my life (and my heart) Update #2 March 2024: we hired Lisa again for our second labor experience, and it was again the best decision. Lisa is absolutely wonderful and supportive during the prenatal period, invaluable during labor, and kind and attentive during postpartum. I had a beautiful second labor and delivery experience, and I know so much of that was because of the support that I felt from my husband and Lisa. Lisa constantly checked in with me in the prenatal journey, helped me navigate when it was best to head to the birthing center (second babies definitely come quicker!) and documented our delivery in the most beautiful way with breathtaking photographs. If we have a third, we will absolutely have Lisa there. I highly highly recommend reaching out to her early to reserve her services for the birth experience you desire. I recommend her to all of my friends, and a few have absolutely regretted not booking with her before she was full! She is a godsend ❤️ Original Review July 2021: I cannot say enough about our wonderful and beautiful experience of working with Lisa Byerly and GLD. Lisa met with us a few times in our home during the prenatal period, and was always available by phone (text or call) for questions, concerns, doubts, and support. She provided great resources for me and my husband to read in order to make informed decisions about interventions and options for our unmedicated birth. She never told us what to do or not do, but provided us ample information to ensure that we saw both sides of the coin before selecting our choice, AND made sure that we had information in case our birth didn’t go according to our wishes. When I went into labor, she was immediately available to us, but also respected that we may want some time to labor at home in private since I was a FTM and labor can take some time. When she did come to our home, she was calm, ensured that I was fed and had adequate nutrition for the marathon ahead, and helped me find different positions to help with my back labor and to manage the surges with breath. I labored at home for 19 hours, and she calmly presented the option or leaving the home to go in to the center without telling me to or making me feel anxious that we needed to leave. She provided so much support to my husband to help support me, and and he states that he couldn’t have done it (support me in the way he did) without her. At our birth space, she set it up with candles, a light projector, and continued the beautiful music filling the space. When I felt like I couldn’t “do it” or continue, she encouraged me that I was doing it, and kept my eye on the prize. She provided both physical support (using the rebozo, hip squeezes, sacral pressure) and emotional support. My love and respect for Lisa is difficult to vocalize, and she is now a part of our family. Do yourself, your partner and your baby a favor and hire Lisa. You will not regret it.

- Katie Rubeo

I cannot say enough amazing things about Lisa and Golden Lotus Doula Services!! I was working with Lisa throughout my pregnancy, working towards unmedicated vaginal brith. Her resources were immensely helpful to prepare, not only from a physical standpoint but also a mental standpoint. Unexpectedly, my water broke at 32+0. Lisa was so fast to respond and once we got settled at Magee she came to spend 3 hours with us to help navigate our concerns as we hoped baby would stay in for 2 more weeks and that ultimately we could have the birth we were working towards. She came back the next day to check in with us in antepartum to see how we were doing and her presence was so comforting. She and Lily were also so sweet and sent mattress toppers to the hospital to help us get comfortable on the not so comfortable mattresses. At 32+4, our baby’s cord prolapsed unexpectedly and we were rushed to an emergency c section where I was put under general anesthesia. Though Lisa was attending another birth at the time, she talked with my husband as he waited during the surgery and immediately arranged for a back up doula to come be with us once I was in post op. Within the hour, the back up doula Linda arrived to be with us as I came out of surgery. Lisa’s continued support after the birth of our son was exceptional and our postpartum visit was so helpful as we adjusted to our baby coming home after 36 days in the NICU. Ultimately we didn’t get to have the birth experience we’d hoped for but Lisa’s support and knowledge sharing helped bring comfort in such a difficult time. The mental prep we did together was also invaluable as it helped me to stay calm and focused after the cord prolapsed while I was being rushed back for an emergency c section. We are forever grateful for Lisa & GLDS and can’t wait to have Lisa as our doula in the future as well!

- Jessica and Jeremy Yaukey-Witter

Doula Lisa is an amazing person and the best doula we could have hoped for. She is honest and direct and at the same time gentle and kind, the perfect combination of strength and care. As a partner, Lisa’s direction gave me confidence in my supporting role during delivery. She was completely, totally, 100% present during the delivery, ever reassuring, advocating for my partner every step of the way, and always available to answer questions, offer support and give advice during my wife’s pregnancy. A really special person for whom I feel tremendous warmth and gratitude.

- Chris Farmer

Not only do I recommend a doula/lactation consultation to every pregnant mom out there, but I highly recommend Golden Lotus! They are quick to get back to your inquiry and match you up with a doula. Everyone is so professional and kind and never makes me you feel any other way than loved and supported. I had Krista as my doula and got to have Lily step in as well as my medical induction took nearly 3 days before ending in a c section to the birth of our beautiful little girl. They are both so wonderful and have so much knowledge, I seriously don’t know what I would have done without them especially as a first time mom. There is so much I didn’t realize I had no idea about and to have someone there to advocate for you is truly a lifesaver. I felt so comfortable and had so much less anxiety having them there, my husband is ever so grateful for them as well. I have Mary as my lactation consultant and my breastfeeding journey has been absolutely amazing, she visits right at my house and is always call or text away if I have any questions or concerns. These ladies are truly amazing and deserve all the love in the world for what they do! I can’t them enough!

- Kali Hepburn

Mary is an amazing IBCLC! She supported me with my son to help with his bottle refusal and assist me with his latch and my supply concerns. She was our saving grace and made us feel so comfortable. Thank you Mary!

- Lily J.

Ever since I was 9 months postpartum with my first baby, I knew I wanted a doula if I ever had another. While spending many, many months trying to process my first baby’s birth, I dove in deep into all things birth. I researched and read lots of books surrounding the topic and yearned to learn. That’s when I discovered the concept of midwifery and their very different approach. I knew I needed that mother centered focus and kind of care/attention if I ever had another baby. So when I was preparing for the birth of my second baby, I switched to a midwife group and knew a doula would be the final piece to my puzzle. Millicent stuck out in my mind from the very beginning. I had met her a few years prior.. I was 27 weeks along on my first pregnancy journey. I felt connected to her from the moment I met her. She was so caring, gentle, creative, and intuitive (in hindsight, all of the qualities you’d want in a woman assisting your baby’s birth). She wasn’t just a doula, she’s felt like a true, sincere friend. Being the indecisive person that I am, I kept thinking I didn’t need a doula but I did.. I needed her more than I knew and she proved that from the time my labor started until I was holding my baby in my arms. I would have never had the birth experience that I got to enjoy without her. I’m so grateful God put her in my path years ago.. she was a crucial part of my story in so many ways and helped me have the redemptive birth that I wanted and so desperately needed.

- Megan Chauvet

I cannot say enough good things about my doula Lisa! She was the absolute MVP of my care team. I knew that, considering my history of loss and trauma, I needed someone really confident and experienced and she delivered. Lisa has an amazing balance of warmth and softness with a clear, direct confidence. My labor did not go as planned (seems like they rarely do!) and Lisa was there every step of the way. I think I could have easily walked away from my birth experience feeling disappointed but the fact that I had such a strong team and felt so supported was completely transformative for me. I also worked a lactation consultant, Mary, and she was fantastic! I struggled with painful latches and concerns that I wasn’t producing enough. Mary was able to find space in her schedule very quickly and her guidance was essential.

- Hannah Standiford

Working with Lisa from Golden Lotus Doulas was one of the best choices we made for our birth. She supported me and my husband through every step — checking in during pregnancy, helping me manage symptoms, and guiding us through the mental challenge of being overdue. When I was induced, she kept us calm and encouraged my husband to rest while she helped me use movements to progress labor naturally. She educated us about pitocin and when she noticed my contractions were becoming too strong and my body was progressing on its own, she made sure the nurses turned it off. Her awareness and advocacy made such a difference. Even when my epidural wasn’t working, she stayed by my side and helped me stay focused. She offered the most reassuring words and thanks to her calm, knowledgeable, and compassionate support… I felt truly cared for and empowered through it all. She’s continued to check in after our daughter birth, and we’re endlessly grateful for her presence throughout our journey.

- Katie Chemsak

I had a wonderful experience with the placenta encapsulation. I was worried I had waited too late. My midwife suggested that I wait until my strep test. I thought that was late but they were extremely responsive and pleasant. Lily was prompt, kind, and professional. She picked up my placenta and dropped off my box the day after I got home from the hospital. Everything had directions written. Lily even gave me some extra insight to the products and what's going on in my body. When you go through childbirth for the first time, everything is overwhelming. Having kind people that talk to you like friends is really comforting. I highly recommend the placenta encapsulation!

- Kelly Jones

This was the second time I used Golden Lotus Doula services but first time for a birth labor doula. Millicent was my labor doula and wow - she was amazing and really helped me get the most and what I wanted for my labor from way before birth day. She was an advocate for me and baby (also helpful to hubby too) before, during and after labor. She also really listened to my wants and needs and helped me get there without being overbearing. I highly recommend a labor doula and especially Millicent - she is cool and lovely to work with. Thank you!!! I worked with Michaela for the second time for postpartum doula services and again, just like the first time, it was well worth it to assist me at home in the weeks following labor. She also just has such a calming presence under potentially stressful moments. Thanks you to Millicent and Michaela and GL!

- Chloe Page

We are so grateful for Linda! She was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel comfortable and confident throughout the entire process. From the start, she helped us get educated and understand our options so we felt empowered going into our birth. During labor and delivery, her calm presence and guidance helped everything go smoothly, and I honestly can’t imagine the experience without her. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares and will make you feel supported every step of the way, I can’t recommend her enough!

- Geena Greguric

If you are expecting, you NEED to reach out to Lisa. I cannot say enough positive things about our experience with her for my third pregnancy. I had a unique/complicated pregnancy and birth pretty much from start to finish. Lisa was there for me every step of the way: providing support, comfort, education, and always being my advocate when things were hard/complicated. She helped us navigate many difficult choices we were faced unexpectedly with and made sure that our voices were heard throughout the whole process, all while holding our hands. Lisa went above and beyond what any contract required her to do. She supported not only myself, but my whole family that was involved. To know Lisa and to get to work with her, is to feel so overwhelmingly cared for.

- Kayla Higham

Hiring Lisa as my doula was one of the best decisions I made during my pregnancy. From our first meeting, she brought a warm, calming, and compassionate presence that immediately put me at ease. Lisa is incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and attentive—exactly what you want in a birth doula. I also took the labor and delivery class at Golden Lotus and absolutely loved it. The class gave me a solid foundation and helped me feel more confident going into labor, especially with Lisa reinforcing and building on those teachings throughout the birth process. During labor and delivery, Lisa was a constant, grounding presence. She helped me stay focused and empowered, offering comfort, encouragement, and expert guidance every step of the way. She instinctively knew when to step in and when to give space, and supported both me and my partner with so much care and respect. Thanks to Lisa, I had a truly beautiful birth experience—one that felt safe, supported, and deeply personal. I can’t recommend her enough to anyone looking for a caring, experienced, and professional doula. If you’re expecting and considering birth support or childbirth education in the area, Lisa and the team at Golden Lotus are the best choice you can make!!

- Lucy Alexander

There aren’t enough words to express how incredibly grateful I am for our doula Lisa!! 3 babies later and having Lisa by my side was the best decision I made for my births!!! I was able to have two unmedicated births with her support. I COULD NOT have done it without her. Her calming presence and knowledge helped me along the way. Lisa also taught me how to advocate for myself through the entire prenatal, birth, and postpartum process! Thank you thank you!! Forever changed! ❤️❤️❤️

- Julia Bolden

It’s hard to put into words how much having a doula impacted my pregnancy and labor in such a positive way. I have nothing but positive things to say about Golden Lotus Doula Services. I joined the zoom meet and greet early on which was great for helping to pick a doula. Everyone was extremely friendly, welcoming, and informative. I chose Lisa as my doula and she was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and always made herself available throughout my whole pregnancy. When I went into labor there was an overlap in her clients and it was handled very professionally. I never felt alone as there was always a backup doula available for me to talk with and be present if needed until Lisa was able to be there. Lisa made my unmedicated birth possible by knowing exactly what to do to help during every stage of labor. I plan to use Lisa and Golden Doula Services for future pregnancies.

- Shayna

Millicent was seriously a heaven sent! Golden Lotus came highly recommended to me by my chiropractor during prenatal care and I honestly can’t say enough good things about the experience. I wanted an unmedicated birth and Millicent was so knowledgeable and helpful throughout the whole process leading up to the birth. Fear is a common emotion when it comes to birth but Millicent was always so encouraging and reassuring and truly made me believe I could do it and have the birth experience I wanted. Could not have had an unmedicated birth without her by my side. My husband and the hospital staff also had nothing but amazing things to say about her as well. If considering a doula for your birth, I say do it without hesitation, it’s worth every single cent and more especially if you are wanting a natural birth experience. Golden Lotus was awesome to work with. 10/10 experience and will be hiring her for my next baby when the time comes!!

- Antonelle Piccirilli

This is an amazing group of ladies! I highly recommend them! They are all so professional and take such amazing care of the families they serve.

- Sheena Schaming

I am obsessed with Golden Lotus. Lisa and Lily both ended up being my birth doulas throughout my laboring at home for a home birth and to my eventual hospital transfer. Lisa was so calming and such a presence in keeping me grounded and supported as I labored at home. She is so sweet and such a kind person who makes you feel at ease immediately. I hadn't met Lily until her arrival, since Lisa needed to go home and sleep, but she was so so helpful in keeping me calm throughout the transfer process to the hospital. I immediately knew I was in good hands with her. And, I must say she was THE BEST kick ass advocate for me through some less than ideal situations and treatment at the hospital. I was so insanely glad to have hired them for my second birth and really wish I would have hired them for my first. They are on your team and will fight for you every step of your birth experience. They were responsive and professional throughout. Both, as I'm sure the rest of the team as well, are wonderful people, and I still keep in contact with them both to this day! <3

- Lindsay Pingor

Look no further if you are seeking support on one of the most important days of your life- your child’s birth! As a first time mom, having Lily guide us before, during, and after labor and delivery was amazing. I had such a positive birth experience and I credit Lily for having such an impact! I tell all new moms who are looking for extra support and advocacy surrounding their pregnancy and birth to hire a doula specifically with GLDS! I look forward to working with Lily again in the future when we decide to have another child!

- Brooke Stoyanoff

I’ve worked with Lily, Michaela, and Gab over 2 births and I can confidently say I cannot imagine birthing without them. Every birth is different and every birthing person deserves the support and services they provide. Do not hesitate to hire them for the most important days of your life. Lily made a potentially life-altering impact on my labor and I won’t ever think of my experience without thinking of her ♥️

- Erin Purnell

We didn’t officially hire a doula until I was 7 months pregnant, but it ended up being one of the best decisions we made—and worth every penny. Millicent was more helpful than I ever could have imagined. She became the voice my husband and I didn’t even know we needed—steady, kind, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive every step of the way. The fact that she shares a birthday with our son makes it feel even more meant to be. We are so grateful for the guidance, comfort, and strength she brought into such a vulnerable and special time in our lives. We love Millicent and, God willing, will absolutely be working with her again in the future!

- Ariel Shasko

UPDATE March 2025: We worked with Lisa again for the birth of our second child, and she was as great as she was the first time around. She was really helpful to me in my third trimester when I was dealing with a lot of anxiety. She was always willing to facetime with me and talk me through what I was thinking, etc. She was always ready with resources on any questions I had throughout my pregnancy. Her communication and responsiveness is excellent which is very important to me. I always feel very supported with Lisa! I also did the placenta encapsulation, prints, and cord heart, and love it all so much! One thing I think would be cool for Golden Lotus as a whole to do would be to put more emphasis on clients getting to know their doulas better in-person throughout pregnancy. Thank you again Lisa & GL! APRIL 2023: Lisa was wonderful to work with throughout my pregnancy and birth. She checked in regularly and often especially throughout later pregnancy. It was really nice to feel that frequent support. Her communication/responsiveness was excellent. She replied to all my texts within an hour and was prepared with several resources for questions I had. She was very open to Facetiming or calling to check in or to better answer questions. As for labor - It is so easy to feel safe and comfortable around Lisa. I felt so taken care of during labor. She was a familiar, loving, and calming presence for me. She stroked my hair, talked me through my surges…and lots of counter-pressure, music, and starry lighting!… and stayed with me through the entirety of my long labor. She was also there for my husband. She really did support both of us. Lisa is real, genuine, and understanding. I truly felt like I could let my guard down in this most vulnerable time and space, and she was there. We love you Lisa, thank you!

- Larissa Lyons

I had such a great experience with Mary from Golden Lotus Doulas! My newborn had difficulty latching without a shield and would prefer a bottle for feedings, and it was difficult to get her to transition off the shield for nearly 9 weeks of trying on my own. After only 2 visits, Mary helped me completely wean my baby off the shield! Mary helped with different breastfeeding positions, offered different shields and bottles that would help the transition, and made the whole process so much easier. I’m so happy I was able to get a certified lactation consultant that truly knew how to help!

- Monika

Lisa supported me for the second time as my doula and she was amazing each time. We had a hospital birth and a home birth. Our baby was in breech position in the last few weeks of my pregnancy and she assisted with trying to turn him and when he was being stubborn she continued to support me in having my planned breech home birth with my midwife and midwife assistants. During labor she was amazing in helping me to breathe through contractions and manage the intensity of them so that I can have a smoother birth experience. She is so caring and nurturing. I don’t have the support of my parents so it meant so much for me to have Lisa there supporting me and my husband. She was there every step of the way and always there when I needed to vent and kept me calm in sorting through any complications that came my way. When my baby got sick with RSV at 5 weeks old and we were stuck in the hospital Lisa and Lily supported us through that time as well. We have been blessed to have been able to have their support.

- Shyneika Delice

There will never be enough words to describe how grateful I am to Millicent for being my Doula. During such a new and daunting experience she was my biggest advocate and supporter. I didn’t know if having a Doula would be necessary when I first got pregnant but after my experience with Millicent I will never have a child without one. She was able to help me progress through labor as calmly as possibly but she also was my spokesperson with the doctor when it came to my labor wishes. She made me feel completely seen and cared for throughout my whole delivery and postpartum. I truly gained a great friendship with Millicent through this process and will be forever grateful she came into my life.

- Madeline Plumlee

We are incredibly thankful to have worked with Golden Lotus, and for Lily’s help specifically. She was knowledgeable, kind, and so very caring. She went above and beyond in coordinating services and caring for us in our time of need, and checking on us after in ways that we really appreciated. We certainly plan to work with Golden Lotus in the future.

- Eric Smolyar

Our first experience with Lisa from GLDs 3 years ago with our son was so positive, we reached out to her immediately when finding out we were expecting again. Lisa was just as wonderful the second time answering our questions, providing us with resources to be informed, meeting with us to ensure we were comfortable. We learned so much from my first birth that we were able to make plans with varying options going into this birth. She was extremely supportive and encouraging to both myself and my husband during birth. My husband agrees and recommends Lisa, and doula services, to everyone we know that is expecting. We truly had amazing birth experiences with both our sons and are so grateful for Lisa and the Golden Lotus Team.

- Carri Stec

Updated Feb 2024 We used GLDS again for the birth of our second child this past November. Even though we knew it would be another cesarean (due to short interval pregnancy), I wanted to have a doula there for the added support. We reached out to Jess who we used for our first child's birth. Although she was not available unfortunately, she connected us with Millicent who was absolutely amazing. I have been so impressed (both times) by the calming presence of the doula, even as it is someone we are just meeting for the first time or have only had a short meetings with. Millicent worked with us to find the perfect services package to meet our needs. She also took photos during the birth and wow - we were blown away at how special these were. Millicent is such a gifted photographer and it shows in her work! I will truly cherish these photos forever. It is such a special thing to have someone there for the birth of your child, and I am so glad Millicent was there with us. I cannot recommend Millicent enough and would use her again in a heartbeat! Review from April 2023: Jess is absolutely amazing! So glad she was a part of our birth experience. She helped educate us from the beginning and helped navigate adjusting when we found out I'd have to have a cesarean due to baby being breech. I was hoping for a natural birth, so she helped calm me and let me know what I could expect in the situation. I went in for monitoring and thought it would be a false alarm, but when we were told we should meet baby that day, Jess was able to be there on short notice, which we greatly appreciated! Would absolutely use this service and Jess again in the future!

- Gerrilyn Koontz

I couldn’t imagine navigating the pre and postpartum experience without Golden Lotus Doulas in my corner. As a first time mom, our doulas were a wealth of knowledge that helped us navigate pregnancy. I felt so much more confident for the birth and the postpartum period with the support of our doulas. Having a postpartum doula and lactation consultant also helped us navigate the early days and challenges you face for the first time when bringing your baby home from the hospital. Highly recommend adding a doula from Golden Lotus to your birth team!

- Amy Hersom

When I found out I was pregnant with my second child I knew I wanted to have a doula by my side. After meeting with Rae, I knew she was the perfect choice to help me achieve my VBAC. Throughout my entire pregnancy she helped me stay calm and focused as well as preparing my mind and body for birth. I truly don't believe I could have had the calm and positive VBAC experience that I had without her.

- Samantha Walters

Honestly, until my fiancee got pregnant, I didn't know anything about doulas, but discovering Golden Lotus has been a game-changer! Their guidance has been invaluable, providing a wealth of knowledge and peace of mind that's impossible to put a price on. They have made the challenges of raising children significantly more manageable. And we have twins so we needed all the help we could get! We took a newborn care class with Mary, a lactation consultant, and it was super helpful. She really knows her stuff and can convey it in a way that makes sense, even to ignorant new parents like us, lol. We still use what we learned in our daily lives with our babies every day. It really shows how much thought and education went into the class. I definitely recommend reaching out to Golden Lotus to see how they can help you and your family.

- Chase Johnson

My fiancé and I attended Mary's newborn class last summer to prepare for our twin girls. Mary was incredibly knowledgeable and covered a wide range of topics, including valuable lactation tips that we've put into practice now that our babies are here. We highly recommend Mary's class to any expecting parents!

- Katy Hibbard

Lily and the entire team at Golden Lotus are the most professional people I have met after working in the birthworker community myself for almost a decade now. It would be an honor to have any of them attend my birth or that of someone I love! I cannot recommend this team highly enough if you are in the market for doula services. I’d give them 10 stars if I could!

- Leah Dubin

I had Lily for doula for my daughter’s birth. At the time I was so thankful for hiring her, and looking back I couldn’t imagine not having her there. Lily provided a calm energy that was greatly appreciated. I was on the fence about adding on birth photography as I thought it would be unappealing to see, but the attached picture is another reason that I am so happy to have had Lily at my birth. Not only is she an incredible doula, but also a very talented and artistic photographer. Lily advocated for my wishes and helped to clarify my goals with me to ensure I was being respected by the hospital staff (each person was also great). If you’re on the fence about hiring a doula, don’t be! It’s money well invested to ensure you have someone to advocate for yourself when you and your partner may not be in a position to do so. Lily has built GLDS to have expanded services including lactation help with an IBCLC on the team. It’s so great to have a quick and immediate trusted referral. Reach out to GLDS as soon as you find out you are expecting, and you’ll be matched with a well qualified doula!

- Claire Ewing

My.experience was fantastic. I highly recommend their services

- Shacara Kimes

I absolutely loved my experience with GLDS! For BOTH of my births. Michaela was my doula for my first birth, which resulted in a C-section. Even though the provider would not let her back there (Covid baby) she was extremely supportive up until that point and after the birth as well. She has supported me through multiple early losses as well as my incredible VBAC. Wholesome, comforting, reassuring and hands on. Also so great at reading the room, pivoting plans and staying calm in uncertain situations. Their whole team is pretty incredible and I’ve gotten to know a few of them! Lisa has the kindest heart and is an incredible resource and was extremely helpful in educating me on positioning baby. Lily is truly a well of knowledge and hands down the best person to have in your corner during a birth. <3

- Alisa Williams

These ladies are wonderful and God sent! I have heard nothing but greatness and so much love and caring pouring out from them. I know Ranelle personally and she puts her heart in all that she does when it comes to the help, knowledge, understanding and needs for a mommy to be and more! I actually recommend everyone I know who is looking for birthing doulas to these ladies!

- Candice Edwards

Wonderful Doula - Highly Recommend! Choosing Lilly was the best decision we made! From the start, she provided expert guidance, compassion, and unwavering support. During labor, she was a calming, steady presence, offering encouragement and practical help that made all the difference. Postpartum, she continued to check in and provide invaluable advice. Thank you for everything!

- elina linderman

Golden Lotus went above and beyond for my one on one childbirth education class that I did with them. I absolutely loved it and feel so much better and more prepared now with my husband, I’m really looking forward to birth now and felt pretty anxious about it previously, I would highly recommend them for classes and I’m looking forward to using them for Postpartum support as well!

- Emma Carter

I cannot recommend Lisa enough! She was an absolute lifesaver throughout my pregnancy and delivery. From the moment we started working together, Lisa was there for me every step of the way, answering every question I had (and I had SO many!). Her wealth of knowledge, experience, and calm presence made all the difference during such a transformative time. When my delivery became more challenging than expected, Lisa not only provided unwavering support but also advocated for me when I didn’t have the energy to do so myself. She made thoughtful suggestions that aligned with my values and goals, empowering me to see that I was in charge of my pregnancy and birthing experience. Lisa opened my eyes to the importance of making my own decisions and reminded me that I always have the right to change my mind—or even my provider—if something didn’t feel right. Her compassion, expertise, and advocacy turned what could have been an overwhelming experience into one where I felt confident, supported, and in control. If you’re looking for someone who truly cares, listens, and empowers you every step of the way, Lisa is the one. I couldn’t have made it through without her!

- Leah Vandale

We could not be more pleased with our decision to work with Lisa from Golden Lotus! Lisa was an absolutely integral part of our prenatal, delivery, and even postpartum experience! From the beginning, Lisa provided prenatal support, answered questions, and was an amazing resource for us as we navigated this new path for the first time. Lisa was absolutely incredible during our delivery experience, and we could not have done it without her!! Lisa helped us to navigate decisions, advised on pushing positions, and was a calming presence in the midst of uncertainty. We would absolutely recommend working with Lisa and Golden Lotus to anyone looking for a trusted advisor that has your family’s best interests in mind. Thank you, Lisa!!

- Kaitlyn Redmond

We are so grateful to have found golden lotus and to have worked with Lisa. Lisa is an incredibly calming presence through pregnancy, birth and postpartum. Though this was my second, Lisa was always teaching me something new, calming any fears and helping me advocate for myself through the whole process. She genuinely cares about and supports any decision we make about our experience and wants to make sure we achieve the desired outcome without pressure of judgment. Having her as part of our team was the best decision and will certainly be the decision we make moving forward with any future pregnancies.

- Lina Latini

We are first time parents and we had Michaela as a post partum doula for overnight shifts. I had no idea what to expect, but from the moment she walked in the door she fit perfectly into our routine. I felt so comfortable leaving my little guy with her at night so I could get some sleep and he absolutely loved her. She took care of his overnight feeds, diaper changes, and cleaning his bottles, she also gave me a night report every morning. I couldn’t have asked for anyone better to help me early in my postpartum journey and we will miss her greatly!

- Haley Ondecko

Giving birth to my babies was the 2 most powerful experiences of my life. In big part thanks to Lisa at Golden Lotus Doula Services. I wanted to go into both births as educated as possible, and to have a plan, that also included an unwritten plan, if that even makes sense. My most recent birth was a rollercoaster, with that ‘ideal plan’ out the window and a goal of a safe and healthy birth as the priority. With Lisa’s advocacy, guidance and support, I welcomed Cam as I had hoped, with Lisa and my husband by my side, and surrounded by an incredible team of nurses and midwives. As an added bonus, her beautiful birth photography captured these precious moments forever. I cannot recommend Lisa and the team at Golden Lotus Doulas enough. Regardless of your goals, being educated and having a voice in your own birth experience is invaluable.

- Suzy Ireland

The Golden Lotus Doula Service was outstanding. We had the pleasure of working with Lisa and she provided support throughout my entire pregnancy and during delivery. She had every support aid you could think of and was always one step ahead of the nurses. I would highly recommend!

- Margaux Willis

We were referred to the Golden Lotus by a family member and had the pleasure of working with Lisa as our Doula. She was absolutely amazing as she guided us through the entire pregnancy and supported the birth of our first child. We would highly recommend her!

- Dave Willis

Mary Carroll really helped with breastfeeding! I was ready to give up from the pain of nursing but was able to very quickly schedule an in home visit with Mary who was patient and took all the time to answer my questions. I am grateful for her help!

- Rebecca Holder

We have been working with Mary for lactation support since bringing our little girl home- she is amazing!!! She is SO knowledgeable, kind, supportive and encouraging. We are so grateful for her and would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone postpartum who is looking for some extra support or guidance!

- Rachel Carnahan

I met Mary Carroll while pregnant with my third child. I told her I really wanted to breastfeed but had failed the first two times around. Mary excitedly said she was up for the challenge of coaching me through this, and I’m so so thrilled to say, our third nurses like a champ now. Mary helped work through concerns around PPD, shallow latching, pain, sleepy babies, and even a concern around our babe’s weight gain. She was so kind and collaborative before baby’s arrival and then was only a text away if I needed her after he joined us. She’s calm even when baby is not, and she’s not afraid to be hands on (which is so helpful when you’re trying to figure out the mystery of nursing!) Without her, I’m sure we would be using formula (which isn’t bad, but wasn’t my vision or goal). Very grateful to Mary and recommend any mamas who want to make their breastfeeding journey a success to give her a call.

- Abby Johnson

I am beyond grateful for the exceptional support we received from Rae during the birth of our baby boy. She played a pivotal role in helping me avoid a C-section, and we couldn't have asked for a better doula! From the very beginning, Rae took the time to understand our birth plan and goals. When I was having a difficult labor, she remained calm, offering expert guidance and encouragement that made all the difference. What stood out most was Rae’s unwavering support and advocacy. She worked seamlessly with my husband and our healthcare team, ensuring our preferences were respected while keeping us informed and empowered throughout the process. We felt incredibly fortunate to have her by our side. We wholeheartedly recommend Rae to any expecting parents. Her expertise, compassion, and commitment to our birth experience were truly exceptional!

- Amy Borgese

Could not have asked for a better experience with Golden Lotus! Rae was our birth doula and Michaela our postpartum doula. They both were exceptional! At 39 weeks we faced a medical decision that was not expected and not in our birth plan. Rae was paramount in helping us navigate through this and understand our options to help grant us the birth we wanted. That moment made me so thankful we had hired a doula. Then, in the delivery room, her support was phenomenal. And I, once again, was so thankful for our decision to hire Rae! She took my pain from a 7/8 to about a 5 through non-medical interventions (something I had planned and hoped for during birth). Additionally, they say the doulas are not just for the moms which was also the case for us as Rae helped my husband tremendously when his blood sugar dropped at 4am (after only coffee and no food). She went running to the snack station in the hospital to grab him Gatorade and snacks so he didn’t miss the birth! If you are considering doula services, I highly recommend Golden Lotus as I had talked to other doula services in the area and found Golden Lotus to be most responsive, professional, supportive, and comprehensive.

- Mareah G

We were lucky enough to find a trustworthy, supportive, caring, kind, and very accommodating person in Michaela as our night time doula. I HIGHLY recommend her as you can rest assured your baby is truly in good hands. Michaela is so very warm and extremely knowledgeable which for a first time Mom was so very helpful to me. She shared nightly notes and was always open to sharing advice if you have questions. She has such an empathetic and calming energy.

- Marissa H

After experiencing postpartum depression with my first pregnancy in 2020, I knew I needed a doula for my second to ensure a positive experience post-delivery. Mallicent was truly a blessing throughout my pregnancy journey and after. She helped me adhere to my birth plan and avoid the negative experiences I faced the first time. Having a C-section was daunting, but I was incredibly fortunate to have Mallicent as additional support alongside my husband, making the experience nearly perfect. Even when my little one had to stay in the NICU for a month, Mallicent was there for me, providing reassurance and support during those difficult first visits, assuring me that my son would get stronger and come home when ready. I'm immensely grateful to Lily, who chose Mallicent as my doula as she turned out to be the perfect fit. Thank you, Mallicent, for being there for me and my family. I couldn’t have done it with out you. ♥️

- Britanni King

We had the pleasure of having Jess Sanchez as our doula through Golden Lotus Doula Services and are SO happy we had her support and guidance throughout pregnancy as well as our labor and delivery. Jess is extremely knowledgeable and has such a calming presence during stressful situations. My husband and I both felt so fortunate to have her with us during my extremely long labor at Magee Women's Hospital, during which Jess was by our side the entire time. She is skilled at explaining things in layman's terms and advocating for her clients during the birthing process. We felt so fortunate to have Jess by our side as a calming and stable presence during an otherwise unpredictable and stressful birth experience. I would recommend Golden Lotus - specifically Jess - to anyone hoping to make the most of their birth experience and to feel supported during pregnancy and childbirth. I cannot say enough good things about Jess - she is so good at her job it felt like having a lifelong friend by my side.

- Kristi Schmitt

I don’t even know where to begin with Rae! My husband and I had a very long journey to get to parenthood. After 5 long years and multiple losses we knew when the time came, we wanted to work with a doula. We were paired up with Rae and from the first conversation with her, I knew she and I would be close and in each others lives for years to come. She was my rock on some heavy days and one of my biggest supporters throughout all of this. It wasn’t the easiest pregnancy and delivery but she never faltered and was always there. She quickly became part of our family and my go to person through all of this. I cannot recommend her enough. Not only is she knowledgeable and professional, She easily has the biggest heart I have ever seen and exudes so much love. We are forever grateful our paths crossed and “Auntie Rae” will always be in our lives. Thank goodness for people who change your life For the better. 10/10 for Rae; 10/10 for Golden Lotus, the people, the courses, all of it. Xo!

- Ashley Ferns

I don’t think words can fully do justice to my experience having Lisa Byerly as my doula, but I will try! Immediately from the beginning, Lisa is someone that once you meet her, her warm and nurturing presence makes you feel like you’ve known her forever. Throughout my pregnancy she was such a wonderful sounding board and resource, which helped me feel confident in my birth plan, as well as someone who held space for the emotions I was feeling as a first time mom. Due to some medical issues, I ended up with a last minute induction which was an emotionally/mentally/physically intense 2-3 days and something that was a big deviation from my ideal birth plan. Lisa was there through it all- first by phone and then in person. She supported me emotionally as I really wrestled through disappointment/fear/the unknown, was a wealth of information for options I had for taking breaks to regroup and refocus, and was such a reassuring presence as labor picked up. She was the best person to have alongside my husband as my support team during labor- especially as things got really intense physically. Lisa truly is the best and so skilled at what she does- the fact that so many of the providers I encountered, when seeing I had Lisa as my doula, told me I had the best doula ever is a testament to the level of care and support she provides. Lisa helped guide me (and my husband) through such a vulnerable and challenging experience and I am so thankful to have had her as my doula and hope to have her again for future births!

- Emily Christie

Ive waited over a year to leave this review because I am hoping we had a fluke of an experience but everyone I talk to says I should leave it for other people so here we go. I originally booked with Golden Lotus Doula Services (one of their more expensive packages) and were assigned to a doula who had her own stuff going on and was completely radio silent with us for about 3 months and kept rescheduling our calls/facetimes etc. I reached out to the owner and she was awesome and super apologetic and assigned us a new doula. We now had Lauren as our doula and she was great pre-birth. Checking in weekly, being very helpful and informative and letting me know she was there if I needed anything. 5/5 stars up to this point. Then comes the birth, I went into the hospital shortly after my water broke as we live an hour away, and we alerted Lauren, she said to touch base with her once we had an idea of where I was progress wise which we did. This whole time she is communicating with my husband so I can focus on laboring. Eventually it got to the point where we asked her to come in and she said if she was there too long she would have to call in a back up doula so she could get some rest so shed rather come in when I was closer to pushing so she can be there for the whole thing. Meanwhile she lives almost an hour away as well and we are paying thousands of dollars to have help in the hospital. I had doctors trying to push pitocin and other meds on me, an epidural that failed, and progressed from like 6cm dilated to pushing in an hour and didnt know i needed to push because it was my first baby. Thank god my mom had come by and knew the signs and got the nurses. Eventually i took the phone from my husband and sent a semi rude text saying “when are you coming…” because we had asked nicely multiple times and I had had it at this point. All the nurses couldn't believe our doula wasn't there from the get go, especially with us asking and what we were paying. By the time she arrived I had maybe 15 minutes left of pushing and we already had a good system going without her and at this point she wasnt there when I needed her and I was annoyed that she was trying to rush in a help in the final few minutes when my husband was all I needed/wanted. After the birth she hungout and I tried to be helpful but there wasnt much for her to do so we told her she could go. For our postpartum visits, the first was so far after I delivered it wasnt needed and the second one we ended up canceling because her schedule was so busy it would have been about 3 months after birth that she could have come, but I did get my money back which I was fine with because at that point it was a few months after delivery and I didnt need the visit. Also our postpartum care package was nothing actually useful and just a bunch of free samples of things and expired snacks(so disappointing as well). So i would not pay extra for that thinking youll be getting cooling pads/diapers/things you really need postpartum . I really like Lauren as a person and I think she is great and a great mom but I did feel like the entire reason we hired a doula was for help in the hospital with the doctors and pushing meds/things against our wishes and we were totally alone on that front. I dont think we got what we paid for at all, and I guess i just wanted to warn other expecting moms to be rude and make them show up for your entire birth if thats what you want and paid for. The only upside to all of this is I now know I dont need to spend the money on a doula for our next baby. Hope this helps someone from having the same experience we did.

- Ali Wappler

I moved to Pittsburgh from Texas, leaving a lot of my supports behind, including family and the doula that I always envisioned being apart of my birth experience. When I say that Lisa Byerly made all of the difference in the success of my birth, I truly mean it. My baby came SEVEN week early and yet I walked away from the hospital feeling like the birth was still one of the most empowering experiences of my life. She made herself available at the hospital when the unexpected timeline occurred, she pushed to be present with me during an unexpected procedure, and she advocated for the best care so that I was apart of every decision. Needless to say, Lisa’s strength and moxie not only got me through but helped me to remember my birth in such a positive way. She will help you to feel knowledgeable and prepared from day one to postpartum. She helped my partner feel affirmed and included in the entire process. Lisa has also referred me to some amazing specialists after birth that have helped with my recovery. I would recommend her supportive services to any family member or friend!

- Michelle Haines

Where do I even begin to express my gratitude for Golden Lotus Doulas? I'll start with my labor doula, Lisa Byerly, who supported my prep and birth at the Midwife Center. She guided me through the journey of pregnancy, labor, and postpartum with unparalleled expertise and unwavering support. From the moment I met Lisa, I knew she was someone special. Her calm and steady presence immediately put me at ease, transforming what could have been an overwhelming experience into one of empowerment. Throughout my pregnancy, she was a constant source of reassurance and knowledge, answering my questions with patience and compassion. When it came time for labor, Lisa was my rock - she guided me through each contraction with soothing words and gentle encouragement. Her presence was like a beacon of strength, guiding me through the storm of childbirth with grace and confidence. With her by my side, I felt empowered to face whatever challenges arose, knowing that she had my back every step of the way. But Lisa's support didn't end with labor. In the precious days and weeks following the birth of my baby, she continued to be a pillar of support, offering guidance and assistance whenever needed. Her "first night home" service was also an absolute game-changer. As exhausted new parents, my husband and I were beyond grateful for Lisa's expert guidance as she skillfully navigated us through the intricacies of newborn care. From feeding to diaper changes, she shared her wealth of knowledge with warmth and generosity, empowering us to confidently care for our little one. In short, Lisa Byerly is a doula extraordinaire, and I cannot recommend her highly enough. If you're expecting a baby, do yourself a favor and hire her. She is a true gem, and I am forever grateful for the invaluable support she provided during one of the most transformative experiences of my life. I also worked with Michaela as our postpartum doula and I cannot sing enough praises for her either! Her postpartum support was nothing short of extraordinary, and she played an indispensable role in helping us navigate the early days of parenthood. Michaela provided invaluable postpartum care, expertly caring for our little one so my partner and I could nap, rest, and recharge. Her knowledge and expertise were evident as she gave us invaluable tips about diapering, showed us how to bathe our baby, and walked us through feeding techniques with patience and understanding. What truly sets Michaela apart is her ability to multitask seamlessly. She effortlessly wore our baby while cooking us delicious, nutritious meals, ensuring we were well-fed and nourished during this demanding time. Coming home to a clean kitchen, a rested baby, and a warm, homemade meal made all the difference in the world and helped us feel human again after the haze of exhaustion and sleepless nights. Michaela's compassionate care and unwavering support were a lifeline for us during those early weeks. Just having the freedom to take a walk with our dog or sneak in a much-needed nap, knowing that our baby was in capable hands, brought us immeasurable relief and peace of mind. Thank you, Michaela, for everything you did for our family! Working with the incredible team at Golden Lotus Doulas was a blessing, and we would absolutely choose them again without hesitation.

- Lisa Beyers

We had such a great experience with Lisa Byerly from Golden Lotus and we highly recommend her! She was so supportive and helpful throughout the entire pregnancy, delivery and postpartum and I am truly grateful to her for her support. She is a very compassionate woman and empowered me to advocate for myself when I had to make some challenging decisions about my care. Having had our first child in early 2021 (during Covid when only 1 support person was allowed during delivery) we did not hire a doula. However, that was a mistake and we hired one for our second child in 2023 and it made a world of difference. I know that Golden Lotus is known for being a fantastic team but we consider ourselves very lucky to have worked with Lisa specifically.

- Natasha Brittain

We can’t say enough good things about Lisa! After a rough first delivery several years ago in another state, we knew it needed to be different this time. Bringing Lisa on-board as our doula was the best decision we made in building our birth team. She actively listened to my wants and needs in terms of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum; fiercely guarded my agency at every turn (including talking me down after a less-than ideal encounter with a provider); helped me navigate some deep, deep fears about labor; was an absolute wealth of information in terms of nutrition, hydration, movement, posture, and mental preparation; turned the delivery room into what the nurses lovingly referred to as the “good vibes room” with lighting, aromatherapy, my affirmation cards I had written, and good playlists; was an excellent coach for my husband on comfort techniques and support in the delivery room (and moral support too); but most of all, she helped lead me back to a level of strength and courage I thought I had lost a long time ago. With her guidance and support, the delivery of my son was a deeply healing experience, even with a number of surprises. She also gives great hugs, too :) Hire Lisa or any of the wonderful folks here. All birthing people deserve the support Lisa gave me. We love you, Lisa!

- Lindsay Dragan

Ranelle Gore (Rae) from Golden Lotus Doula services is beyond phenomenal! Rae became not just a wonderful doula but a friend throughout our process. We utilized Rae during the birthing process and with two postpartum visits. Her pre-birth home visits were helpful in our preparation for what to expect during labor as first-time parents. At the hospital, she kept me calm and centered. The hospital staff even mentioned how much they enjoyed working with her! Rae was a tremendous help at home after the birth with learning to navigate life with a newborn. We had questions at the ready but, even more questions came up during her visits. Another facet that is of great importance to me/us, is being able to text Rae. It’s extremely important to me to be able to reach out to her for support with my pre-existing anxiety plus postpartum concerns. The struggle is real for me, and Rae was able to put me at ease, and help with suggestions/answers/comments. I knew getting a doula would help but, I had no idea how much Rae would change our life with her doula services, understanding, wisdom, and great care! Lastly, I liked that in case Rae was at another birth that we had other doulas that would be with us during our birth!

- Anna Snodgrass

This was my first pregnancy and I can not stress enough how much having a doula made things less stressful. I worked with Rae and she was amazing! Anytime I had a question she was quick to respond and put my mind at ease about different things throughout my pregnancy and postpartum were completely normal. An having her there to advocate for me during labor was great. She helped explain every step to me so I always knew what was going on and why the midwife would want to do certain things. She was very encouraging and helped me get into and try different positions for labor. I’m very grateful to of had someone so knowledgeable by my husband and I’s side.

- Christina Skinner

I had the best experience with my doula Rae! She was there for me from the start and answered all my crazy questions about labor and delivery. She was also the best support in the hospital for me and my husband. I could not be happier with my experience!

- Allie Collier

After researching doulas thoroughly and then speaking to Lisa, I knew I wanted her on my birth team. I had a history of birth trauma with my first at a hospital, and she was very reassuring as fears came up along the way. She went above and beyond during my pregnancy to check on me, offer advice, and gave continuous support. Her wealth of knowledge was super helpful as I prepared for another unmedicated birth. The day I went into labor, she intuitively texted me asking how I was feeling. Lisa stayed in touch with me all day, and met me at The Midwife Center that night. She immediately helped me with all of the different tools and coping mechanisms we had discussed during my pregnancy. She gave me affirmations the entire time, and remained steady in her support. I can’t thank her enough for being there for me during one of the most important/pivotal times of my life. She will always hold a special place in our family. I highly recommend Lisa!!

- Christina H.

We had the privelege of having Rae during our labor. As a first time mom, her presence during my delivery was such a comfort. She is a naturally gifted doula. I highly recomend her!

- Melissa Rea

Lisa was my Doula for the birth of my first child, and we had a wonderful experience with her and would absolutely recommend. I decided early on I wanted a doula with me during delivery because first, I wanted to make sure I had an advocate in the room with me, and second, I wanted an expert to guide me through pregnancy and birth because I had zero clue what to do or where to go for information. I accomplished both of those goals with Lisa. My husband had no concept of a doula and was a bit hesitant at bringing someone onboard for such an intimate event but he was very happy she was there because she ultimately was able to look out for him, too (my labor began at night and went over 24 hours so he was very happy when she arrived at the hospital and was able to give him a break), and it allowed him to enjoy the experience, too. I would absolutely recommend Golden Lotus to anyone, including if you plan for a hospital birth and epidural. A doula will allow you to have a calmer, more educated, and positive experience!

- Katherine Vaky

On October 11, 2023 Lisa Byerly helped to bring our beautiful Freyja into the world. Lisa is unlike any other. She is so good at what she does! I was a labor and delivery nurse and my husband an ICU nurse, we weren't really sure if we would need a doula to help us with our goal of a natural birth. After much encouragement from a friend and our midwife we decided to interview with Golden Lotus and discuss our options with Lisa. At the interview Lisa answered all of my difficult questions with ease, she was beaming with experience and confidence that put both my husband and I at ease. After our discussion, we decided to hire Lisa as part of our birth team. From that moment forward, Lisa was beyond attentive. She checked in after midwife appointments and wanted weekly updates on my mental, emotional, and physical status. At 39 weeks, we had a false alarm. Lisa came to my home and supported me while I contracted, she then followed us to the hospital in the middle of the night. There she advocated for me and helped me articulate my goals for labor and delivery. Once we realized this was not our Freyja's moment to enter the world, Lisa returned home in the middle of the night. She was the first to check in the morning and provide encouragement. Once we were actually in labor, Lisa again came to my house again, ready for action. She recommended countless positions that helped support myself and Freyja. She knew to press pressure points on my body before I knew I needed them. When we arrived at the hospital Lisa set up an ambiance that my husband said he didn't know could have existed. Music playing, moon and stars projected on the ceiling, essential oils... All to provide a supportive and relaxing environment. Lisa continued to advocate for me and remind me of my goals and intentions. Throughout the labor process Lisa encouraged my husband and demonstrated his role. The most amazing piece of our story was that Lisa was leaving for an international trip, Freyja was born at 3:18 AM and Lisa was to leave for her trip at 6PM. Most people would have that at the forefront of their mind. Not Lisa! Her selflessness never waivered! She was there until I finished my recovery, making sure all of our needs were met. We are forever grateful to Lisa Byerly. She was an integral part of our pregnancy, labor, and delivery! We are so glad we worked with Gold Lotus and Lisa! THANK YOU LISA!!

- Lucia Buckley

Michaela was our postpartum doula and could not have been more wonderful or supportive. Before the baby arrived, she helped us to think about what we might need postpartum, which was so helpful as we weren’t sure what to expect and it helped us to set ourselves for success. Once the baby arrived, Michaela was with us for a daytime shift and a nighttime shift each week. Her knowledge and advice made us feel so supported and at ease as first time parents and we can’t imagine not having had her insight in the early days. She walked us through the nerve wracking firsts like a bath at home, nail trimming, bottle cleaning, etc. As a first time parent, feeling complete trust and confidence in someone to have the ability to truly take a much needed mental break was a lifeline. Michaela helped us through some tricky learning curves and always made us feel heard and understood. She is an incredible human being and amazing at what she does. It takes a special person to do this work and Michaela embodies that through and through.

- Christina Gorski

Lisa Byerly was the doula that I chose for my birth from the group. I have worked in the birth world as a nurse for the last nine years and just had so many wonderful experiences with her on the birth team of my patients, that I knew when I got pregnant that it had to be her. She was calm, collected and just the most amazing support at a time when I felt vulnerable and needed a grounding force. I had friends and family around me to support me, but nothing could replace her knowledgeable and professional presence.

- Carly Jean Berube

We worked with Lisa Byerly and absolutely adored her every step of the way, from consult to birth and beyond. She offered the guidance and information we needed to feel empowered when making important decisions and was open/accepting of every choice we made. Her support and presence during our daughter’s home birth was *everything* and I feel bonded with her for life <3 I would absolutely hire her again and would recommend her to any pregnant mama! PS if any skeptical dads out there are wondering if it’s worth it to hire a doula, the answer is YES! Lisa was absolutely instrumental for my partner and she will be your bestie too during labor & birth!

- Leah George

The Golden Lotus team is the best! We personally had a great experience with Lily for multiple births and have heard great feedback about the rest of the team as well. It's great having multiple doula options and additional services provided too!

- Andrew Rupp

Updated review: I had Lisa at my second baby’s birth and just as she was essential to my first birth, she was an incredible part of my second, this time at home. My water broke before labor began just as it did with my first and she, along with my midwife who she works so well with (and who she also recommended to me as someone she would trust with her own daughter) was chatting with me throughout the day and giving me suggestions of things to try to get active labor to start. She gave me the most glorious clary sage massage after a Spinning Babies session the day before I had my baby. She arrived at our house the same time as my midwife the following morning, 6:30 am, and helped calm my frustrations and ease the tension. When things got hard, just as in my first birth, I looked at her and said through my tears how hard it was. She hugged me and held me and said, “I know it is. It’s okay to let it be hard” and repeated affirmations with me to get me through. We had her take photos this time and that was another fantastic decision; the moments she captured while supporting me, my husband, and even doula-ing my mother who was watching my son were so, so incredible. Lisa shines as much in her birth support and she does in her postpartum support. Her check-ins and encouragement (along with her homemade bread!!) and babywearing help got me through the first few very hard weeks of two under 2. If you’ve birthed a baby, you know the only way out is through and my experience affirmed for me even more how essential Lisa is to helping me through. She’s simply an incredible person, so gifted at what she does, a beautiful part of our story, and I’m so grateful to know her. Original review, July 2021: I couldn’t have had the birth I had without Lisa. After our first meeting, I knew she would be the best addition to our birth team. Lisa’s insights were beyond any measure of value — when I was feeling hopeless about finding a doctor who fit my personality, she gave me a recommendation for a different doctor who was exactly what I needed and wanted. When I wanted to give up towards the end of labor and deviate from my plan, Lisa helped me stay the course and believe in myself. I think every birthing person should have a doula, and I’d wholeheartedly recommend Golden Lotus every time.

- Gina Ciarrocchi Zech

We were very happy to know that Lisa would be our doula. Initially we wanted someone to support and guide us with information throughout my first pregnancy, and ended up getting much more than that. Lisa was present for the whole time, always checking on me every step of the way, she was so kind and thoughtful when we had questions about labor and pregnancy, never judging our decisions but making sure we had all the information needed at each phase of pregnancy. She always had nice words, a warm approach, and we slowly embraced her as part of the family, and trusted her with our hearts as she made us feel very confident. Lisa was a superstar when the labor started. My water broke and she instructed me all day long until we felt it was time to go to the hospital. I was very anxious and she was talking to me all the time, making sure I feel calm. When Ilshe arrived at the hospital, the contractions were just starting to get stronger and she immediately held me, instructed me how to breathe, helped my husband to give me support. She created the nicest environment, with lights, music, and essential oils, I even forgot I was at a hospital. The most important thing was how serious she took her role, her interaction with the nurses was just right, and soon we saw everyone working together and trusting her work, which made me feel so respected and calm. I would say Lisa’s presence was essential, so I could live the experience I dreamed about . On top of it all, she took the most beautiful pictures, that expressed exactly what we felt during those long hours, she got all of our emotions in every image. We were happy to have her visiting us after a few days, when she brought us delicious homemade bread and gave us more tips on breastfeeding, checked on our health and well being during these first days with the baby and just being this sweet and kind person we love to have around. I highly recommend her and Golden Lotus services. What they do is so very special !! I am forever grateful !!

- Gabriela Delarolli

Jess was a huge asset during our birth experience. From the start, she was incredibly calming and reassuring, providing resources to help us navigate the many unexpected twists and turns of pregnancy and delivery. As a first time mother, I'm so grateful to have had Jess to support and guide us. I'd highly recommend Golden Lotus to anyone looking for a doula in Pittsburgh.

- Erika S

Lisa was our birth doula, and she was absolutely amazing. I immediately felt comfortable with her. She has a calm and confident energy, is extremely knowledgeable, had great communication throughout pregnancy, and answered so many questions postpartum. During labor and birth she created a serene environment, helped us advocate for our birth preferences, made me feel secure when things didn’t go as planned, boosted my confidence during moments of self doubt (without a cheerleader vibe), and provided amazinggg hands-on support during labor (hip-squeezes/massage/etc). We would absolutely work with her again!

- Sophia Van Gorder