Mary Skinner Birth & Postpartum Doula in Thousand Oaks, CA

Mary is truly exceptional—her support and care exceeded all my expectations. From the very start, she made me feel completely supported, always responding with kindness, patience, and encouragement. No question was ever too small, and no concern was ever too much—she was always there, making sure I felt heard and valued. Her unwavering commitment to prioritizing the well-being of mama first made all the difference in my journey. Mary’s energy is second to none. She brought a sense of calm and strength into my birth experience that I will never forget. The most powerful moment was when my doctor and nurse asked if I wanted to touch my baby’s head as she was crowning—I initially said no, but Mary gently encouraged me to do it. That simple moment gave me all the strength I needed for those final pushes, and before I knew it, my baby girl was in my arms. Her warmth and love are truly one of a kind. She has a rare gift for making you feel safe, cherished, and completely empowered throughout the journey. Her presence is calming yet uplifting, and the love she pours into her work is unmatched. She isn’t just a doula—she’s a source of unwavering support, encouragement, and kindness when you need it most. It’s hard to imagine anyone else bringing the same level of care and devotion that Mary does. She is truly in a league of her own, and I feel so lucky to have had her by my side during such a life-changing experience.

— Dana Vladimir

I cannot recommend Mary Skinner enough. She is not just a doula—she is an angel sent from heaven to make your labor and delivery experience as smooth, supported, and empowering as possible. From the moment we connected, Mary’s depth of knowledge, warmth, and intuition put me at ease. She met with my partner and me before delivery, spending hours walking us through what to expect, how to prepare my body, and how my partner could actively support my experience. No question was too small, and she answered my endless stream of inquiries with patience, wisdom, and zero judgment. When it came time to labor, Mary was by my side every step of the way. Even though my birth was not what we planned, Mary advocated for me and created a calm and sacred space with soothing massages, body oils, and sound bowls. When I think back to my labor and birth story, I literally see her face… she practically labored WITH me through her hands on support, coaching, encouragement, guidance, and unwavering empowerment. It carried me through. And her care didn’t stop there. Postpartum, Mary showed up at my home with a bundle of thoughtful recovery goodies. She not only provided a healing full-body massage and prepared a soothing sitz bath, but she also cleaned my (very messy) postpartum bathroom—without hesitation or judgment. Her level of care, both physically and emotionally, is unparalleled. Mary was truly a godsend during my first pregnancy, and I will undoubtedly hire her again for every one of my future births! If you’re considering working with her, don’t walk—RUN to book her. She is simply the best of the best.

— Sara H.

There are truly no words to describe what Mary means to us and our birth experience. Mary held our hand through prenatal, carefully explaining all aspects of the birth process to come and supporting us with so much incredible information that helped us to feel empowered and understanding of the experience. When my water broke at 34 weeks I felt like my birth plan was lost and I wasn't going to have the birth I had hoped for with the unexpected turn of events but that turned out to not be true! Mary was there every step of the way through labor and birth to support and ensure that I achieved the birth that I had hoped for. I can confidently look back and say I was so proud and happy with the way my labor and birth turned out and I owe all of that to Mary and her support. She helped with pain management, breathing, changing positions to help labor progress positively and if you know Mary you know most importantly she brings the best vibes! We were always laughing when Mary was around and I always felt peace and comfort through our entire experience with her. She held us through postpartum bringing healing foods and massages and always lending a listening ear for the emotional support. Mary will absolutely be at any future births and I can not imagine ever doing it without her. Having Mary by my side and the support of a doula was the best decision I made my entire pregnancy and worth everything!

— Sophia Bilharz

There really aren’t enough words to describe how amazing Mary is! I moved to the Conejo Valley from Culver City when I was 7 months pregnant with my third child and I felt so unmoored and isolated from my community. By chance, I found Mary’s prenatal yoga class and it really changed my entire outlook. Mary has such a beautiful spirit and is so welcoming, that as soon as I met her I knew I wanted her to be part of my birthing process. At our initial doula meeting, Mary guided me through such an amazing birth meditation, that I credit it for kick starting my labor (my water broke just a few hours after meeting with Mary!) Mary was such an amazing support for not just me but also my husband at the hospital. I don’t know how to describe it, but I felt so embraced and I could labor and breathe with the pain knowing I was being held by both Mary and my husband. Having birthed my other two children without a doula, I really felt the difference. And yes, birth is messy and painful and hard work no matter what, but Mary brings out the magic of it too. After the birth, Mary came for two postpartum visits. If I could do it all over again, I definitely would have added more postpartum visits! I have never felt so nurtured, cared for and nourished in my life. Those first weeks with my baby were all the more special because Mary’s visits left me feeling surrounded in a bubble of love, warmth and calm. She cooks delicious food, she is an amazing masseuse and just such a lovely person to be around. I am so grateful that the universe brought me to her and I will forever feel blessed to be part of the Lotus Doula Tribe of mamas and babies.

— Catalina Mumm

I get so emotional writing about my time with Mary. The minute I met Mary, I was captivated by her energy and kindness, I knew I needed her in my life for my attempt at a VBAC for my 2nd baby. Mary walked me through a heartbreaking miscarriage, always checking in on me before our real journey together began. She brought such an immense amount of peace and joy to every stage of my pregnancy. Her prenatal yoga classes brought the zen and calmness I so craved juggling being pregnant, working and raising a toddler. I truly think my baby is a calm spirited happy soul because of my mindset with Mary. Mary might be the most connected woman I know. If I ever mentioned needing a massage or acupuncture, chiropractor and so many other things Mary has someone on speed dial. Her village is so strong and I feel honored to have joined this network of incredible people who are so dedicated to the health and wellness of women during pregnancy, postpartum and beyond. Although my birth did not turn out as planned, Mary was there every step of the way. Her prenatal visits made my husband and I feel so confident and prepared. Calling her at 3 AM to meet us in a hotel room near the hospital might have been a first for her, but the minute I saw her face I felt the biggest sense of relief. After my repeat C-section to see Mary holding our perfect baby girl, we both sobbed for what had occurred and the miracle of her regardless. Mary will forever hold such a beautiful place in my heart. I will never forget how she cared for me, made me feel so seen, loved and nurtured through such a tender time in my life. Her sound baths will forever be my happy place. To know Mary is to love her deeply and every pregnant momma absolutely needs her in their life! Thank you Mary for being you ??

— Michelle Gerrard-Delgado

Mary is the comforting embrace of a cherished childhood memory, the kind that feels like home. Imagine curling up in your favorite nook, wrapped in the softest, coziest blanket, wearing those well-loved pajama bottoms you can’t bear to part with. A steaming mug of rich hot chocolate, crowned with fluffy marshmallows and a swirl of whipped cream, warms your hands, while the soothing scent of your favorite soup fills the air from the kitchen. In that perfect moment, the world feels quiet, your worries melt away, and you’re wrapped in a cocoon of safety, warmth, and pure ease. That’s the essence of Mary. She radiates warmth, wisdom, and reassurance you didn’t even realize you were missing. Her gentle guidance and unwavering support helped me unlock parts of myself I never knew existed—guiding me to bring forth the most precious part of my life during childbirth. But beyond her expertise, Mary has an extraordinary way of making you feel nurtured and seen, as if her presence alone wraps you in the most comforting embrace. She has a rare gift for empowering women in ways that words can’t fully capture. With her belief in me, I uncovered strengths I never imagined. She taught me to trust my body, trust my instincts, and welcome motherhood with a confidence I didn’t think was possible. The transformation she helped me achieve will stay with me forever, and I will always be grateful for the woman she helped me become. As if that weren’t enough, Mary’s attention to detail made me feel truly special. She surprised me with a custom-decorated umbilical cord that reflected my idea of home and thoughtfully cooked meals inspired by our conversations before childbirth. She brings love and care to everything she does, and her kindness is unforgettable. Mary is one in a million, and her absence is deeply felt. We’ll always treasure the profound impact she made on our lives.

— Joni Osborne

Mary is the sweetest, most giving and loving person you could ever have as your doula. We had a very unexpected experience postpartum and Mary was so caring and there for us every step of the way. When I was alone with my son for the first weeks after birth due to my baby being in the NICCU (my husband stayed with her at the NICCU), she'd come with me on our walks to school and give me delicious sound baths and massages and treats. The emotional support was so needed and Mary was always there checking in. Mary, you are such a light in our lives and we are so grateful you were part of our birth journey. Thank you for being there for us when it was tough and for showering us with all the happy/good vibes. Your experience as a doula/mothering us as a family was everything to us. The meals were phenomenal. You're the best masseuse. The best caregiver. The best yogi and just an amazing human. We love you!

— Nichole S.

I've been trying to find a way to articulate what Mary meant for my pregnancy, labor, and postpartum experience for weeks now (20, to be exact), but words fall short. The sentence that keeps coming to mind is, "Everyone deserves a Mary." Between my husband, Mary, and our widwife, I felt completely safe and was able to lean in and the trust that my daughter and I's intuition would guide us both through labor. From the moment that we woke up and called our team, to the second Mattie was born in our home eleven hours later, I had zero fearful or anxious thoughts—and I credit so much of that to Mary. From hip squeezes to hugs, a reassuring hand on my back, or her comforting voice counting me through every contraction, I fully absorbed her positive energy, comfort, and experience. Mary helped me to stay grounded in my body, which was my labor intention. To be fully present for Mattie's birth experience. I'll forever be grateful to her for being a partner to both me and my husband. I know he's thankful for Mary's coaching and affirmations along the way (he tells anyone pregnant who asks about our birth story that he recommends they hire a doula ??). So, yeah. All that to say: Everyone deserves a Mary.

— Megan R.

I knew I wanted a doula to compliment my midwife. My husband and I had a FaceTime consultation with her to ensure she was the right fit for us and I could feel her warmth instantly. Her long lineage of birth workers and history of home births were felt like a big hug. I think I cried three or four times during our time on the phone. Everything she offered and who she was at her core aligned with everything I was looking for in my doula. Placenta encapsulation, yoga and meditation (essentially hypno birthing) sound baths, belly binding, postpartum nutrition and holistic alternatives to western medicine etc. It was all music to my ears. It felt so right- Mary had her babies with the same midwife we had chosen for our home birth and I took it as a sign I was right where I belonged- in the tender loving care of Mary and her tribe. Over the next 8 months I spent Fridays at her prenatal yoga-birth medication- and sound bath class. I swear that class was one of the main contributors of my successful unmedicated, practically pain free home birth. Mary held me as I grew our baby, held me through labor and held me through postpartum. I will never forget the moment she walked into our home and I melted into her arms during labor- she gave me so much calm and peace and she carried me into motherhood. She was right there with me every step of the way. The best day ever. I looked forward to every postpartum visit, her warm massages, delicious food, conversation, advice and really just her energy- she has some of the best energy. I will never forget our closing of the bones ceremony- it was one of the most powerful experiences- we held each other as tears rolled down both of our cheeks. She will be our doula for all of our babies. Mary and her tribe are nonnegotiables. I highly recommend the bliss package! Worth its weight in gold!

— Megan K Cameron Muscarella

Lotus Doula Tribe is amazing! I was stressing during pregnancy, wondering who to trust for my birth and postpartum care... so glad that my 3 am anxious google search led me to Mary! She is better than I could have imagined. She supported me through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. So lucky to have had her through such a vulnerable and special time. Mary is very knowledgable and I trust her wholeheartedly. She was always available when I needed her. Love her weekly prenatal yoga class - I swear that class & the mental prep helped me achieve my ideal unmedicated birth. During birth she was comforting and supportive. And then after birth she showers you in treats, homemade bread, goodies, foot massages, belly wrap, closing of the bones ceremony. Can't recommend Lotus Doula Tribe enough!!!

— Amber Stern

I have heard many stories about getting a Doula, but I never explored it myself...until I met Mary, Michelle and her team. The abundance of resources Mary has to offer leaves no stone unturned! She's a world renowned yogi and the mental preparation her and her team go into fitting you for birth is relaxing.her postpartum meals and massage are exactly what you want as well. She accommodates all needs and loves connecting you w all her external services as well.

— Liz De Leon

Mary is absolutely amazing! This was my 3rd pregnancy and I knew I wanted a different experience but needed guidance. I saw that Mary was recommended by so many other moms and I'm so glad I got to experience what she has to offer. Mary is loving, caring, understanding and most importantly has a voice that can calm anyone down. Having her in the delivery room was the key to being able to have an unmedicated birth, she knew what I was capable of, she cheered me on when I doubted myself and all while remaining calm for me and my husband. Her postpartum care was so instrumental in my recovery, I looked forward to all her visits as did my family. Mary will always have a special place in my heart!

— Daisy A

Mary is an angel! I loved working with her and the education she provided left me much better equipped for pregnancy and beyond! My pregnancy didn’t go as planned, but she provided me with the support that I needed (ex: sound bath, massage, yoga, birth support etc.) I truly don’t know what I would have done without her through this journey. Thanks Mary!

— Arielle Creager

I was on the fence about working with a doula, but I am so incredibly grateful that I found Mary, Michelle, and the rest of the Lotus Doula Tribe. The advice Mary and team gave us before the birth made my partner and I feel a little more confident as first time parents. I had covid right before I went into labor so we were not allowed to have a doula present until the very end of labor, but Mary was able to provide support through the phone to me and my partner throughout, which helped us stay calm during a very long labor. Michelle came in person for the last few hours and made what could have been an incredibly stressful situation so much calmer. She made me feel like “I got this.” She also helped my daughter latch during skin to skin after the NICU team gave her back to me. Michelle also took pictures for us to have once the fog cleared, and I am so grateful to have pictures of those special moments. Michelle and Mary have also provided amazing postpartum support, including nourishing meals and great recommendations for resources.

— Anel

If you are looking for Doula to support, encourage, nurture, and advocate for you, Mary Skinner is the one! My second pregnancy I was trying for a VBAC and Mary was in my corner from day one! She is an inspirational mother herself with 3 unmedicated home births. Mary was always looking out for me in every possible way to find the right doctors, hospitals or midwives that would help me have the birth of my dreams. One thing that stood out the most about Mary is that when I found out I was going to have an emergency C-section, she rushed to the hospital to hold my hand and be there for me hours after the surgery to make sure I was eating, recovered and emotionally ok. I didn't have the birth of my dreams, but Mary led me to all the possible people who were willing to help me get there and for that I am truly grateful to have met her. Not only is she an amazing doula but she is a good friend and beautiful person inside and out! Her postpartum care is so wonderful, and she is truly a breathe of fresh air when you feel your world is dark. I highly recommend hiring her for your birthing experience.

— Ariela Ramos

I met Mary in my 3rd trimester & I am so grateful!! My husband and I had a thousand and one questions (it's our first child) and she took her time answering each and every one and was always just a phone call/text away for last minute thoughts/concerns. After every visit, I was left feeling more calm, at peace and prepared for what was to come. From pregnancy, labour, birth and PP she was there every step of the way with endless amounts of love & support. You want this beautiful soul in your corner!! She instilled so much confidence in me where I was once so frightened and anxious about birth. She is so hands on and played such an integral part in our birth story. She will be as involved as you need her to be and laid back when you want. Thank you Mary!! You have been a God send!

— Francisca Alvarado

If you're considering having a doula to help you through your pregnancy journey, look no further and book Mary and her team. You won't regret it! I booked her bliss package, which includes prenatal appts, the delivery, and postpartum care. I also added on the Placenta encapsulation. Her prenatal appts were so informative. This was my first pregnancy, and I was so scared, didn't have a tribe of my own for support, and had no idea where to begin with gathering info to figure things out. Mary put mine and my husband's minds at ease. She guided us every step of the way, and throughout this process, we got to know Mary and her kind energy. She is simply the best! When I got the call from my dr that I would have to be induced asap, Mary comforted me through all my fears and tears. I remember her asking me how I felt about everything and giving me the space to express my emotions to be present in what I was feeling instead of me frantically panicking, and for that, I am so grateful! Delivery day came, and Mary's sense of humor paralleled with that of mine, and my husband's made for pleasant and light-hearted memories/inside jokes through such a challenging yet empowering time. I could not imagine a better birth. She was so calming and knew exactly what to do and say to get me through each push. Her postpartum care was my favorite part. Mary knows how to nurture and Mother the Mother so well. Her massages and sound baths were so calming, and I looked forward to seeing her each visit! She always brought amazing goodies and drew me sitz baths. She supported me in the ways I needed to be supported, momma to momma. I truly cherished each moment with Mary and I'm looking forward to being a part of her tribe and community of mommas. She's the doula that keeps on giving even after her services have ended. So thankful for her! If we decide to have more children, we will choose Mary as our doula again!

— Ashley Chadwick

I found Mary for my second pregnancy; I knew I wanted to do things differently than with my first birth - better. For my second round of being pregnant and giving birth I wanted to trust and listen to my body in a way that isn’t typically encouraged. Strength, trust, care for myself- these were my wants and goals. Finding Mary was the blessing that kept giving. She completely supported and championed me. She brings so much as a doula and more. Beyond expected things like game planning labor and sharing advice to prepare my mind and body, Mary also gives the most wonderful (and much needed when you’re super pregnant) massages, chakra cleanings, family mediations and sound baths! When it was time for labor, her presence was paramount to my success and feeling supported and strong. I was fortunate to have the birth I envisioned and credit so much to Mary and her encouragement. Then, in postpartum, she continued her gifts of support. Her advice, joyful spirit, the foods, yummiest tea, more massages and sound baths that she brought were so helpful. Visits from Mary became the best part of the week! Mary is such a special person who is truly living her calling. She is equal parts wise/ serious and light/ hilarious. Trust that you’ll inevitably need both of these sides during your birthing journey! Give yourself the gift of Mary’s support.

— Carrie

Having Mary as our doula was great. I was a little hesitant to work with a doula because I knew I would be having a scheduled C-section due to past medical complications, and I didn’t know how a doula would help. But having Mary as our doula was incredibly helpful! She’s a wealth of information related to all aspects of birth. Before my birth we met to do prenatal yoga, and review beneficial excercises, poses and postures. She also helped me put together a birth plan and review all of me and my husband’s preferences about everything so that when the time came to go to the hospital I felt prepared and ready. At the hospital she was an advocate for our birth preferences putting us at ease and making the experience easier. Her presence was calming and reassuring and the food she left me with was a welcome delight compared to the stale hospital food. Every time she visited after the birth was different based on what I needed that day and how I was feeling, (but always involved delicious food!). She knew how to deal with all the pains, and discomforts that come with a birth (in whatever form it takes!), and when I felt stronger she led me thru personalized yoga sequences. Her sound bath and massage sessions were absolutely heavenly, always worked around the needs of mother and baby (nursing, diaper changes, spit ups etc.), and offered a space for mother-centered calm relaxation that was otherwise hard to find with a newborn in the house (even the baby loved the sound baths!). She also jumped in with changing diapers, folding clothes, dinner prep, washing dishes, and absolutely whatever was needed I highly recommend working with Mary!

— Rashell George

As a single mother by choice, I knew I wanted extra support during my labor and delivery. I didn’t know exactly what I was looking for, but after speaking with Mary, she was it! I immediately felt comfortable with Mary, her energy, calm presence, experience, sense of humor, and support of me and my birth plan. I had a VERY long induced labor and Mary was helpful every step of the way doing her best to make sure everything went as smoothly as possible, and more importantly, making sure I was comfortable (mentally and physically). The doctors and nurses loved coming into my room because Mary made it such a pleasant atmosphere! Not only was Mary helpful during my labor and delivery, she also does many other things! I attended one of her prenatal yoga classes which was very relaxing, and I chose to have two post-partum visits which were wonderful. Mary helped me with self care, brought comforting food & goodies, gave a relaxing massage and sound bath, did belly binding, and performed a “closing the bones” ceremony for healing and birthing a new mother. I had a great experience with Mary as my doula, and now consider her a friend. If you’re looking for someone who is caring, nurturing, supportive, honest, and will fight for you and your baby… give Mary a call, I highly recommend her for all of her services!

— Cherisse

Mary was an essential part of my birthing story. I decided I needed a doula about 6 weeks before my due date and was anxious for support as birthing fear and preparation crept in. Her calming spirit was just what I needed. Mary helped me connect with my body, calm the outside world and focus on what I could do for my baby and self in the weeks leading up to his birth. Through yoga, conversation, pain management techniques, breathing and meditation, massage and energy work she got me to the headspace I needed to get ready for labor. At the hospital she hit the gas pedal, keeping me in pain management head space with close talking, different positions, shower laboring, and ultimately helped me to the finish line. It was my first birth and I was in labor for less than 10 hours with only about 25 mins of pushing. I know the work we did leading up to birth and in the hospital helped bring baby boy into the world quickly. Her postpartum support was essential. It gave me something to look forward to in those early weeks. The full body massages gave me life as I healed and felt the pains of breastfeeding and being hunched over all the time caring for baby. She made me feel seen and cared for, holding space for me to mentally process birth together. All my emotions didn’t phase her a bit!! PLUS here meals and treats she dropped by were all delicious! Mary has found her true calling in life as a doula and us mamas are all better for it. What a gift! I would highly recommend her and her services.

— Anne-Marie Ikenouye

From the get-go, Mary radiated a warm loving energy matched with knowledge and expertise! We worked together towards the later end of my pregnancy but she immediately stepped into action and helped dial in a customized birth plan while sending over helpful tips to prep for birth. During labo her calming presence and words of encouragement made all the difference in keeping things positive and focused. What I loved the most was her postpartum care. Such a beautiful array of nurturing modalities from massage, sound baths, yummy nourishing meals, sitz baths, and belly bindings - really made the healing process the best I could've hoped for. Mary is a supportive, compassionate doula who truly cares about her work and I could not recommend her enough!

— Dasha