Meet Mayra

“My husband and I had a wonderful experience with Mayra as our doula. We knew we’d need extra support throughout the entire process, but she provided more care and guidance than we could have ever imagined. She was very communicative and checked in often in the weeks leading up to the birth, and she was a great sounding board when we had to start making various Plan Bs and Plan Cs once early labor began. Once we arrived at the hospital, though, Mayra became an integral part of our labor and delivery experience. I had a very long labor at the hospital, and she was an awesome coach the entire way through–she didn’t simply take over, but instead coached my husband the entire time and created a very team-oriented environment while I labored. During very tense moments, including a difficult exchange with a doctor who had poor bedside manner, she was a quiet force, giving my husband the space to be the primary advocate in the room but also talking through with him all our options based on her deep knowledge and experience. All that, and she stood by my side and opposite him for four long hours of pushing! We can’t thank Chicago Family Doulas enough for such a great pairing. Mayra was just the type of person we needed with us through this process and are very grateful for her.”

“I was lucky to have Mayra support me through my first birth. I had a last-minute induction and she provided me every kind of support along the way. Despite the unexpected induction, I am certain I was able to have the birth experience I wanted and to feel empowered because of Mayra’s guidance. She was always kind, respectful, calm, nonjudgmental, and very knowledgeable. She clearly has expertise with supporting birth. My husband also felt extremely supported by Mayra throughout the entire labor and delivery. If you have the chance for Mayra to be your doula, jump on it!!”

“My husband and I knew we wanted a doula for our first pregnancy and labor/delivery experience. We found Chicago Family Doulas online and decided to contact them for more information. We spoke to the owner Anna for an intake meeting, and she gave us a fantastic first impression! She was very kind, warm and answered all our questions about what a doula could help us with during our pregnancy journey. She paired us with Mayra, who has been a doula for several years. Our experience working with Mayra was amazing from beginning to end! She is so knowledgeable, accessible and thoughtful. I texted her with all my pregnancy questions, big or small, and she would respond immediately. She gave me helpful tips to prepare for labor in our prenatal visit, as well as insight into different labor experiences. She came to the hospital right away when I went into labor and was great support for my husband and I both. My labor and delivery went so smoothly, largely due to Mayra’s help. My husband and I were extremely happy working with Chicago Family Doulas, especially with Mayra, and would recommend the service to all expecting parents!”

“My husband and I can’t say enough good things about working with Mayra. Leading up to and throughout my labor and delivery, she was patient, informative, flexible, and caring. We talked through our values and hopes ahead of time — and decisions in real-time — which made us feel incredibly supported and heard. She was also creative in finding ways to help me progress through a very long labor, bringing confidence and consistency when I really needed it. Mayra has a wonderful demeanor and made all the difference in this first-time experience for us.”

“My husband and I loved having Mayra as a part of our birthing support team. She was always available for questions leading up to my delivery and provided valuable education which empowered us during L&D. We also valued her presence and knowledge at our birth – she estimated it was ‘go time’ before our doctors and nurses! I couldn’t recommend Chicago Family Doulas and Mayra more.”

“My husband and I are so thankful and grateful that Mayra was part of our birth team! She is so sweet, calm and very knowledgeable. She made sure we knew all of our options and helped guide us when the decisions became difficult. Our birth ended up not being what we planned for, but she walked the entire process through with us and made sure we understood everything that was going on. Her presence during labor was invaluable. We couldn’t be happier with Mayra! We will definitely have her when baby #2 comes along. Thank you so much Mayra and Chicago Family Doulas!”

“As a first-time mom, the help I received from Mayra before, during and after my baby’s birth was so beneficial to me. During pregnancy, she connected me with helpful resources so I could inform myself and feel confident in the choices I made. During the labor and birth, her calm, stable presence as someone who has been there and whose expertise I trusted made my experience so much better. Mayra also visited us at home to see how we were doing and offer more resources and advice which was just so helpful especially as first time parents. I highly recommend Mayra!”

“Mayra was a wonderful asset to our birth team! After we spoke with Annamarie, she recommended Mayra for us and we are SO grateful! She is professional, personable, gentle, kind and so tremendously supportive. She was prompt and responsive each time we were in contact with her. As soon as she arrived at our birth, she made positive recommendations and suggestions which were very helpful for managing active contractions! She was so respectful and cooperative with the medical team. Her calm presence and attentive nature helped to make our birth a wonderful experience. She was always positive and clearly enjoys what she does! Mayra comes highly recommended!!”

“We loved working with Mayra because she is very knowledgeable about different birth philosophies and birthing techniques and patiently guided us through all of the questions we had as first time parents. But most importantly, we appreciated her warmth and kindness when we came across unexpected challenges. We were hoping for a home birth but were transferred to a hospital because the baby was breach. Mayra stayed with us the entire time dealing with the hospital bureaucracy and made sure our birth plan was carried out. It is so vital to have someone you can trust and rely on in the most difficult moments. Mayra was that person for us.”