Meet the incredible Mary Panico. She is a professional and passionate postpartum doula, eager to support and inspire you on this incredible life phase. Mary shares how she embraced this meaningful role and why she chose to specialize as a postpartum doula.

 

As a postpartum doula, my passion of serving and supporting mothers and families began after having my first son. I remember the time after giving birth and all the emotions that came into play: the intense joy, that sense of awe, and the shifting of moods with hormonal imbalances. In that time, I had strong feelings of being lost and overwhelmed. It was not until I was able to identify that I had severe postpartum depression that I had a sense of understanding what I was experiencing in my season of postpartum with my first son.

My husband and I have been blessed with two boys, ages 11 years old and 8 years old. When we welcomed our second, I was better equipped to identify and manage should I experience postpartum depression, but had a much better experience with the support of family and friends. Unfortunately, I was unaware of a postpartum doula through my season of having children, but a few years later a dear friend introduce me to the term and later leading me here today!

My desire is to assist and help new mothers navigate the postpartum season. Through my experience and training, supporting mothers in understanding the postpartum period with the unexpected and helping to create a space that allows for them to heal and bond is my greatest focus. It is truly an honor to be welcomed into such a vulnerable time, I am blessed by those I walk alongside while hoping to leave a lasting impression on those as well.

The largest reason I get to do what I do is because of my faith and God leading me into the many lives I have walked alongside so far. It is truly my heart to serve our Lord with my heart and hands. When I'm not busy enjoying my family, I love reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.

 

Top Recommended Resources:

  • La Leche League (wonderful information on breastfeeding)

  • Hello Postpartum (website that's all about the postpartum period)

  • Local moms group. l always like to encourage moms to find one so they can meet up with others who are going though the same thing.

"I can do all things through Christ which gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13

Trainings:
DONA International for Postpartum Doula

What was your biggest take away from doula training?

The biggest thing that I took away from my training is that just how complex the postpartum period can be. So many are unaware of all the trials, emotions and frustrations that can occur after giving birth.

Why should a client hire you?

Because I myself have experienced postpartum depression, I am passionate about helping mammas heal both emotionally and physically after birth. Every woman deserves a wonderful postpartum experience and I strive to do everything in my power to see that they do. I treat every baby as if it were my own.

Number one birth and postpartum book recommendation?

I would say that my number one recommendation would be "Your Baby's First Year" from the American Academy of Pediatrics. It walks you through each month on what to expect, and has so much information on a whole variety of topics. Very practical and easy to read. It It's great especially for first time parents!

What are some fun facts about you?

I come from a huge family: I have 9 siblings, 9 aunts & uncles, 77 cousins and 44 second cousins!

My favorite movie is A Walk to Remember (I'm a sucker for chick flicks haha)!

I'm an avid reader of historical fiction and love nothing better than to hang out at the library and bookstores.

Currently Serving | Postpartum Clients located in Tarrant County & Parker County