from survival to sustainability
 
 

Mary killeen pena

Postpartum Doula

 
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Dyad Parenting Support is owned and operated by Mary Killeen Pena.

I am drawn to this work because I believe that the way we birth and experience the postpartum period immeasurably affects our life, our children’s lives, and therefore, our entire communities. I want to live in a world with communities of people that take care of one another, build strong personal connections, and enjoy parenthood.

I have witnessed the journey of countless families up close in my career: I worked in early childhood education centers for ten years, and I was a babysitter, nanny, and camp counselor for almost fifteen years.

In these caregiving roles, I noticed a pattern: parents were trying to care for their children from a state of compounded stress that seemed to begin at their child’s birth. In order to support families from a more holistic approach, I had to meet them at the beginning of their journey together.

My role as your postpartum doula is to be your nonjudgmental advocate, your compassionate witness, and your experienced support person. I guide families to make decisions aligned with their integrity, in the hopes that they will experience joy and confidence.

I was born and raised in Seattle, WA. I am an AmeriCorps and University of Oregon alumna. I have a BA in English and Women and Gender Studies and am currently pursuing my MA in English.  I currently live with my husband and two children in Bakersfield, CA.

I received my Postpartum Doula training and Lactation Educator certification through Bastyr University in 2018.

Learn more and read verified testimonials on Google or on my DoulaMatch page.

Training and Education

  • BA in English Literature and BA in Women and Gender Studies (University of Oregon)

  • Postpartum Doula Training (Bastyr University)

  • Certified Lactation Educator (Evergreen Perinatal Education)

  • Baby Wearing for Birth Professionals (Adapting to Love)

  • Washington State Food Handler’s License

  • Barks and Babes: How to Prepare Your Dog For Baby (Dog’s Day Out Seattle)

  • Sleep Savvy: The Art and Science of Breastfeeding and Sleep (Savvy Parenting Support)

  • Supporting Muslim Families in the Age of Islamophobia (Haleema Bharoocha)

  • Mexican Birth Technologies and Rebozo History & Uses (Echeri International)

 
 

“I truly can’t imagine navigating the early weeks of life with a newborn without Mary. From the moment she began working with our family, there wasn’t a day that went by without either a new fear being neutralized or trick being taught that was a result of her extensive background, keen intuition and, above all else, kindness and understanding towards new parents and their children.”

/  Jennifer  /