from survival to sustainability
 
 

Mary killeen pEña

Postpartum Doula

 

Dyad Doula Services is owned and operated by Mary Killeen Peña.

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

Mary has witnessed the journey of countless families up close in her career as an early childhood educator, nanny, and camp counselor for the last eighteen years. In these caregiving roles, Mary 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, Mary knew she needed to meet them at the beginning of their journey together.

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

When Mary is not working, she is usually watching reality tv, doing science experiments or art projects with her two kids, reading (nonfiction, usually), or at a Seattle Storm game.

Training and Education

  • MA in English Literature and Writing Studies (California State University, Bakersfield)

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

  • Community Supported Postpartum Workshop (Kerry Ingram, 2021)

  • Mexican Birth Technologies and Rebozo History & Uses (Echeri International, 2021)

  • Supporting Muslim Families in the Age of Islamophobia (Haleema Bharoocha, 2019)

  • Sleep Savvy: The Art and Science of Breastfeeding and Sleep (Savvy Parenting Support, 2019)

  • Baby Wearing for Birth Professionals (Adapting to Love, 2019)

  • Barks and Babes: How to Prepare Your Dog For Baby (Dog’s Day Out Seattle, 2018)

  • Postpartum Doula Training (Bastyr University, 2018)

  • Certified Lactation Educator (Evergreen Perinatal Education, 2018)

  • Washington State Food Handler’s License

 
 

“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  /