Mary Rudd, CD (DONA) (PALS) Photo

Mary Rudd, CD (DONA) (PALS)

The Merry Doula

Bellevue, WA Service range 15 miles no ferries

http://www.merrydoula.com

Birth Fee

$1500 to $1900

Birth Fee

$1500 to $1900


Birth Doula Experience

5 years and 200 births attended


Birth Doula Certifications

  • DONA International - Certified Birth Doula
  • Pacific Association for Labor Support (PALS) - Certified Doula

Doula Training

  • DONA International-Approved Workshop, June 2017
  • Big Belly Services, November 2018

Type of practice: Solo practice

Clients per month: 1 to 3

Attends hospital births? All Hospitals

Attends birth center births? All Birth Centers

Attends home births? Any Home Birth


Special Services Offered

  • Babywearing education
  • Photography - Birth
  • Reduced rates for women considering adoption
  • Satellite doula (for remote and rural clients)
  • TENS units rental

Relevant volunteer or advocacy work

Birth Assistant

Languages Spoken

  • English

Fee Details

I offer sliding scale options for those who are having difficulty affording a doula. Please contact me for details. Extra training on breastfeeding, Rebozo, and attended a Spinning Babies workshop. Package includes: on call for two weeks before due date until baby is born, two prenatal visits, two postpartum visits and customization based on your needs.

Service Area

Bellevue, WA Service range 15 miles no ferries

Certifications for Mary Rudd, CD (DONA) (PALS)

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Certification

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Client Testimonials for Mary Rudd, CD (DONA) (PALS)

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Dee

1/3/2023

Mary was exceptional. Great communication throughout the process. She really helped me advocate for myself when I wanted a lower dose of pitocin for my induction. If you're considering a doula, hire Mary, you will not regret it. 

Sarah

12/31/2021

I was so grateful to have Mary as my doula! She was very respectful of me, my family, our birth, and our space (we had a home birth and asked her for additional service as a postpartum doula). She was very in tune with my needs and often knew what I needed before I did. It was such a blessing to be able to focus on my body and birthing my baby and answer questions with yes or no than to try to tell others what I needed or even try to figure out what would be helpful. 

Meredith H

12/10/2021

Mary was an adaptive, supportive doula who I would highly recommend. She worked with me when I had my second baby. 

She met me where I was at - I didn't need as much education on my options since this was my second baby but really needed someone to affirm and refine my plans before birth, help during the most intense stages of labor and delivery, and then help me process it all afterwards. 

My partner said his stress melted away when Mary arrived at the hospital. She did a great job supporting him through my labor and helping him know more ways to help me. 

My labor happened fast and she dove right into support the moment she arrived. (She also gives the best back massages - this was the best relief during labor!)

The post partum visit was my favorite.  I really wanted help processing the birth experience and Mary had great insights to share as we talked through it while giving me space to share what was on my mind. I'm sure she could have helped with more hands on baby / recovery things but she was willing to go right where I needed. 

Vanessa

12/2/2021

Where to even begin! I had interviewed a few other doulas prior to my meet and greet with Mary, and just didn't connect with them as I had hoped to. Within the first few minutes of talking with Mary, I knew I had found my doula! I told my husband that evening that I was done and I was sending the deposit! It was like catching up with an old friend. I felt instantly at ease and connected to her, and like she knew exactly what I woul need in my pregnancy and labor. She kept in contact throughout my pregnancy and spent well over an hour at each of our prenatal visits guiding my husband and myself through what we may expect, ways to cope, and how to prepare. No one else spent this much time helping me get ready for this huge event. She really went above and beyond in answering all of my questions and preparing me as best she could. Mary has this way of making you feel loved, seen, and heard and will do everything in her power to make sure that your needs are met. When my water broke, Mary was the first person I called, not my midwives! She made the trek to our house and labored with us at home while providing all the needed support. She joined us at the birth center, and while I love my husband dearly and he helped me tremendoulsy, I really don't think I could have had the natural birth that I had without Mary by my side. She kept me grounded and brought me back when I was letting my fear in. She guided my husband in ways that he could support me, and got along perfectly with my midwives. She truly was my rock. I know that every birth can be so different, but Mary (if she doesn't retire before I'm done having babies!) will always be my constant. Do yourself a favor and bring this incredible women onto your birth team. You will not regret it! 

Daviana

8/23/2021

I didn't know the role I hoped a doula would play in my home birth as a first time mom. I only knew that statistics were on my side if I hired one, as I hoped to avoid interventions if at all possible. Luckily for me, Mary knew exactly what I needed, and I am so happy I found her. Mary has an expert array of natural pain management techniques and she kept me moving throughout labor. Time passed quickly, and I know my labor was shorter for her suggestions. She knew when to offer encouragement and when to offer comfort, and I delivered my perfect baby boy calmly and without fear. I highly recommend Mary to assist you with any type of birth plan you choose - you will be so happy you did! Wishing anyone reading this a safe, positive and beautiful birth. 

Ally

7/20/2021

Hiring Mary as our doula was so helpful for easing my anxiety of giving birth and having her there for supporting me and my husband was incredibly valuable. She helped make my birth experience a special one. This was our first and Mary was very helpful with answering all our questions as well as preparing us for the delivery. She was quick to respond and we appreciated her support for all the decisions we made for our birth plans. I highly recommend Mary! 

Lisa D.

6/9/2021

I highly recommend Mary! Mary is very kind, comforting, resourceful, and knowledgeable - she enabled me to have the natural birth I wanted, which I definitely would not have been able to do without her!

It has always been my goal to have an unmedicated birth, so my midwives recommended that I hire a doula. We interviewed a few, and were the most comfortable with Mary, as she was very knowledgeable and approachable. Before the birth, we had two sessions with Mary to discuss expectations for the actual birth day. We also discussed how to prepare, and what to expect postpartum - covering these topics was extremely helpful. 

For the actual labor, we called Mary when contractions were becoming very painful. With Mary, and the TENS unit, we were able to safely labor at home until 8 cm. Mary was very good at coaching us throughout labor, and providing options for different positions, making sure we were nourished, and keeping the energy calm. 

After labor, Mary did a home visit, and it was wonderful discussing how the labor went, and talking about the latest challenges with giving birth. Mary instilled us with confidence, and we highly recommend her. 

Mary Mann

10/1/2020

It was so wonderful working with Mary. From our first conversation over the phone, I felt like I was talking to a dear, trusted friend. I felt confident working with Mary, not just because of her experience as a doula and birth assistant, but because she was so easy to talk to, and I felt at peace knowing she would be a great addition to my care team and would respect my wishes and advocate for me. I birthed at a birthing center, so I knew having the right people to support me and help me stay motivated was very important, and Mary did just that. She helped me stay in the game, and I can look back at the day my baby boy was born as a beautiful experience, thanks to Mary and her loving, encouraging, and positive support. 

Yoko

9/17/2020

Hiring Mary was the best decision we made during my pregnancy. I had an unmedicated labor and delivery, and could not have done it without her. 

At first I wasn't sure if I wanted a doula, but after meeting Mary I felt extremely comfortable having her present for the birth. She caught on quickly to how I was feeling during each stage of labor without me having to explain (which I couldn't have done, anyway). She was also very attentive and well prepared, including having a battery-powered fan, which was crucial to my comfort.

I especially appreciated her help after the delivery. She stayed with us at the hospital for a few hours, making sure I was able to eat, rest, and providing help with initial breastfeeding. As a first time mom, I felt overwhelmed, and Mary helped ease all my concerns.

We look forward to working with Mary again in the future!

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A Husband's Perspective: Mary was the MVP for us during our delivery. She helped me provide effective support to my wife through each stage of labor, including suggestions of when to change laboring positions, coping strategies, and when to simply be silent. Mary also took many wonderful photos, leaving me to be fully present with my wife throughout the entire labor and delivery. It took a few weeks before my wife wanted to even look at the pictures, but now we cherish having them. Thanks, Mary!

Erin

9/16/2020

We loved having Mary as our doula. She was wonderful. My birth didn't go as planned and she was so great about helping us to adapt with the circumstances. We even had a scary moment when my son's heartbeat spiked and dropped rapidly due to the pitocin they gave me. She was right there helping my mom to stay calm while the nurses stopped the meds and moved me to a better position to help our son. Everything worked out in the end. We are so happy with Mary's service to us and will for sure be calling her again when we have our next baby.

Kirat

2/21/2020

I worked with Mary with my first baby. She is the sweetest and very compassionate and I loved having her by my side. Its anothwe story that my labour went super fast and we couldn't do any of what we were practicing or planning but she still came to the hospital and took beautiful pics of my delivery which I will cherish forever. 
Her post partum support was amazing and she helped me cry my heart out when struck with baby blues and gave me books and methods to help get out of that mental state. 
I would highly recommend Mary to anyone looking for doula services. You ll be in good hands! 

Georgia

2/19/2020

From even the very first meeting Mary was open, encouraging and so easy to talk to. She listened patiently to our wish list and hopes for the birth, and added warmth to our plans. On the day I went into labor she met us at the birth center and did a great job of assisting me, my partner and the midwives. She was ready to jump in wherever she was needed most. I felt stronger in doing what I needed to do and was able to relax and focus with her help. I can't imagine having done it without her A) never give birth without a doula B) Mary was the best!

 

Felicia Gendro

2/19/2020

I met Mary when I was pregnant with my second baby.  I planned on going natural with my firstborn but I ended up getting an epidural. So I was wanting very badly to have my second naturally. Mary is very tender and kind hearted. She was organized in her work and very honest. She always asked me what I wanted out of my labor so she could best help me. When I finally went into labor she was there as soon as I asked her to be. She didn't leave my side through the whole process. She Was so amazing! One thing I'll never forget was her telling me to relax after each contraction. I didn't realize I was even still tense. So that helped me a lot.  She also took pictures of my daughter being born and put into my arms. Which I wouldn't have if she didn't take the time to do! I was very happy with her work and I would recommend her to any mom wanting a doula!

Melania Wallis

3/8/2019

Having Mary be part of the birth of our third daughter was one of the best decisions my husband and I made. I didn’t even consider using a doula for my first two children, but I felt that extra support and someone to advocate for me would be much needed and appreciated this third time around, and that’s exactly what Mary provided. She was there for me, exactly when I needed her, giving me support, suggestions, and both physical and mental strength. She made requests for things to be brought to our hospital room, such as a peanut ball, step stool, etc. She brought her doula bag with some equipment that truly helped me with contractions, especially during the hardest moments of laboring. Her words of encouragement, her humor, her help with positions and exercises during labor, her feet and back massages during the hardest moments, and above all, her profound respect for me and the decisions I made along the way, made her and her presence at such a crucial time in our lives very valuable. The pictures that she took are priceless! And our postpartum appointment in which we were able to reflect and talk about the whole experience was very special. I love having had a third person there to witness and remember what happened on that special day. It can be hard for mom to remember every single detail when under so many feelings and emotions! With no doubt, I would highly recommend hiring Mary as your doula! You will be so grateful that you did. 

Tory Walker

9/20/2018

Mary was absolutely amazing! My husband and I were on the fence about getting a doula. We just weren't sure if we would really want a stranger with us the entire time at the hospital, whether we would really need her, and if it would be worth the cost. However, we both agreed afterwards that, out of all the decisions/preparations/purchases we made in preparing for having our baby, hiring Mary was definitely the best! We waited until less than a month before my due date to hire her, and she was very flexible about fitting us into her schedule and finding time for 2 prenatal visits. Those were really wonderful opportunities for us to get to know her, talk about our hopes and plans, and for her to introduce us to some strategies/tools/positions that we could try out during labor. My labor ended up being very fast and going well, but it was absolutely invaluable to have Mary there the whole time. I felt a little better as soon as she arrived. She listened, made suggestions, asked questions, gave me physical supports, talked me through contractions and pushing, and just had a calm and reassuring authority that helped me so much. The labor and birth was so overwhelming and fast that we didn't use a lot of the strategies we had prepared, but I was still so grateful just to have her there. It was also great to follow up with her afterwards for our postpartum visit and get to reflect on the whole experience with her. And she took some really wonderful pictures after the delivery that I didn't think I would really care about and now I am so glad to have to help me remember those moments! I would absolutely recommend her to anyone considering having a doula!

Birth Availability for Mary Rudd, CD (DONA) (PALS)

= Available. Calendar last updated: 03-08-2024