BALTIMORE, MD — A Crofton-based couple behind a fraudulent doula service operation has been ordered to pay more than $665,000 in penalties and restitution after scamming dozens of expectant and new parents out of thousands of dollars, Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today.
The Consumer Protection Division of the Office of the Attorney General issued a Final Order against Heather and Ryan Delaney, owners of Maryland State Doulas, LLC, for violating the Maryland Consumer Protection Act. The company sold a wide range of support services for pregnant and postpartum parents — many of which were never delivered.
According to the Division, the Delaneys collected advance payments, failed to provide the promised services, refused to issue refunds, and even sent fake refund receipts. In multiple cases, they charged unauthorized fees and used client money for personal expenses — including luxury items like Disney vacations, golf outings, and retail shopping.
“Expectant and new parents trusted Maryland State Doulas to provide them with much-needed support… but Heather and Ryan Delaney instead pocketed their money and failed to provide the services they promised,” said Attorney General Brown. “This case sends a clear message that our Office will not tolerate businesses that prey on trusting families during one of life’s most important moments.”
Services Promised, But Rarely Delivered
The Delaneys advertised and sold services such as:
- Pregnancy, labor, and postpartum support
- Overnight doula services
- Sibling care and lactation support
- Placenta encapsulation services
While consumers paid up front, the Division found that many received little or none of the contracted services. In some cases, customers reported waiting months for responses or refunds, only to receive false promises or bogus refund confirmations.
Fraudulent Credentials and Misrepresentation
In addition to financial misconduct, the Delaneys also misrepresented their qualifications, claiming that Heather Delaney and others on staff had certifications and training they did not possess. This deception misled families into trusting the company with critical health-related services.
Legal Consequences and Consumer Protection Measures
The Final Order mandates that:
- The Delaneys pay $606,500 in penalties.
- They return all funds collected for unprovided services — a restitution sum currently totaling at least $60,877.61 to 29 identified consumers.
- They are prohibited from accepting payments in advance unless they post a $250,000 surety bond with the Consumer Protection Division.
The case was supported by evidence and testimony from 45 former customers, many of whom shared similar experiences of broken promises, unauthorized charges, and emotional stress during pregnancy and postpartum.
What Affected Consumers Can Do
Consumers who believe they were harmed by Maryland State Doulas or similar services are encouraged to contact the Consumer Protection Division’s Health Education and Advocacy Unit at (410) 528-1840.
For more information, visit www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov.
