The Doula Dames: Caring Companions

Cecilia has provided care for young children and infants for as long as she can recall. At age 14, she became the regular sitter for her infant niece and nephew. One year later she started offering overnight childcare services to her mothers' colleagues (healthcare professionals). By age 17, Cecilia was providing childcare on nights, weekends, and full time during the summer months for up to 9 children ranging in age from 1 month to 6 years old. This early introduction to working with young children and families guided Cecilia’s educational pathway for her undergraduate studies. In 1999, she began studying Child Development at Truman College Chicago. After transferring schools, she completed her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at Columbia University in 2008. 

 

Cecilia has worked with young children and families in a professional capacity since 2000. Her long-standing career has offered her the opportunity to provide care in a wide variety of settings. Over the last 20 years, Cecilia has worked as an infant classroom assistant teacher, lead preschool teacher, kindergarten teacher, nanny, house manager, and executive private chef. Cecilia’s diverse experiences working with infants, young children and families laid the foundation for her ever-growing interest in broadening her understanding of human development from preconception to postpartum.

 

In order to serve pregnant people and families in a more meaningful way, in 2017 Cecilia chose to pursue her passion for midwifery and midwifery education at Bastyr University. As a student midwife, she has had more than 3 years of clinical experience in addition to having attended and assisted in over 125 births. Additionally, Cecilia became a DONA trained Birth doula (2009), ICEA trained childbirth educator (2017), CAPPA trained postpartum doula (2019), Newborn Care Academy trained newborn care specialist (2020), Nationally Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (2020), Master of Science in Midwifery (2023). She has experience with singletons, multiples, preemies, and infants with special needs. 

 

Furthermore, Cecilia has earned an advanced certificate in Child Development, CPR, and First Aid certification at the healthcare provider level, neonatal resuscitation certification, California Certified Nursing Assistant licensure, and national certification as a licensed phlebotomist. She is also a California TrustLine registrant. 

 

Cecilia has more than 10 years of experience working with high-profile clients. She has a valid passport and is experienced in traveling with families both internationally and domestically. Cecilia is ready to rise to new challenges; problem solves complex and time-sensitive issues. Her attention to detail keeps her up to date and able to carry many tasks at once. She is eager to bring her skill set, knowledge base, and unique flair to your family as a postpartum care provider.