Meet Yolanda Washington | CEO, NCS, PPD, BD, LE, NP

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yolanda Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yolanda, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started my business because I was a young mother at the age of 19 and I did not have the resources to help me navigate having a baby. I lacked the support and information. My mother was there for each child but she could only help for a short period of time. She also did not breastfeed so she could not help me navigate the process. It turned out after having five children I still wasn’t knowledgeable about most things. I decided to help new mom’s and be that added support system. Understanding the small details are important. Sleep is important. I give families the gift of a good night’s rest. I call it a gift because sleep deprivation is one of the leading causes of postpartum depression. After starting my business as a Newborn Care Specialist I grew quickly and decided to open my own agency to help with the increase in my schedule. I was booking into the next year. Currently I am already booked into 2024. As I worked with families I learned what they needed and acquired the numerous certification to help educate them. Currently I am a CEO, Newborn Care Specialist, Postpartum Doula, Birth Doula, New Parent Educator, Lactation Educator, and First AId CPR Instructor. I will graduate with my Associates degree this weeked in Early Childhood Education. I educate my nannies and my parents. I have had businesses before, However this one gives me a purpose that I believe helps a lot of families.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Now You Lay Me Down to Sleep is a placement agency and training center. We help families find a good fit for their childcare needs. We vet each nanny and provide consulting services to our families. We also opened out training center two months ago. We teach First Aid CPR Classes, Lactation Education, My Newborn and Me Class to name a few. Our goal is to provide the education and support to parents as they navigate the journey of parenting. My journey was not and easy one. I left college at 19 to have my first child. I vowed to one day finish my college degree. While waiting for the right time to return to college I started small businesses to help contribute to our household. I was when I began working in the area of childcare I found my calling. I began working as a nanny in 2009. I quickly found that I loved working nights with the newborns and that spiraled into my own business. I love it. I realized I need to educate myself as much as possible to help the family who are relying on my expertise. After 35 years I made my way back to school to finish my associates degree with plans to acquire my doctored in the future. I attend school mainly online and took numerous trainings to increase my skills. As an african american female I have had plenty of challenges. However I found if one way doesn’t work then try another. Just don’t stop moving. I want the world to know that we have a passion for families and we are here to support them in every way. I am a firm believer in helping others. Find a need and fill it. This is what we are doing. There is a big need, Especially in my community. I almost lost my life after giving birth to my youngest son. It was one week after giving birth. My heart was 3 times it’s normal size. It was by the grace of God that I finally went to the hospital because I could not lay flat to sleep. I had no other symptoms and no ideal I was on the verge of dying. After one week in the hospital I was able to return home to my family and I still did not understand the magnitude of what I had just been through. It wasn’t until I shared my story with the many doctors I have had the privilege of working with. They were shocked at my casual description and began to educate me on the seriousness of my trauma. This is why I work as hard as I do. To educate and help my families get the help I did not have. Out of my 5 children and the loss of one I have had 4 traumatic births. Losing a baby is never easy. I had a silent miscarriage when I was 4 months pregnant. The lack of support was difficult. My family and husband did the best they could but none of us knew how to deal with it. My work is very important and we need more providers to help change some of the experiences around such a joyous time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my goodness! Having grown up in Colorado there are so many places to go! The mountains is a must. I grew up driving to the mountains and staying in Breckenridge. I don’t ski but love the town. We would go shopping in Silverthorne and then make our way to Colorado Springs. I remember planning a staycation with my family for the summer. We went to Colorado Spring and they were exhausted because I had dinner at the airplane restaurant, I hope that’s the name of it. It was an actual airplane. The Olympic training center, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, and The Broadmoor Seven Falls. We would have to make our way to the Royal Gorge Dinner Train! It’s a little drive but worth it. Back to Denver we would enjoy a meal at my favorite restaurant Guard and Grace, Pricey but worth it. I mean your in town for one week you might as well do it right. I love the aquarium. We have the best downtown! We would go to a Rockies game or a Nuggets game. I’m a big sports fan. We go across town to my favorite mexican restaurant Casa Vallarta. As you can see I am a bit all over the map. There is so much to do! We could go do a sip and paint at Different Strokes Paint n Sip Art Studio. Salsa dancing at La Rumba to finish the week. I love a variety of things and places.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First I am a firm believer in God and I wouldn’t be on this journey without my faith. My family has been a huge support. My husband and our five children. My mother and my sisters. My mentors and counselors that have supported me along the way. Giving me advice and listening to me vent when needed. Last but not least, my countless families and nannies I have had the joy of working with. They continue to keep me busy with their referrals. I don’t take this lightly. Without them I have no business. I am grateful for their trust.

Website: https://www.nowyoulaymedowntosleep.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nowyoulaymedowntosleep/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-washington-0a503591/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Infantsleeptraining