About Maricar Hornilla, Postpartum Doula

in Northern Virginia

Founder of Along Came a Doula | Evidence-based, compassionate care.


YOUR POSTPARTUM DOULA Maricar With a lifetime of hands-on experience in working with children, I have the knowledge and compassion to exceed expectations by providing the professional support new families seek. I discovered my strong passion for supporting mothers and children while working at an Ob/Gyn office in the Bay Area of San Francisco. I knew immediately that this work was my calling and was inspired to build a career for myself by supporting growing families. On the path to where I am today, I began working part-time as an Early Childhood Educator at a child development center. The director of operations saw great potential in me, and asked me to move into a permanent full time position. After gathering more than twenty years of experience nurturing and teaching children from infancy to first grade, I brought my wisdom and expertise to the field of postpartum doula work. My educational background includes a B.A. in Family Studies, Consumer Science with an emphasis in Nutrition, Certifications in Early Childhood Education, Postpartum Doula training, and as a Baby Signs® Instructor. I was born in San Francisco, CA and then moved to San Diego where I spent more than 10 years. Seeking a change of scenery, I moved to the East Coast and currently reside in Northern Virginia. My hobbies include outdoor activities, cooking, baking, dancing, watching movies, football, basketball, baseball, spending quality time with family, friends, and FaceTiming with my amazing niece and nephew back home.

More about your postpartum doula

Maricar

With a lifetime of hands-on experience working with children, I bring both knowledge and heart to the families I support. I understand the joys and challenges of welcoming a newborn baby, and my goal is to provide the compassionate, professional support that new parents deserve.


Supporting mothers and families has always been at the heart of who I am. My passion grew even stronger while working in the back office of an OB/GYN office in San Francisco, where I saw how meaningful guidance and care during pregnancy and postpartum can be for moms.


Before becoming a postpartum doula, I spent more than 20 years as an Early Childhood Educator, teaching and caring for children from infancy through first grade. Those years taught me patience, understanding, how to support parents through big transitions, and skills that naturally led me to postpartum care.


Today, I bring together my experience, education, and love for this work to help parents feel supported, confident, and at ease during those first weeks of postpartum.


My education background includes a B.A. in Family Studies,with an emphasis in Nutrition, certifications in Early Childhood Education, Postpartum Doula training, and as a Baby Signs® instructor.


I'm originally from San Francisco, and spent many years in San Diego before making my way to the East Coast, where I now call Northern Virginia my home. When I'm not supporting families, I find joy in life's simple pleasures- spending time outdoors, cooking, baking, unwinding with a good movie or TV show. I'm also a big sports fan and love cheering on my favorite football, basketball, and baseball teams. But above all, my heart is happiest when I'm spending quality time with my loved ones.



While you care for baby, I care for you.

Bringing your baby home is life changing, and it can feel overwhelming. Your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and you’re adjusting to sleepless nights and round-the-clock care. On top of that, there’s trying to figure out breastfeeding, managing postpartum emotions, and everything else that comes with a newborn.


If there was ever a time to have extra support, it’s now.


As your postpartum doula, I’m here to help you recover, rest, and feel cared for.


That might look like:


  • Preparing nutritious postpartum meals to support your healing and energy.
  • Assisting with newborn care so you can take an uninterrupted nap.
  • Folding baby laundry while you soak in precious moments with your little one.
  • Providing basic breastfeeding support.
  • Holding space for you as you process your birth experience and emotions.


Your postpartum recovery matters. You deserve nurturing care, emotional support, and practical help so you can show up for your baby feeling confident and rested.


Let’s make sure you get the support you need to thrive in this transition. Reach out today to learn how I can support you.


Schedule a Consultation
While you care for baby, I care for you. You're going through a life transition, to say the least. Your body has changed, your responsibilities are new, and you're eager to get to know your little one. On top of that you're figuring out breastfeeding, navigating hormonal shifts, and carrying a lot more than you did just a few days ago. If there has ever been a time you need help managing everything, this might be it. One of the most difficult parts of entering motherhood is that it’s hard to plan for- you don’t know what type of help will be best. With a postpartum doula you will have help at the ready - no matter what that looks like. Postpartum doulas can take care of basic household tasks like laundry, giving you a chance to bond with your baby. Or, they can take a night shift with the baby so you can catch up on sleep. A postpartum doula can also lend a listening ear to help you process a birth story or ensure your mental state is stable. Whatever help you may need, I am here for you.

Postpartum Doula Support in Ashburn, VA and surrounding cities, as well as virtual support nationwide

My Passion + Purpose IS YOU

After giving birth to a baby and bringing them home, having an exceptional support system is one of the most important and unfortunately overlooked pieces of the puzzle. I never want  anyone to feel like they're failing as parents. Parenting can be hard and the transition into it doesn't have to be so difficult. That's where I come in! Parents don't have to do it alone!

More About Working with Me

  • How do you tailor support for each family?

    Every home, every baby, every recovery is different. I begin with a conversation and customize care based on your needs, preferences, and rhythms. 

  • Can we meet before hiring you?

    Absolutely. I offer a free discovery call to make sure we're a good fit. 

  • Do you offer virtual care if I’m not local?

    Yes. If we can’t meet in person, we can still work together. Virtual support means you’ll still feel heard, cared for, and guided through these early days. My goal is to meet your needs, wherever you’re at, even from a distance.

Mom and Baby. Client Review: After our first child was born, Maricar supported us tremendously. She addressed our questions and concerns, and gave us the confidence of how to care for our newborn. I appreciated her time and support when I was getting acclimated into motherhood. She understood my needs even when not asked, and trusted her skillset in caring for our daughter. -Rina Jo H.
After our first child was born, Maricar supported us tremendously. She addressed our questions and concerns, and gave us the confidence of how to care for our newborn. I appreciated her time and support when I was getting acclimated into motherhood. She understood my needs even when not asked, and trusted her skillset in caring for our daughter.

-Rina Jo H.

Explore postpartum doula services in Ashburn,Virginia, surrounding cities and virtual support nationwide.

If you're ready for the care you deserve, book a free discovery call today! During your consultation we'll chat about how you can benefit from personalize postpartum doula support and answer any question you have.