Peace, my name is Shantique Smith-Hayes and I am a Certified Holistic Birth and Postpartum Doula in Milwaukee, WI. I am the Wife to an amazing Husband, and Mother of two lovely Daughters- ages 8 and almost 3. In my free time I love to lay out on my couch, in front of my big patio windows, cup of tea in hand, sun beaming, watching Nature do its thing. I enjoy traveling, reading books that make me feel good, painting, letting my inner child shine, and indulging in flavorful foods– Soul Food, Jamaican Food, Carribean Food, Mexican Food, you name it! I am authentically and purposefully myself. I take pride in having such a bright, Sunflower Aura.
My philosophy is that every mother and baby, regardless of circumstances at time of conception, should have access to quality, personal, supportive care. As a Holistic Doula, my approach to pregnancy and childbirth recognizes that a woman's body is naturally designed to conceive, nourish, and give birth to their baby(ies). Our wombs are our centers and do far more than produce babies: they give birth to the power in us.
I am a firm believer that the more you know, the less you fear. In my practice, I review the different phases of labor, positioning of baby and pain management techniques to help cope with the discomforts of contractions. I educate women of their birthing rights and help create an individualized birth plan, ensuring that they feel confident advocating for themselves and their healthy birthing experience. I offer 1:1 individualized prenatal wellness education on topics such as: prenatal care, pregnancy related physical and emotional changes, childbirth, breastfeeding, postpartum changes, parenting roles, and newborn care and safety. My doula work involves gentle practices such as breathwork and gentle stretching, utilizing herbal medicine, taking meditative walks in nature, intuitive painting, aromacaress therapy with infused oils and essential oils, and gentle womb massages. Each of these practices has a unique way of showing us who we really are- unmasked, vulnerable, courageous and bold. These practices equip women with the tools necessary for a safe, successful and memorable pregnancy and birthing experience; all of which in turn reduces the risk of undesirable pregnancies and birth outcomes in black maternal health.