We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shai Guidry a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shai thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

Intimate Birthing LLC was ultimately founded because of my passion women’s health, the reproductive system, pregnant women, and newborn babies. The name ‘Intimate Birthing’ was created because of my unwavering belief that the birthing process is the most intimate experience that a birthing person/family can witness. I have held this passion for as long as I can remember. Initially, I wanted to become a Labor and Delivery nurse, or work in the neonatal department, but as I have grown, I have learned that the more holistic path of childbirth is what I desire to be a part of. I knew becoming a doula/student midwife would be worthwhile because even when I considered changing career paths for reasons such as better pay, childbirth was always what I resulted back to in some way, shape, or form. I truly believe that homebirths/birthing centers are the safest way for low risk mothers to give birth. These environments are more conducive to a relaxing, stress free experience, allowing them to exercise bodily autonomy, which is what most mothers prefer. This space also has a more intimate feeling which allows the birthing team to solely focus on the birthing person and their support system, allowing their concerns and desires to be heard. What got me most excited about this idea is the fact that I know that because birth work in all facets is truly a passion of mine, I am operating at my fullest potential at all times.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am married mother of 4 biological children and 3 beautiful bonus babies. I got into this business 1, because of my own traumatic birthing experiences, and 2, because I wanted to be a part of the solution in helping decrease the mortality rate of black and brown mothers and infants. I want to provide mothers and families with the best support, comfort measures and knowledge possible. I am very invested in this line of work and I know I have what it takes to make a difference in the lives of the families I assist. What I believe sets me apart from others is that I WILL NEVER pretend to know it all. I am constantly learning, reading material, gaining more knowledge, and shadowing whoever I can that is more experienced than I. I believe that people do a great disservice to their clients by pretending to know it all. This is an ever changing field and you will always be faced with new challenges and the unknown. I believe in being honest with my clients about my level of expertise, and learning along with them as needed. I believe this is the best way for me to have an open, honest, and transparent relationship with my clients.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time when I had to pivot in my business is when I gave birth to my youngest son. Postpartum, also referred to as the 4th trimester, is the time period immediately following bringing baby earth side. That time should be spent with mom, dad, and baby learning each other, mom resting enough to allow her body to recover, and in house family bonding time. Because this is something that I preach to my clients, I had to take my own advice and do just that. During this period, I was able to exclusively breastfeed, bond with my baby, and allow my body the time and rest it needed to heal properly. Anything that I did pertaining to my business or birth work during this time period was all virtual.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

I don’t subscribe to the notion that once a contractual agreement is over, so is my relationship with said client. This work is all about building community. I am available for my clients/families for as long as I am needed. We keep in touch mostly via phone or social media. I love receiving pictures of the babies growing and the milestones they are crossing at any given time. Most of the time they start off as a client and end up as family.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.intimatebirthing.com
• Instagram: @intimate_birthing
• Twitter: Intimate_Birthing