Today we’d like to introduce you to Shardae Herriford.
Hi Shardae, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve always had an interest in science, medicine, community, and public health initiatives since an early age. I use to watch M.A.S.H. with my mom on TV land, while she would tell me stories of her experiences working in the hospital. A school-based organization, Future Nurses facilitated by our school nurse Gretchen Barrow provided me with my first opportunity to volunteer weekly at my local hospital in Detroit, MI at the age of fourteen. During the span of our program, she helped us implement annual blood drives, and medical fundraiser events at school to promote health and wellness. We worked with the American Red Cross, pharmacies, medical offices, etc. These experiences confirmed my love for helping people during their most vulnerable times, as a true caregiver. This space allowed me to expand my interest in medicine. In my junior year of high school, I was accepted to a trade-school program at Crockett Career Technical Center in Sports Medicine/ Physical Therapy. Through this opportunity, I was able to attend Osteochamps for a medical summer camp at Michigan State University, now my alma mater twice over. I graduated with a double Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and Human Biology and a minor in Theatre. During that time, I joined Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and Minority Association for Pre-medical students. Later on, I received my Master of Science in Chemical Biology from the University of Michigan. Since the beginning of my healthcare career, I’ve worked with hospitals, clinics, and communities-based organizations. Such as the AIDS Network, American Breast Cancer, March of Dimes, etc. Over the years, my experiences have allowed supporting hospice patients, nursing homes, and children with disabilities, volunteering with autopsies, medical-surgical units, patient safety, rehabilitation medicine, etc.
Since adolescence, I’ve been great with babies! What’s exciting is that for the past 6+ years, my joy has been caring for mothers and babies. Talk about full circle! I was already being prepared for the spaces to assist before I knew what my personal legend was. I have vast knowledge and experience in these healthcare units; such as Mother Baby, Special Care Nurseries, Neonatal Intensive Care Units, and Pediatrics. Working with groups of moms, babies, and children in varying support roles, was the catalyst in pursuit to solidify my dreams. Through my efforts, The Baby Bond: Birth & Beyond emerged to promote sustainable development goals. Utilizing skills and advocacy on clinical and educational experience to decrease maternal and infant mortality and morbidity rates; while providing holistic and wellness services to individuals and families. Thus, I’ve established local and national partnerships with Birth Detroit and Black Mother Breastfeeding Association organizations. In addition to an international partnership with Outcast Activist Forum in Uganda East Africa, through my nonprofit The Bonding Experience Perinatal Wellness Center.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I think people glamorize success; they never talk about their downfalls. I don’t mind sharing my failures, they have made me and continuously molded me into the woman that I am today. I was born to a single teen mom, stepping up as the oldest to assist in raising my younger siblings. I didn’t score well on the standardized test due to the lack of educational resources provided throughout the Public School system. Although there are resources available if someone isn’t properly taught how to effectively learn and search for information, how can they apply them? I’ve experienced many things in my life such as scholastic barriers being a Black woman in STEM, the passing of my mom, and a lack of financial support. These things have tested my endurance, drive, and grit. However, no matter the challenges, I preserved to be the woman I am today.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Baby Bond: Birth & Beyond. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I’m the Founder/CEO of The Baby Bond: Birth & Beyond. As a Perinatal Wellness Specialist, I’m redefining the perinatal experience through health and wellness services to new, expecting, and seasoned birthing persons. I support families navigating their birthing journey and adjusting to their new – “normal”. I provide uplifting, quality, and nurturing care; loving each family like my own. I specialize in transformative postpartum, advocacy and resources for birthing persons from conception through one year of age. My services include but are not limited to postpartum doula services, placenta encapsulation, and postpartum mood anxiety disorders. In addition, to human milk feeding, lactation counseling, childbirth education, etc. Pretty much anything surrounding positive, safe, and adequate support for birthing persons and babies! I’m known to my close friends, family, and co-workers as the “Baby Lady” or “Baby Whisper” because I can settle babies that fall to sleep quickly. They are really smart and have very vibrant personalities at day one of birth!
What sets me apart?
I’m an accomplished speaker, avid seeker of knowledge, world traveler, and wellness life coach. My visionary perspective allotted me an opportunity to speak at a community baby shower hosted by a Forbes list recipient. Immersed in community health & public service for 18+ years my passion thrives through caring for people as they overcome challenges in the most vulnerable times of their life. From hospital bedside patient care to scientific-based research in the lab. My empathetic nature allows connecting on an authentic and intimate level. With global impact in mind, as an Evidence-Based Birth Professional and a Know Your Rights Advocate. I assist with informed consent and ways to navigate your birth journey to transcend expectations. Aspiring to create a healthy lifestyle balance that prioritizes well-being and celebrates all aspects of your true self. I’m most proud of the rebranding my social media presence is undergoing. This allows me to connect, educate and support those who are on their birthing journey. I will be hosting weekly lives, maternal and infant content, and future events people can attend.
I want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc.
I have plans to go live once a week on various maternal and infant information. Follow me on Twitter & Instagram (@thebabybond) for inspirational and educational content. I’m always working in the community and looking for other collaborations to increase awareness around perinatal health and wellness. Feel free to subscribe and follow The Baby Bond: Birth & Beyond on Spotify. Add the “Mindful Birth Affirmation” playlist, this will help you rewire your subconscious mind and empower you to bring your baby earthside! Thank you for reading my story. I hope it inspires you to keep going! Always!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting?
Life truly comes full circle. Trust the process! This might sound cliche, but everyone does not have it all figured out. Authenticity prevails, always be yourself. It’s okay to be different, that makes you stand out among the crowd. Pay it forward, if one person helps three people it becomes a ripple effect, and they in turn will do the same. For example, if you donate to a nonprofit or assist an elderly person with their groceries to the car. Good energy will return to you. Manifest the life you want. Gain knowledge by reading and researching things you don’t understand. Challenges will come in life, it is your drive that will determine tenacity. Meet new people, and encourage yourself by journaling, leaving sticky notes around the house, or a monthly vision board. Check-in on yourself weekly with self-care and brainstorming ways to improve your life overall. You got this! I love this quote; I will leave it with you. “Nothing is Impossible because the word itself says I’m- possible! – Audrey Hepburn.
Pricing:
- Postpartum Doula Comfort Support Starting at $40
- Perinatal Wellness Premier Services $200-$1000
- Placenta Encapsulation Specialist Services starting varies on location $275-400
- Individual, Group, or Refresher Child Birth Education Session $150- $500
- Human Milk & Lactation Counseling & Education Services $95
Contact Info:
- Website: thebabybond.org
- Instagram: https://www.
instagram.com/_thebabybond/ - Facebook: https://www.
facebook.com/TheBabyBond - Twitter: https://twitter.com/
thebabybond - Spotify: https://open.spotify.
com/playlist/ 0L8bQW4SJuYg8NejDs3Gd8 - Other: https://linktr.ee/
TheBabyBond_BirthBeyond
