Aloha! My name is Tyra Fonseca-Smith, born and raised in Puʻuloa, Oʻahu and I currently reside in the ahupuaʻa of Aiea, on the island of Oʻahu with my ‘ohana. I am a wife and māmā of 2 daughters, Emalani & Kapuahālaʻi. I love spending time with my ʻohana at the beach, eating delicious foods, and hula. From a young age I loved babies and taking care of others and I have had the opportunity to grow up around amazing women and mothers. I began my birth work experience as a lactation counselor in 2017 and after the birth of my hiapo (eldest child) I was inspired to become a Birth and postpartum doula. ʻAʻole pau ka ʻike i ka hālau hoʻokahi; knowledge does not come from one school. - Mary Kawena Pukui (ʻŌlelo Noʻeau) From my personal and educational experiences I see the importance of culturally relevant and relatable supportive care during the sacred time of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. When mothers are treated with the care they deserve, keiki and the entire ʻohana benefit from it. Being grounded in generational traditions, new traditions, ʻāina (land), and strong pilina (connections) are also vital during this time and it is an honor to serve families through that journey. As an Indigenous Lactation Counselor, birth doula (DONA trained) and Postpartum Doula. I aim to support and uplift ʻohana in their birth, breastfeeding and postpartum experiences. I truly believe that a supported birth and postpartum experience has positive impacts on this and future generations to come. Hoʻomaikaʻi (congratulations) to your ʻohana during a magical and sacred time! Mahalo nui!

Aloha! Mahalo for giving me the opportunity to be apart of your birth/ postpartum experience. I am excited to be on this sacred journey with you and your beautiful growing family. I look forward to meeting you soon!