Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanille Bowens-Harris
Hi Shanille, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The vision for Naturally Nurtured Birth Services arose from not only my healthcare experiences as a black woman of six children, but my own experiences with reoccurring pregnancy loss and many years of tirelessly advocating for my self during difficult situations. I wanted others to have access to the type of support that made it possible to be comfortable and feel safe.
Creating a wellness safehaven is important in times where women feel bullied, unseen, unheard and disrespected by health care providers that are suppose to value our well-being and lives.
After founding Naturally Nurtured Birth Services in 2018 we remained mobile until 2024 when we opened the doors to our brick and mortar located near the Memphis International Airport. Later, I wanted to further the level of care offered within our collective, and began studying to certify as a midwife. I am excited to accept home birth clients and offer an out of hospital birth experience as an option to our clients.
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?
The road to finding a home for the Naturally Nurtured Collective wasn’t a smooth one. One of the biggest struggles was access to grants and funding to bring the vision I had to life. Being self funded with limited access to community and corporate sponsors has limited our reach at times, but we have remained steadfast with our focus remaining on closing gaps and positive health outcomes for birthing people and healthy, thriving babies.
As you know, we’re big fans of Naturally Nurtured Birth Services. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
At Naturally Nurtured Birth Services we specialize in offering a range of doula services, providing emotional, physical, and informational support during labor and birth. Our extended services include educational classes, trainings, mentorship, placenta encapsulation, belly binding and lactation counseling.
Our community closet through our charitable arm, is a resource for families in need of baby items, clothing, food, diapers, wipes, postpartum, and breastfeeding items.
While we support expanding families, what sets us apart is that we also offer free contraceptives for those who wish not to expand their family.
We are most proud of our relationships with other community partners and providers. Together, a bigger difference is achieved. We also value the reputation and trust we have built with the many families we have supported over the years. Our clients have remained family and we’re always one call (or text) away.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the Roseland area. I am the product of loving parents, a praying grandmother and a host of uncles, aunts and cousins. I grew up on a block where everyone was family and we stuck together. Growing up I was interested in cooking and gardening with my grandmother, collecting beanie babies (thanks to my father), and building tents and top secret clubs with friends. The 90’s was a time to be alive. We walked to the candy lady’s house for 50 cent Icee cups and penny candy, jumped rope in the street barefoot, drank from the water hose and played in the fire hydrant on hot summer days. Amongst all, I always had an interest in birth and was facinated when my grandmother would tell me stories. Those stories are engraved in my memory. I still carry them with me while attending births.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.naturallynurturedbirthservices.com
- Instagram: Naturallynurturedbirth
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17XwTihm5z/?mibextid=qi2Omg
- Twitter: BirthNurtured
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@naturallynurturedbirth?si=kenfO3-7QN__5Hco
