Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyra Brown.
Hi Kyra, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into maternal and child health and birth work began long before I ever stepped into a classroom. I grew up in a big, close-knit family where caring for younger siblings, cousins, and babies was simply part of our daily rhythm. I was the designated family babysitter from a young age, and nurturing children has always felt natural to me. Being part of such a strong “village” also made me think deeply about the women, families, and caregivers who do not always have that same support, especially during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
That early foundation followed me into my academic and professional life. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of South Carolina in 2019 and later earned my Master of Public Health from Baylor University in 2022, with a concentration in Community Health. Through this work, I became even more committed to addressing the persistent disparities that impact minority and underserved communities. It is not only my goal, but also my responsibility, to connect women and families with resources that can genuinely benefit them while also acknowledging and addressing the socioeconomic factors and systemic barriers that limit access to healthcare, health education, and positive health outcomes.
I always knew I wanted to work in the field of public health, specifically focusing on improving the health outcomes of women and children. I envisioned myself in roles centered on program development and implementation, helping to improve systems, expand access, and uplift families through culturally informed education. At the same time, I felt called to be closer to the personal, hands-on side of care. I wanted to understand what families were experiencing in real time, not just from a policy or programmatic perspective. That desire eventually led me to birth work. I realized that many families, especially women of color, often lack not only a village, but also essential education, advocacy, and emotional support. I wanted to be part of changing that narrative.
In 2024, I took the leap and trained as a holistic birth and postpartum doula. Becoming a doula has been a path that allows me to turn my passion into real, tangible support for families. Through education, advocacy, and holistic care, I strive to ensure that every person I serve feels seen, heard, and cared for during life’s most transformative moments.
Supporting families during such a vulnerable time has become one of the greatest joys of my life. Walking alongside parents as they begin their journey into parenthood is a privilege I do not take lightly. My mission has always been to uplift and support women and families, especially those who look like me, with compassionate, informed, and culturally grounded care. Every step of my journey has brought me closer to that mission, and I am grateful and honored to continue serving my community in ways that empower and transform.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I would say that this journey has been smooth, with only a few bumps along the way. There is so much more involved in birth work than I initially realized. While being fully present to support the birthing person and their families, you also have to show up and pour into yourself, which includes nurturing your own well-being to provide the best care possible. Easier said than done though, right?
Despite my preparation, one challenge I’ve encountered is that I have never personally experienced pregnancy or given birth myself. I often get questions like, “How can you help someone who is pregnant when you’ve never been pregnant yourself?” To that, I laugh, because there are numerous things that people do every day that require knowledge, skill, and compassion without having experienced them firsthand. Not having personal experience allows me to provide unbiased, evidence-based support, without comparing your journey to my own. I can give my full attention, remain available, and be fully present to each family, ensuring that every interaction is focused, thoughtful, and intentional. Although I have no personal birthing experience, my passion for birth work comes from a desire to improve outcomes and support families, and I think that is what truly matters.
I have often found myself getting in my own way, questioning whether I was good enough or capable of the success I am striving for. This was especially true during seasons of adversity that made me lose sight of my purpose and drive. Over time, I came to see my own strength and resilience, but I also know I didn’t get here alone. I am truly grateful to God, my family, friends, and community for providing me with unwavering love and support. I can’t imagine where I would be without so many people backing me.
If there is anything I’ve learned on this journey, it’s that fear will always show up when you are stepping into something meaningful. It is so important to trust in yourself and remember that your passions are not random. Necessary growth requires courage, and even the smallest step forward can change you for the better.
As you know, we’re big fans of Radiant Births . For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Radiant Births offers holistic birth and postpartum doula support with a focus on culturally responsive, individualized care designed to educate, support, and empower mothers and families throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. I am here to help parents feel confident, informed, and in control during this transformative journey. Services include childbirth education, lactation support, daytime and overnight postpartum care, and connections to helpful resources, all tailored to meet the unique needs of each family.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Whats next?
I’m so excited to share that I’m currently enrolled in in the Human Lactation Pathway 2 Training Program at North Carolina A&T State University. It’s truly an honor to be a member of Cohort 6 in this accredited graduate-level program provides the coursework and supervised clinical hours needed to qualify for the exam to become an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC).
Once I become an IBCLC, I will be able to provide professional lactation support, guiding lactating parents through their breast/chestfeeding journeys from a place of training, knowledge, and cultural understanding. Representation of Black IBCLCs remains critically low in the field, and upon certification, I will be among the roughly less than 3% of IBCLCs who are Black.
My goal through this next step is to continue expanding the services available to families at Radiant Births. I want to offer culturally appropriate, inclusive, and evidence-based lactation care. Supporting parents with empathy, respect, and understanding is my primary goal! I believe that representation matters, and this will allow me to better serve women and families in my community, who often lack access to accessible, respectful, and supportive care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.radiantbirthsllc.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radiantbirths/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Radiant-Births-LLC/61571724105515/
- Other: https://doulamatch.net/profile/38353/kyra-brown
