Meet Dakota Smith

 

We recently connected with Dakota Smith and have shared our conversation below.

Dakota , first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

Overcoming imposter syndrome has been a significant part of my journey. As a young mother of two, a Navy corpsman, and a professional juggling multiple roles, it was easy to feel overwhelmed and doubt my abilities. I reminded myself of the challenges I had already overcome, like homelessness, sexual assault, and the loss of loved ones. These experiences taught me resilience and strength.

Pursuing my bachelor’s in holistic health sciences and now a PhD in natural medicine, I often felt out of place. However, I found that focusing on my passion for helping pregnant and postpartum mothers kept me grounded. My work in DS Holistic Health LLC, which I co-founded with my husband, also gave me a sense of purpose and validation. Seeing the positive impact on the lives of the women we support reinforced that I belong in this field.

I also learned to embrace continuous learning and growth. Studying to be a certified childbirth educator and working directly with mothers helped me build confidence. Additionally, having both of my babies at home in water and unmedicated reinforced my belief in the natural birth process and my ability to support other mothers in their journeys. Recognizing that everyone, at some point, feels like an imposter allowed me to give myself grace and focus on the positive difference I make in others’ lives.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am deeply passionate about holistic health and supporting mothers through their pregnancy and postpartum journeys. My husband and I recently founded DS Holistic Health LLC, where we offer comprehensive support to pregnant and postpartum mothers who seek an empowering and natural experience. Our services include health coaching, childbirth education, and personalized guidance tailored to each mother’s unique needs.

What excites me most about my work is witnessing the transformative journeys of the women we support. Having both of my children at home in water and unmedicated profoundly shaped my belief in the natural birth process. I strive to help other mothers have the birth experiences they desire, free from unnecessary interventions and full of empowerment.

At DS Holistic Health LLC, we emphasize a holistic approach, considering the physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being of each mother. Our goal is to create a supportive community where mothers feel heard, respected, and empowered to make informed decisions about their health and their babies’ health.

We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding our services! In addition to our health coaching and childbirth education programs, we are launching new workshops and online resources to reach a broader audience. These will include virtual support groups, webinars on holistic motherhood, and detailed guides on unmedicated births and postpartum care.

One of our most exciting upcoming initiatives is a comprehensive course designed for expectant and new mothers. This course will cover everything from preparing for an unmedicated birth to navigating the postpartum period with confidence. It will provide practical tools, expert insights, and a supportive community to help mothers feel empowered and informed throughout their journey.

Being a mother to my 17-month-old daughter and 4-month-old son, I understand firsthand the challenges and joys of motherhood. My personal experiences, combined with my professional background as a registered medical assistant, board-certified health coach, and my ongoing PhD studies in natural medicine, equip me to provide comprehensive and empathetic support.

Through DS Holistic Health LLC, my husband and I aim to make a positive impact on as many families as possible, helping them navigate their motherhood journeys with confidence and joy.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, I believe the three most impactful qualities have been resilience, empathy, and continuous learning.

1. Resilience:
Overcoming significant challenges like homelessness, sexual assault, and personal loss has taught me the importance of resilience. This quality helped me persevere through difficult times and continue pursuing my goals. My advice for developing resilience is to focus on your inner strength and remind yourself of past victories, no matter how small. Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow and learn.
2. Empathy:
Being a mother, a health coach, a Navy corpsman, and a professional in holistic health has underscored the value of empathy. Understanding and connecting with others on a deep level allows me to provide the support they need. To cultivate empathy, practice active listening and put yourself in others’ shoes. This not only strengthens relationships but also enhances your ability to offer meaningful assistance.
3. Continuous Learning:
My academic journey, from becoming a registered medical assistant to pursuing a PhD in natural medicine, has been driven by a commitment to continuous learning. Staying curious and open to new knowledge keeps you adaptable and informed. For those early in their journey, I recommend seeking out educational opportunities, whether through formal education, workshops, or self-study. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who inspire and challenge you to grow.

For anyone starting their journey, remember that these qualities are not developed overnight. Be patient with yourself, stay committed to your goals, and recognize that every experience, good or bad, contributes to your growth. Embrace your unique path, and don’t be afraid to seek support and guidance along the way.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, we are actively seeking partnerships and collaborations at DS Holistic Health LLC. We believe in the power of community and the synergy that comes from working with like-minded individuals and organizations. We are particularly interested in collaborating with:

•Holistic Health Practitioners:
We are looking for professionals in the fields of naturopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, and other holistic health disciplines who share our commitment to empowering mothers through natural and holistic approaches.

•Childbirth Educators, Midwives and Doulas: As we expand our childbirth education programs, we seek experienced educators and doulas to join our team. Your expertise and passion for supporting mothers during pregnancy and childbirth will be invaluable to our mission.

•Wellness Coaches and Therapists:
Mental and emotional well-being is a crucial aspect of our holistic approach. We are interested in collaborating with wellness coaches and therapists who specialize in maternal mental health, postpartum support, and stress management.
•Content Creators and Influencers:
We are also open to partnerships with content creators and influencers who focus on motherhood, holistic health, and natural living. Your voice can help us reach and inspire more mothers on their holistic motherhood journeys.

If you are interested in collaborating with us, please reach out through our website https://dakota-smith.mykajabi.com or email us directly at dakotasmith@dsholistichealth.com. We would love to discuss how we can work together to make a positive impact on the lives of mothers and families.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Emma Nicoletti

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