YOLO Breastfeeding is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting families through birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum with evidence-based care and personalized support. Based in Flint, Michigan, we proudly serve families throughout Flint and Genesee County, with virtual services available to extend our reach.
Our work is grounded in the belief that families thrive when they feel informed, supported, and respected — and when care honors culture, lived experience, and community.
About YOLO Breastfeeding
Rooted in Community. Centered on Care.
Our Mission, Vision & Values
Our Mission
To inclusively serve families throughout Genesee County while centering Black and Indigenous families as they reach their birth and breastfeeding goals.
Our Vision
That all families in Genesee County, regardless of economic status, have access to skilled, culturally competent birth and lactation services that empower them to make confident decisions for their families.
Our Values
We are guided by a deep commitment to equity, education, and community trust. Our work is rooted in improving generational health through positive, affirming birth and breastfeeding experiences.
Our Story
YOLO Breastfeeding (You Overcoming Lactation Obstacles) was founded in 2017 to meet a critical need in the community: accessible, compassionate support for families navigating birth and infant feeding.
What began as direct lactation and doula support has grown into a multifaceted organization offering family-centered care, education, and professional training. Through community partnerships and grant-funded initiatives, YOLO Breastfeeding has been able to provide services at no cost to eligible families in Genesee County, ensuring that care is available where it is needed most.
At every stage of growth, YOLO has remained rooted in community, responding to real needs with care that is thoughtful, collaborative, and sustainable.
Our Approach to Care
At YOLO Breastfeeding, care is never one-size-fits-all. We work alongside families to provide support that is practical, informed, and tailored to their unique goals.
Our approach includes:
Evidence-Based Guidance informed by current research and best practices
Culturally Responsive Care that honors identity, culture, and lived experience
Personalized Support through consultation-first, family-centered services
Flexible Options including virtual, office, and in-home care
We believe families deserve care that feels supportive, affirming, and empowering.
Community Impact & Partnerships
YOLO Breastfeeding collaborates with hospitals, WIC agencies, health departments, community organizations, and grassroots partners to strengthen maternal–infant health across Flint and Genesee County.
Our work prioritizes:
Warm hand-offs and coordinated care
Sustainable community partnerships
Programs that are accessible, practical, and rooted in trust
By working within and alongside the community, we aim to create a lasting impact that extends beyond individual appointments.
Meet the heart Behind YOLO Breastfeeding
Shonte’ Terhune-Smith is a maternal–infant health leader, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), health educator, doula, and community advocate with over a decade of experience supporting families across Flint and Genesee County.
She is the founder of YOLO Breastfeeding, a community-based organization dedicated to improving birth, breastfeeding, and postpartum outcomes through culturally responsive, evidence-based care.
Shonte’ is the creator of the Community Breastfeeding Specialist (CBS) Course, a 45-hour professional training program designed to build a diverse, community-rooted lactation workforce. Her work spans lactation consulting, doula support, professional education, father-inclusive programming, and systems-level collaboration with hospitals, WIC agencies, health departments, and grassroots organizations.
Grounded in equity, lived experience, and community trust, Shonte’ is known for developing programs that prioritize holistic family support, strong community partnerships, and sustainable systems of care. Her leadership is centered on the belief that families thrive when care is accessible, culturally affirming, and community-led.
Care, Together
While YOLO Breastfeeding was founded by Shonte’ Terhune-Smith, the care we provide is rooted in collaboration. Our team of trained doulas and educators works together with shared values, a commitment to culturally responsive care, and a deep respect for the families we serve.
Every member of the YOLO Breastfeeding team is dedicated to providing supportive, informed, and compassionate care — ensuring families feel seen, heard, and supported at every stage of their journey.
Ready to Learn More?
Whether you’re seeking lactation support, doula care, education, or professional training, YOLO Breastfeeding is here to support you.