We had the good fortune of connecting with Hali Shields and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hali, how does your business help the community?
At Mother Poppins, my mission is to transform the way families experience the postpartum and breastfeeding journey. Too often, new parents feel isolated, overwhelmed, and under-supported during one of the most vulnerable stages of life. I built this business to change that not just for individual families, but for the wider community.

Supporting Families Locally:

I provide accessible, insurance-covered lactation and postpartum support so that families in Miami can get expert help without extensive financial barriers.

By making in-home, office and virtual care available, I meet parents where they are in the middle of sleepless nights, unpredictable schedules, and sometimes limited resources.

I educate parents so they feel empowered, confident, and connected rather than overwhelmed or alone.

Creating Broader Impact:

Breastfeeding support has ripple effects: improved infant health, better maternal outcomes, stronger parent–child bonding, and less strain on healthcare systems.

I partner with local providers including pediatricians, dentists, chiropractors, doulas to create a community of care that surrounds families, not just one professional visit.

Through nonprofit work ( In Lak’ech Project), I extend resources and donations breast pumps, education, supplies to underserved communities in Latin America, helping to close gaps in maternal-infant health worldwide.

Why It Matters:
Every mother who feels supported, every baby who thrives, and every family that gets to experience postpartum with more peace rather than stress creates a positive chain reaction. Healthier mothers raise healthier children, and healthier children shape stronger, more resilient communities.

At its core, Mother Poppins is more than a business it’s a mission. My work is about changing the narrative of postpartum from one of survival to one of healing, empowerment, and lasting well-being.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Mother Poppins is a holistic lactation and postpartum support practice rooted in both science and soul. What sets me apart is my integrative and functional approach. I don’t just look at latch or supply in isolation. I draw from functional medicine, nutrition, nervous system support, and cultural postpartum traditions to address the root causes behind feeding challenges and maternal health struggles.

My journey here hasn’t been linear. I was a professional ballet dancer until age 23, which taught me discipline, resilience, and how to listen deeply to the body. Later, through my own women’s health struggles, I realized how fragmented care can be. There is so much focus on symptoms, and not enough on the whole picture. That’s what led me into functional medicine and integrative women’s health.

Business has always been in me. I was the little girl selling seashells on the beach, already dreaming of building something bigger. Mother Poppins grew out of that same entrepreneurial spirit, but with a mission-driven purpose: to transform the way families experience postpartum and breastfeeding.

It hasn’t been easy. Insurance hurdles, burnout, and the emotional weight of supporting families in their most vulnerable moments have all been challenges. But each obstacle pushed me to innovate a little more.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that healing and business are both about relationships not only with yourself, with your clients, but also within your community. My work is proof that you can be mission-driven and entrepreneurial at the same time.

What I want the world to know about me and my brand is this: postpartum care doesn’t have to mean survival mode. With the right support, it can be a time of healing, empowerment, and connection. That’s what Mother Poppins is here to change for mothers, babies, and the communities that surround them.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit Miami, here’s how I’d show her around:

Day 1 – Beach & Breakfast
Sunrise walk and grounding at the beach, then a healthy breakfast at Under the Mango Tree — simple, fresh, and not fussy.

Day 2 – Wynwood + Sushi Night
Explore the Wynwood Arts District for murals, small galleries, and coffee shops. Then sushi dinner at Katana, because it’s casual, fun, and one of my go-to spots.

Day 3 – Design District + Thrifting
Spend time in the Design District for the architecture and vibe, but also mix in some thrift stores and unique local shops — Miami has great hidden gems if you know where to look.

Day 4 – Nature Day
Head to Key Biscayne or Matheson Hammock Park for a beach day that feels calmer than South Beach. Pack snacks or grab something light on the way.

Day 5 – Vizcaya & Reflection
Wander through Vizcaya Museum & Gardens for history, beauty, and a slower pace. Pair it with a walk through PAMM if we’re still in the mood for art.

Day 6 – Farmer’s Market & Grove
Stroll the Coconut Grove farmers market, sip fresh coconuts, snack on vegan bites, and enjoy time under the banyan trees.

Day 7 – Flex Day
Keep the last day open for whatever feels good — maybe another sushi run, a yoga class, or simply more time at the beach.

For me, Miami isn’t about fancy restaurants or touristy spots. It’s about the ocean, art, movement, and little pockets of authenticity. That’s the side of the city I’d want my best friend to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My biggest shoutout goes to the moms and babies I’ve had the privilege to work with. They’ve taught me resilience, humor, and the power of small moments. I also owe so much to my mom and grandmother, two women who modeled strength, generosity, and care in ways that still guide me today. From them, I learned what it means to nurture, to create beauty out of challenges, and to pour love into family and community. Their influence lives at the core of everything I do through Mother Poppins.

Website: https://www.motherpoppins.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/motherpoppinsmiami/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hali-shields-0420a445/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/motherpoppins

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/?feature=shared

Image Credits
Heather Bre Photography

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