Today we’d like to introduce you to Tonna Steed
Hi Tonna, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey began with my passion for caring for families at my childcare, The Children’s House of Fort Worth. Through my daily interactions with parents, I witnessed firsthand the effects that improper postpartum care had on mothers, not just physically but emotionally as well. Over time, I noticed how many mothers were struggling with the challenges of postpartum recovery, often without the proper care or resources they needed.
That experience opened my eyes to the significant gap in postpartum care, and it planted the seed for what would become my postpartum retreat. I realized that these mothers needed more than just a quick visit to the doctor—they needed comprehensive care, rest, and support. I wanted to create a space where they could heal both body and mind while being supported by a team that truly understands their needs. Along the way, I also launched the Iya Care Foundation, which focuses on serving underserved communities, offering educational resources, and advocating for better postpartum care.
Over time, this vision evolved into the idea of my postpartum retreat, which will offer a sanctuary where new mothers can receive the care they deserve. It’s been a fulfilling journey, transforming from running a childcare center to launching a retreat that provides specialized services for postpartum recovery. My goal has always been to uplift and support families, and now I get to do that in a new and meaningful way.
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 has definitely had its bumps, and in many ways, it’s still a rough one. We were originally planning to secure a location at the Crescent, but unfortunately, that didn’t work out for us. It was a setback, but we’re actively exploring other options that might be a better fit for our vision.
Since this is a new venture, we’re paving the road as we go. There’s no established path for creating a postpartum retreat like ours, so naturally, there are challenges—from finding the perfect location to securing the right partners and resources. But we’re determined. I like to think of it as having a few rocks in our road, but we’re coming with a bulldozer. We’re pushing through and creating something that will make a real difference in the lives of mothers.
.
As you know, we’re big fans of Ìyá Postpartum Retreat. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are centered around providing a supportive environment for mothers during the postpartum period. We are in the process of partnering with a hotel in Fort Worth. Creating a space where mothers can come to heal, rest, and receive the care they need after giving birth. What sets us apart is the sense of community and support we plan to offer—mothers will have a “tribe” from the very start. We aim to create a space where they feel connected, nurtured, and supported by both our staff and other mothers.
Our facility will feature massage services, lactation consulting, and postpartum classes designed to promote relaxation and wellness. But what really makes us unique is that we go beyond just offering a retreat. Once mothers’ children reach the appropriate age, they will have privileged access to our highly rated childcare center, The Children’s House of Fort Worth, which ensures a seamless transition from early motherhood to childcare.
We’re also proud of our nonprofit foundation, the Iya Care Foundation, which allows us to extend our support to underserved communities. Our brand is about innovation and care. We’re not just opening a facility; we’re building something new and necessary in maternal care. We want your readers to know that we’re committed to providing a nurturing, all-encompassing experience for mothers—a place where they can rest, recover, and feel supported from the very beginning.
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
There are a few key resources that help me stay grounded and focused, both in my work and in life. I often turn to books and podcasts that inspire and challenge me. For my work in postpartum care, The Fourth Trimester by Kimberly Ann Johnson has been a great resource for understanding postpartum healing, while The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health, which deeply aligns with the care we aim to provide at our retreat.
On a personal level, when I need to recharge, I love diving into novels by Dean Koontz and Danielle Steele. Their books are my go-to for downtime. For mindfulness and relaxation, The Calm App, has been a great tool to help me stay centered.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://iyatribe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iya_postpartumretreat/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonna-steed-81b615190/
