“Pregnancy is not only about the birth of the baby—it is also about the birth of the parents. We are here to support families through that transition.”
Designed for expecting families in their second or third trimester, Healthy Hāpai offers an engaging, supportive learning space where ʻohana builds knowledge and confidence around pregnancy, birth, postpartum healing, newborn care, breastfeeding, and positive parenting.
Class 1: Olakino Hāpai – Healthy Pregnancy
Focuses on supporting a healthy pregnancy, including practical ways to cope, care for the body, and maintain overall well-being throughout pregnancy.
Class 2: Hoʻomākaukau no ka Hānau Keiki ʻAna – Preparing for Childbirth
Centers on preparing for labor and birth, helping participants understand the birth process and build confidence for the journey ahead.
Class 3: Hāpai to Hānau – Pregnancy-to-Birth Transition
Explores the transition from pregnancy to birth, covering newborn care essentials, postpartum wellness, and foundational support for new mothers.
Class 4: Hānau to ʻOhana – Birth-to-Family Transition
Focuses on life after birth, including post-birth planning, adjustment to family life, and positive parenting education.
Class 5: Poli ʻAi – To nurse at the Breast/ Breastfeeding
Provides education on preparing for breastfeeding, understanding its benefits, and learning the basics to nurse with confidence.
Leila Ryusaki is the facilitator for the Healthy Hāpai classes. With over 15 years of experience in maternal and community health, she joined Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi in 2017 to develop the Healthy Hāpai Perinatal Initiative, a community-based program focused on improving birth outcomes, increasing breastfeeding rates, and advancing health equity for families across Hawaiʻi Island.
Leila is a Certified Lactation Counselor, Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor, Lamaze-trained Childbirth Educator, and Licensed Massage Therapist specializing in prenatal, postpartum, and lactation care. A Native Hawaiian cultural practitioner and community leader, she is dedicated to uplifting ʻohana with the knowledge and confidence to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. “My goal is to create a supportive and safe learning environment where expectant parents can make informed decisions that align with their values and needs.”
Guided by kuleana to ʻohana and lāhui, Leila has been integral in the planning, development, and delivery of Hui Mālama Ola Nā ʻŌiwi’s Healthy Hāpai Perinatal Program. She also plays a central role in advancing perinatal health and well-being across Hawaiʻi Island, supporting families with culturally grounded education, care, and connection. Begin your Healthy Hāpai journey with us! To sign up, visit hmono.org/services.
LET’S BE BREAST FRIENDS!
We offer personalized, one-on-one breastfeeding support with Leila Ryusaki, CLC, IBC.
Leila is an Indigenous Breastfeeding Counselor and Certified Lactation Counselor (since 2015) who has supported many ‘ohana across Hawaiʻi. As a longtime community leader—and a mother who has breastfed four of her own babies—she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.
Whether you need support with latching, milk supply, breastfeeding techniques, or simply want a trusted person to answer your questions, Leila is here to help!
Appointments are available by request only.
Sign-up here and we will contact you. Or call us at (808) 969-9220 and let us know you would like to request a Breastfeeding appointment with Leila.
—
Testimonials Healthy Hāpai Classes
“I really enjoyed the breastfeeding class! There was so much there that I didn’t know or hear about from others so I found it very informative.” K.K.- Waimea
“The program was really great and so informative. I am so thankful it’s available for our community.” C.D.- Hilo
“I loved the classes. Healthy Hapai is very important and needed, especially with our very limited medical system in Hawai’i that often doesn’t have time to teach us what we need to know.” H.H.- Pahoa
“I LOVE THIS CLASS!” K.K.- Kona
“We are so grateful. Thank you so much for your time and expertise, Leila. We are all so fortunate to have learned so much from you and hear your stories.” D.T.- Puna
“Thank you for everything. I really enjoyed this class and the amount of passion, support, and love you put into it. You made it so comfortable and created a sense of community from the very beginning. I took a lot away from it and it helped me to feel more prepared as a first time mom. You’re wonderful at this and I am so grateful for the experience!” C.G.- Hilo
“Mahalo nui for the wonderful 5 weeks and for sharing all your knowledge! I feel so much more prepared going into childbirth than I did before attending the classes.” M.K.- Waikoloa
“Just how grateful I am for this class. I got more knowledge from it than I could have hoped.” K.F.- Hilo
“I was genuinely surprised by the signs of postpartum depression and at the changes we could experience. I used to think depression only looked one certain way, but this class showed me that postpartum is complex physically and emotionally. It helped me reflect on my own feelings and what support I might need and what support is out there for this specific time of metamorphosis into mamahood. Mahalo for offering such valuable and empowering information.” K.L.- Kona
Testimonials for Breastfeeding Class and One-on-One Breastfeeding Support
“I’m more of a hands-on learner, one of my favorite parts of class was in lactation when we had a little doll and practiced the different positions for baby to latch and feed.” K.F.- Kona
“All information from this class will definitely be beneficial for me and my baby. I learned different breastfeeding positions, and how to make and keep a good milk supply.” K.L.- Hilo
“Although I felt prepared in Leila’s Healthy Hapai class, I still reached out to her when I started having challenges with breastfeeding after my son’s birth. She helped me with his latch, offered a few tips, and reassured me that everything was fine. I am so grateful for her knowledge and positive encouragement!” R.E.- Waimea