Motherhood

What a day, what a day! I was invited by Johns Hopkins University @johnshopkinsu and Black Women’s Health Imperative @blkwomenshealth to speak and collaborate with some amazing folks at their event in D.C. for #blackmaternalhealthweek. As we put our collective minds, experiences, and expertise together to engage in discussions, you know ya girl had to shout out ALL the amazing Philly/SJ orgs who are out here doing the dang thang for Black mamas and doulas! And I learned so much from everyone! It was also a delight to connect with many folks in the flesh again or for first time, off our devices, while making new connections, too! Amazing Rockstars like @chanel_porchia @andweshallreign @charnisebridgette @mamaglow @birthingplacebx @nqeservices and so many others! The future of Maternal/Perinatal Health is much brighter with all of them in it! ✨ I left encouraged and supported in new community to continue my advocacy work and support of moms in the Greater Philly area and beyond. And we danced y’all! We had a ball! 💃🏽 Special thanks to @mommasvoices and @preeclampsia.foundation! 🫶🏽 #preeclampsia survivor #preeclampsiaawareness #preeclampsia #postpartumpreeclampsia #shareyourstory #womensupportingwomen #womenreproductivehealth #womenempowerment #blackmaternalhealth #publichealthadvocate #newjerseymom #phillymom #blackmomsmatter #doulapartnerships #bmhw24 #bmhwcafe24 #njdoulas #phillydoulas #themamaconnect

@preeclampsia.foundation Starlita Kilpatrick is a Take 10 Ambassador who shares her experience with #postpartumpreeclampsia Starlita writes, “Being a mom of color, an Afro-Filipina, I quickly learned of the disproportionate rates of Black and Brown moms losing their lives during and after pregnancy and birth. Many of us are unaware of the harms of preeclampsia, especially postpartum preeclampsia, and I am passionate about supporting, empowering, and mentoring other mothers with similar experiences. I believe all mothers should receive proper and adequate information and perinatal care regardless of race, ethnicity, or zip code.” Starlita is one of our Take 10 Patient Ambassadors who advises our Take 10 campaign along with other wonderful patient, family, and healthcare provider advocates. She is also a member of the Preeclampsia Foundation’s patient advisory council. Learn more about our campaign at the link in our bio. #preeclampsia #preeclampsiaawareness #preeclampsiafoundation #take10 #blackmaternalhealthweek #blackmaternalhealth #blackmaternalhealthawareness #preeclampsiaresearch #hellpsyndrome #hellpsyndromeawareness #hellpsyndromesurvivor #eclampsia #eclampsiaawareness #eclampsiasurvivor #maternalhealth #pregnancy #postpartum #highriskpregnancy #postpartumpreeclampsia #postpartumpreeclampsiaawareness #postpartumpreeclampsiasurvivor #laboranddelivery #labornurse #maternalnurse #obgyn #BMHW24 #BlackMamasMatter #BlackMaternalHealthWeek #ReproJustice 🔗 www.preeclampsia.org/take10

It’s Black Maternal Health Week! I had the opportunity to kick things off with a road trip to Brooklyn to attend Mama Glow’s Community Mixer event and represent @preeclampsia.foundation as a Patient Advisory Council member and Take 10 Focus Group Ambassador. I went with the amazing @trashaun , who is also knee-deep in preeclampsia advocacy for Black mamas in the State of New Jersey. (Things instantly went from “road trip” to “adventure,” and we had such a fun time!) Special thanks to @glowmaven and the @mamaglow team for the invite and for curating such an inviting, soft, and safe space to discuss all things Black Maternal Health and encourage community connections! #bmhw24 #blackmaternalhealthweek

Helloooo 41!! 🥳 I still can’t believe I’m in my forties, y’all. I’m so grateful for God’s grace, mercy, and love towards me all these years! When I should’ve been destroyed, defeated, and even dead—GOD DID. (I know I used that incorrectly, but I’m flipping it, so keep reading. 😏) What DID He DO? Delivered. Protected. Provided. Rescued. Kept. Healed. Loved. And guess what? God still DOES! Never resting. Always working. For my good. For His glory. I’m so grateful. Thank you, Jesus! 🥰 Here’s to chapter 41!!! Hip-hip-hooray! 🥳🥳🥳 (The 1st two photos are recent, but I added a couple of older ones that express how I’m feeling going into year 41! 😊)

We made it to 2024! It’s been awhile since we checked in with each other, Mama. So let’s chat. As you know, motherhood has ebbs and flows. It’s a journey! And 2023 was a wild and crazy rollercoaster ride, wasn't it? There was a lot to deal with and manage. For me, the new year has already presented its unpredictability. So, how are YOU doing? Like, right now. In whatever season of life you are in right now, what has been your biggest struggle as a mama? Have you come out on the other side yet or are you still dealing? Let’s chat. ♥️

Staycation, here we come—or shall I say, “There we went!” ☺️ Thank you @splashclubmarple for inviting us to be VIP Guests and check things out. #sponsored 📍Splash Club Marple is located in Broomall, PA, just outside Philadelphia. It’s a lovely hidden gem for a family staycation (or a quick local getaway for two 😉). It overflows with cabana choices—ours was HUGE & spacious! And speaking of choices, there are several pools to enjoy your sunny splash: a large family pool, a baby pool, a kiddie pool, and an adults-only pool. (You’ll also find a playground, basketball court, and table tennis on the grounds, too!) The food is reasonably priced and quite yummy! I enjoyed their chicken quesadilla and strawberry slushie. 😋 For those looking for a relaxing time, you’ll be glad to know that the noise level was relatively moderate when we visited. Quite a few folks were peacefully enjoying their summer reads poolside or in their cabanas—me included! 📕 Head over to @splashclubmarple for more info and plan a visit before summer ends! 🌞