Welcoming baby E into the world !! 💚

There is a deep calling that came with accepting another life through my vessel. One I don’t quite understand yet, but I feel its pull. Motherhood has truly been one of the greatest gifts. I get to experience and fulfill a mission of love through growth, trust, and acceptance.

But it's come with its challenges. This is where I’m calling on my community for help in welcoming my little one into the world.

I’ve written this caption many times. Asking for support without over-explaining to curb the undertone of guilt is hard. Although I know community support is necessary… it’s picking at my scabs of shame and hyper independence.

With my first child, I was very intentional about the life I wanted to provide. Natural birth, exclusively breastfed, homemade meals/baby food, cloth diapers, a garden, natural materials, and making plant medicine— some call it ‘crunchy,’ I call it ancestral. Even though this was a simple lifestyle, it required more time and resources. I could only do this because I lived with family, didn’t work for the 1st year of her life, and I’m very resourceful (s/o to “my” neighborhood free and for sale page). It was intentional to be with her for her first year, but it was a privilege I could choose.

As I began my work as a doula, I saw parents painfully sacrifice their wants to meet their needs, and soon I came to know the feeling. I sacrificed my mental health and relied on harmful systems/people so I wouldn’t have to worry about a place to stay, food to eat, healthcare, or have someone unfamiliar watch my kid. And many other little big sacrifices to stay afloat.

I began to actively seek and invest in establishing a supportive local community. It seemed like an impossible task. But as I reflect, I feel so grateful for the love and care I’ve received for myself and my daughter. This pregnancy was so special; I was poured into in a way I had never experienced. You’re all so loved, and when it’s my turn to reciprocate, I’m there.

This baby has set the tone for a new chapter. One that allows me to fully heal after birth, spend quality time with my kids, enjoy fresh foods, exclusively breastfeed, slow down, be imaginative, and not rush my children into independence so I can maintain my role in the system. This time around, my registry includes services that will help my transition as a mother of 2. Things like meal services, midwifery care, a cleaner, laundry service, and body work. If you have the capacity to help in any way by sharing or contributing to my registry, the link is in the comments. I hope to share more of my story soon, and thanks to those of you who feel called to be a part of it now ❤️