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Black births can and should be joyful

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Last April, you will have noticed an influx of articles and social media posts confirming Black maternal health and mortality, a national issue that took precedence from April 11-17 and was recognized as Black Mother’s Health Week (BMHW). This marks the second yr because the Biden administration led BMHW to national recognition with: White House Proclamation in 2023, the week will be dedicated to drawing attention to disparities within the health and birth of Black children. As President Biden stated in an urgent call to motion, “Black Mothers Week is a reminder that so many families experience pain, neglect and loss during what should be one of the most joyful times of their lives.”

Every birth deserves joy – but with bleak forecasts, how can Black families deal with joy, and where can they find and create support?

In June 2018 Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA) co-directors Angela Doyinsol AND Elizabeth Dawes cheerful launched BMHW, partnering with over 18 Black women-led organizations to launch the first-ever national Black Maternal Health Week campaign. Organizations are working together to offer awareness to make sure future and aspiring Black and BIPOC parents know their rights.

Additionally, organizations just like the newly established birthFUND, BIPOC maternal wellness advocates, childbirth educators, Black doula, and midwives have grow to be additional resources as communities work to enhance opportunities for Black birthing parents, helping to vary the trajectory and outcomes at every stage of pregnancy.

Toshira MaldonaldoBlack maternal health activist and “birth activist” and co-founder Beautiful womb (Women Overcoming Major Barriers) is considered one of many childbirth educators working to dismantle systems which have neglected Black people and women for hundreds of years. With over 25 years of experience as a birth social employee, she is currently a community doula committed to the care and support of BIPOC families and maternal health with a primary goal of joyful birth.

At Beautiful WOMB, parents are educated on their medical rights, self-defense, medical terminology, and one-on-one sessions with doulas of their alternative. The goal is to assist parents understand the ability of their voice and encourage them to make use of it once they feel like their provider is not listening. Maldonaldo describes advocacy as easy: “Simply saying, ‘I’m not satisfied with the care I’m receiving and would love to think about other options’ (is sufficient); you’ve gotten the precise to contact the director, nursing director or a hospitaler– she advised.

Maldonado further explained that folks can monitor and take control of their experiences with medical institutions by following easy steps. “Appointments can look like asking for replacements when tests make you feel sick, asking for printouts of results, copies of blood test results or chart information,” she said. “This is a conversation; that is advocacy where the mom takes the initiative to ask a matter and doesn’t stop there when the doctor says, “Well, it could be better, but don’t worry about it.”

“Black joy can be found in creating a space where parents can be connected and tuned in to their inner child(ren) who may have experienced trauma due to some of the current systems we see today,” Maldonaldo said.

“My job is to educate my clients, helping them through previous traumatic birth experiences or if this is their first birth experience. What does this mean for them and what does it look like?” Dr. Holloway explained

“The contribution of mental health issues to the maternal morbidity and mortality crisis we have in America is not widely recognized,” said Dr. Katherine Wisner, co-author of the study published by JAMA Psychiatry and deputy chief of perinatal mental health at Children’s National Hospital, in an announcement to: CNN. “We must bring this to the attention of the public and policymakers to demand action to address the mental health crisis that is contributing to maternal deaths in America,” she added.

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Further exacerbating the issue, in 2023, the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology found a 140% increase within the variety of Black parents diagnosed with PPD, increasing dramatically from 9.2% to 22% since 2010. In addition to providing comprehensive pre- and perinatal, long-term The long-term impact of training every medical trainee, licensed clinician, or supervisor to think about the identities, intersections, and holistic health of the people we treat is akin to saving one other parent.

Dr. Holloway works to enhance these statistics by educating and training others International postnatal support and servicing individual clients. Notes that treatments may vary depending on trauma, which can include previous birth experiences or complications, concerns in regards to the birthing process, difficulties with a planned home birth or water birth that result in anxiety-filled hospital births, or any desire or expectation that didn’t come to fruition.

Under Dr. Holloway’s care, clients have space to work through and take care of their fears – even in the event that they aren’t related to childbirth. Through holistic care conducted with cultural competence and spirituality in mind, he helps patients solve any problems and doubts related to treatment. This approach prioritizes clients’ histories and connections while helping them discover culturally responsive care, providers, and environments sensitive to their belief systems, practices, and preferences during and after the birthing process.

“This may be the only time or the first time they have been able to show vulnerability or cry about something that has happened,” Dr. Holloway noted. “How it might be related – or how it is connected (and) affects their pregnancy. I help them process information by giving them information about things to pay attention to.”

For Dr. Holloway and her clients, a joyful birthing experience is created in phases that begin with defining joy; questions equivalent to: “What does it mean to have a joyful birth experience? Does this mean you wish it to be quiet and peaceful? Natural birth or water birth?

“That’s why I believe that a joyful birth experience truly honors, prioritizes and celebrates culturally responsive care so that parents feel empowered, supported and respected,” Dr. Holloway continued. “Being authentic in showing yourself without fear of being noticed.”

Said Maldonado: “We are creating a space of positivity, joyfully integrating and connecting our community…We have what it takes in our community to promote community education and communicate models of sufficiency and sustainability.”

TreOnna Jones, a customer at Maldonaldo’s expecting her first child in June, believes the support she received helped her anticipate motherhood, although she initially desired to end her pregnancy out of fear of becoming an unprepared young mother. “As a young person, I was a bit nervous because my friends were being forced to be induced in hospitals; but thanks to my doula, I feel more comfortable and safe giving birth in the hospital,” Jones said.

“Being able to decide that I want to bring a child into this world means that I will pay attention to my circumstances, the environment, health, finances, relationships and everything that this child’s life will be immersed in,” she added. “Now it’s up to me to fix this so that my pregnancy can be not only planned, but also joyful.”


Ifetayo Dudley, a multimedia journalist, currently works as a social media and marketing specialist on the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory. Her media journey is an ongoing exploration of the multi-faceted nature of storytelling, encompassing photography, videography and graphic design.


This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Vivica A. Fox’s shocking transformation in new photos leaves fans stunned, months after criticism over her “puffy” appearance

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After months of public criticism and constant comments about her appearance, Vivica A. Fox is proving that she will rise above the noise in style.

The “Set it Off” actress, who faced mockery from a whole lot of individuals online for her weight gain in addition to accusations of cosmetic surgery and photoshopping, is back with a striking new look that has fans excited.

Actress Vivica A. Fox stunned fans after debuting her new look through the recent Lifetime + Hulu holiday event “A Wonderful Lifetime.” (Photo: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

The multilingual Fox took to social media to share her stunning look from the “It’s a Wonderful Lifetime” Christmas Celebration event held on Saturday, November 16 in Los Angeles.

Dressed in a wine-colored Badgley Mischka sequined suit with a draped belt, her hair perfectly styled and her face perfectly sculpted, 50 Cent’s ex-girlfriend dazzled her 1.7 million fans.

The post it featured photos of Fox with other stars who attended the event, including Jackee Harry, Tia Mowry, Romeo Miller, Jeanie Mae and more.

Many people were quick to note her radiant glow and renewed confidence, which many felt was missing from her previous posts.

Fans flooded Fox’s comments section with praise, showering love on the Black Hollywood icon.

“Yassss Ms. Foxy I mean Foxy lol you are killing it,” one person wrote, while one other exclaimed: “What a knockout!”

“Wow, you’re gone,” someone commented, describing how stunning she looked afterwards.

However, several people directly identified her much slimmer appearance in comparison with recent weeks, writing: “You’re losing weight” and “The weight loss and new glow looks phenomenal on her.”

Others added: “LAWDDDDDDDDDD….. WE LOOK AND FEEL LIKE A MILLION DOLLARS! ACT, Sister. WOW!”

Vivica A. Fox in September 2024 vs. November 2024. (Photos: The Tamron Hall Show/YouTube; @msvfox/Instagram)

Life and Hulu cooperated organize an event that allowed the general public to see that Fox continues to be one in all the best beauties of her generation.

For someone who has been an emblem of beauty and talent since her breakout role as Carmen Silva on Days of Our Lives, this new chapter in her journey reminds the world that reinvention and resilience go hand in hand.

Last yr, the NAACP Image Award winner celebrated her milestone sixtieth birthday by launching a media onslaught promoting her latest film, “The Lost Holiday,” and a number of other other ventures.

One of Fox’s notable appearances was on “The Tamron Hall Show,” which sparked conversations about her height in early October. Many said she looked “puffy” and her face and body looked plumper in comparison with her iconic roles in motion movies like “Independence Day” and “Kill Bill,” and her flashy fashion was a thing of the past.

Fans were concerned, with some suggesting she could have had “hormonal issues” that contributed to her looking “puffy.”

Others wondered if perhaps she was bloated for some reason, and others simply said people should show her grace.

“She’s not that big. I saw it on the show. Stop making it huge,” one person said, while one other added: “Yes, people gain weight… DAMN. Still looks great.

Fox’s recent appearance could also be what it takes to silence her critics, and it’s a strong declaration of self-love and perseverance. Her ability to remain busy and occupied despite the constant pressure of finding the suitable role when she’s in the highlight speaks volumes about her drive.

In a world where public figures are subjected to ruthless scrutiny, Fox’s ability to rise above negativity and shine is a fair brighter testament to her strength and resilience. While fans proceed to support her, the Why Do Fools Fall in Love actress confirms why she stays a cherished icon in the entertainment industry.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Meghan Markle shares why she “can’t wait” for the holidays

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Meghan Markle, Prince Harry, the holidays, Archewell Foundation, Mina

Meghan Markle loves the holidays.

The Duchess of Sussex said this in a recent interview Marie Clairethrough which she told how she and her young family, including Prince Harry, spend every holiday.

Firstly, the 43-year-old mother of two is thrilled to share her joy together with her two children, Prince Arcihe, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3.

“At first, I think as a mom with kids, you’re just happy that they’re there for you, but they don’t understand everything that’s going on yet,” she said. “But now we’re at an age where I look forward to seeing it through their lens every year.”

Meghan and her family’s holidays begin with what she called a “pretty low-key” Thanksgiving celebration.

“Over the last few years, as I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving here, like many of us, I’ve thought about always making sure there’s room at the table for friends who don’t have family, and that’s really key,” she said.

In her case, that meant welcoming people like Gloria Steinem to previous celebrations. But for the Sussexes, a low-key Thanksgiving also involves spending time with Meghan’s mother, Doria Ragland, who lives near their home in California.

“Being close to my mom is great,” she said.

She added that her family often makes sure they’ve “something fun to do.”

“Like any other family, you spend time having a great meal and then what do you do? Play games and stuff like that, someone brings a guitar – it’s fun,” she continued. “Every vacation is a new adventure.”

Meghan also added how vital it’s for her children to experience the “magic” of the holiday season, including “wonderful recipes that end up being formative memories.” Currently, this includes leaving carrots for Santa’s reindeer on Christmas Eve.

The Duchess met with Marie Claire at a Christmas dinner for Afghan women who recently moved to California through… Mina’s Lista corporation that helps Afghan women evacuate Afghanistan and find resources and support. Women also receive support through Welcome project of the Archewell Foundationwhich Meghan and Prince Harry launched in 2023 to extend support for women who resettled in the US from Afghanistan, People Magazine reported. There are currently 11 Welcome Project chapters in nine states.

Meghan Markle is investing in a new line of hair supplements owned by black women

The dinner was held at a modern kitchenware company owned by women and immigrants Our place and included good food, energetic conversation, and even poetry.

“From my viewpoint, one in all the reasons we desired to make certain we had the opportunity to be together again – so a lot of us – straight away is because as the holidays approach, and in some ways they’ve already began, it brings to evoke a lot emotion in people,” Meghan said during her dinner remarks.

“You miss home, you miss your country, and you can also find solace in the new community you have here,” she continued. “I’m grateful that we get to be a part of this community.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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Elaine Welteroth and Jonathan Singletary welcomed their second child

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Elaine Welteroth, Jonathan Singletary, Elaine Welteroth has baby, Black famous mothers, Black mothers, Black maternal health, birthFUND, theGrio.com

Elaine Welteroth has a brand recent bundle of joy!

The 37-year-old media personality and founding father of birthFUND welcomed her second child, a son named SantiGold, together with her husband, musician Jonathan Singletary, in early November.

While Welteroth said People Magazine that she and her growing family are “healthy and happy” – she admitted that she has been affected by sleep problems since welcoming the most recent member of the family.

“I’m not sure my brain is working at full speed,” she told the web site. “I’m sleep-deprived, but I’m fine, I’m fine.”

Recalling the precise day she went into labor, she stated that she just knew it was the day.

“His birth was largely orchestrated by God,” she explained. “I just instinctively said, ‘I’m going to send my kid to school, and when he comes home, he’ll have a little brother.'”

In addition to her general spidey senses, Welteroth had an impulse to be outdoors, so she went to the park.

“The moment I sat down on the grass, I felt the first contraction,” she said. “I assumed, ‘Let’s go, honey.’ “It’s happening.”

Still, there was no immediate sense of urgency for the young mother of two, even stopping to do some Reiki within the park together with her midwife. Shortly thereafter, she returned home for what she described because the “most beautiful” and “peaceful” home birth. SantiGold’s peaceful delivery could also be a part of the inspiration behind his name, which she said means “peace” in Thai.

“I think you’re more confident in the process the second time around,” she noted, adding, “You can trust the method more. The baby was born inside three hours, I could not consider it.

Welteroth, who welcomed her first child, a boy, together with her husband in April 2022, has long touted her second pregnancy as a “redemptive pregnancy.” Its first stage was marked by complications and anxiety. Halfway through, after learning concerning the full scope of the Black mother’s health crisis, she began working with a midwife and decided to have a house birth. She also learned what number of families couldn’t afford the life-saving care of midwives and doulas, which led her to launch the FUND birth fund earlier this yr.

Elaine Welteroth shares her pain story in Advil's 'Believe My Pain' campaign

It was through the organization’s official opening that she learned she was pregnant together with her second child, announcing the primary group of beneficiaries. Now her organization is preparing to reward 41 more families.

“I started with the mantra: ‘We are the ones who have to save ourselves,’” she said. “I’m just very, very proud of our team and that we can help women and families, especially in this moment when we see how the system is failing families. I am truly encouraged and hopeful.”

This article was originally published on : thegrio.com
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