Happy February, Happy BHM!

It’s my birthday month — yayyyyy ☺️

This year, my focus is shifting toward pregnancy preparation and postpartum support. I’ve been thinking deeply about what I truly need to bring my babygirl into the world with the healthiest body, mind, and nervous system possible. Babygirl has everything she needs. Now it's vital that I bring attention to what Asia needs.

As many of you know, I experienced a lay off during my maternity leave in 2023 with my sonshine (1 day before my due date to be exact!) and I've been doing contract work since. That means I'm facing no paid time off, no maternity leave, and no built‑in safety net. I’ve been interviewing and doing everything I can to secure a full‑time role since I became a contractor, but with only a few months left before my due date, the pressure is real.

Our family overcame an 8 month layoff last year, plus two other layoffs since becoming parents, and the stress of that history has been living in my body. I feel it every day as I try to stay grounded, hopeful, and regulated for myself and my family.

I’m grateful for the loved ones who encouraged me to open up.

They gave me two strong reasons to do so:

1. I’m usually the helper.

Being a wellness practitioner, I’m often the one pouring into others, offering support, and holding space. I love championing others, but advocating for what I need often feels like too much to ask for. I'm often expected to do it all and be it all. This advocacy is not easy, but it’s necessary.

2. If I didn’t truly need this, I wouldn’t be asking.

I move with deep gratitude for everything I already have, which makes it challenging to acknowledge when I need more. But this ask is essential. My health depends on it. I need to ensure that I can show up fully for my babies, my husband, and everyone I support.

So for my birthday and this baby shower, I’m taking a non‑traditional approach. Instead of gifts, I’m asking for support with:

These offerings would help me move through the months ahead with more ease, grounding, and care, as I navigate employment uncertainty and prepare for birth.

I already feel lighter putting this out into the world and allowing myself to ask for what I truly need.

Thank you for the love, support, and community care. I hope this encourages more mothers, especially Black mothers, to advocate for the resources that sustain their health and their families’ wellbeing ❤️