Fall in line with the leaves on a tree branch The wind blows them as they do a random dance Just enough heat and the right amount of cool Better enjoy it now, maybe take a dip in the pool
The hawk is approaching as winter nears Cover up the hands, head and the ears Not much sunlight this time of year Short days, long nights as the spring appears
Itchy throat, runny nose, watery eyes The price to pay for warmer months is the demise Flowers are blooming and the bird's chirp Just hearing it brings about a smirk
It's time for summer dresses and vacations New clothes for those far away destinations Places to make memories, relax and have a ball Knowing that soon autumn will fall
Four Faces of Mother Nature is written in response to the W3 Prompt #157.
Challenges of Black Maternal Health, Not Being Valued or Understood
Expectant Mother
Having a child and starting a family is a monumental and happy occasion. Although, it is a happy time for most women, it can also be stressful for some expecting mothers. Ensuring she receives the best possible care for not only herself but also the baby is very important. Black women have faced challenges in this area.
The United States is still seeing a rise in maternal deaths among Black women. Challenges of Black maternal health are increasing due to the changes in laws. Ending of diversity, equity and inclusion programs, abortion bans in certain states, lack of respect, and in some cases racism in medical settings for expecting mothers of color has all contributed to this issue.
Oftentimes, concerns about pain in pregnant Black women are ignored and reduced to the premise that they are just seeking drug medication. Unfortunately, the stereotype that people of color have a high pain tolerance still exists. Women in the past, have and still do exercise their right to assert their choices, as it relates to the birth of their child by using alternate forms of birthing support. Midwives and doulas are options for those families who no longer have faith in the care they receive in medical facilities.
Midwife
What is a midwife and what do they do?
A midwife is a healthcare specialist who is trained in pregnancies, childbirth, newborn care and postpartum health. A midwife has medical training and can deliver babies. They can also prescribe medications. Although, they do not carry out any kind of surgery.
Having a midwife on your side can help in reducing the risk of preterm births. The need for cesarean sections can be lessened if a midwife is a part of your healthcare team. Other benefits include lowered use of anesthesia and rates of labor induction and augmentation.
Different Types of Midwives
Certified Nurse Midwife-medically trained and licensed. Also, must obtain a Bacher’s degree. The scope of a CNM includes gynecologic exams in addition to the childbirth process.
Certified Professional Midwife-medical training, including internships and education. Usually providing care in settings other than hospitals.
Direct Entry Midwife- Provides care without having education in nursing first.
Lay Midwife- no certification or licensure. Has experience with previous births and self-study.
Doula
What is a doula and what do they do?
A doula provides emotional and educational support. Also, a doula can help position the mother during childbirth to make the delivery more comfortable. A doula is similar to a midwife minus the medical training. However, doula’s do not deliver babies. Midwives do.
A doula can assist in overall maternal satisfaction. By providing emotional support and coaching, it makes the birthing experience less stressful. Doulas may also be called a labor assistant, birth assistant or a labor support specialist. The family can decide just how involved a doula’s role is in the decision-making about the birth.
Benefits of hiring a doula include:
reduce in the need for a cesarean birth
shorter labor times
reduction in anxiety for the mother
knowledge about the process of labor
advocate for the family’s needs
Women of color can feel empowered in the type of care they receive by having a midwife or doula during this precious time of life. Most often, the pregnancy and postpartum outcome is a happier one. For those women who want to have their baby at the hospital, as opposed to a birthing center or at home, both midwives and doula’s can be used.
The battle is uphill with restoring hope and trust in receiving medical care for Black women. Hopefully, in the foreseeable future some initiatives will take place to educate and change the direction in a positive way to improve the disparities. During such a crucial, precious and fragile time in a women’s life. She wants to know and feel assured that she can find the comprehensive care and trust that her concerns will be heard and taken seriously.
Taking those pieces and Remnants from life's experiences And using it for New purpose in life's journey Shapes the way Forward and forges Opportunities for growth Rebirth of the mind and soul Makes room for the body to Adhere to its natural order To fall in line with the trio In which all alignment Originates and keeps everything Nice and smooth
A cure for edge control is still sought by many. Looking for something that will keep those edges in check? Try this product that I have recently found. It does what it is supposed to do. Maybe it will work for you too.
Thank you for watching! I have attached a previous article titled, Canopy of Protection. Where Do You Find Peace? Hopefully, you can find something that will help you if you need calmness in your life. As always, thank you for reading
Do you get back to an old hobby? Maybe do the things that once made you feel most alive. The list below are some things that come to mind. Can you relate to any of these?
Saying no and not being a people pleaser
Taking time out for self care
Checking in on how you are feeling, really
Being intentional about nurturing relationships
We have to be connected with ourselves before we can begin to connect with others in a meaningful way.
The way we think about money determines how we move in life. If you feel that you should spend every dollar you make maybe it is time to change your attitude. Prices are skyrocketing on just about everything and this trend does not seem to be slowing down. Spending for housing, food, education and definitely commerce with the tariffs being assessed, puts a strain on finances.
With that in mind, it never hurts to have some kind of financial cushion. Do you save every time you get paid? If so, then you are heading in the right direction. What about investing? This one is a little tricky. It depends on whether or not you are willing to risk financial loses, along with returns.
Are you a chronic spender? Purchasing things that you don’t really need but want, just because you have money. Spending this way leaves you vulnerable in times of an emergency. If you spend, spend, spend and have no savings, try to work on putting something aside. Some people feel that they worked for their money, so why save it.
Ways to Save
Start small- save a reasonable portion every paycheck. It doesn’t have to be the same amount each time or a significant amount. Something that is comfortable enough for you to set aside. Whatever your starting amount is, work your way up each time in increments.
Open an interest-bearing account – this method ensures that your money will grow over time.
Direct deposit- if your employer offers direct deposit, have the amount you want to save come out of your check automatically and into a savings account. This way, you don’t have that money in your hand, but it will go directly into the account where you can monitor the growth.
Pay yourself- do not forget to pay yourself. You work for your money, so don’t forget to keep some for yourself too.
Investing- consult with a financial advisor about your level of risk before making any investments in stocks, bond, annuities, etc.
401-K, Roth IRA- these are more long-term investments. The earlier you start on this the more you will have at retirement for those golden years.
The best way to ease financial stress is to first create a safety net. If you know that you have money set aside, you will not be so overwhelmed and stressed when those emergencies arise.
Living paycheck to paycheck is a reality for some people. A shift in attitude can turn that around. Start to budget your money and eliminate things that you don’t need. Before making a purchase, stop to ask yourself if this is a necessary expense.
The tax return refund is often a missed opportunity. Use the refund for saving and put it towards your safety net/emergency fund. Instead of spending it before you get it, put the money aside. At least, most of it. You would be surprised how this can jump start your savings journey.
Look for other ways to cut back on your spending. Little things add up and quickly. Start to keep track of your daily spending for two weeks. Review it and see where you can cut unnecessary spending. The economy is so uncertain in today’s time. If banks are unfavorable to you, do what works best for you to find alternative means of saving.
Yes, it takes work to change our financial situation. Attitude is the ingredient to making the change we want to see. No one else can do this for us. Start small and build from today. You can do it!
Do you have the needed essentials for those busy days? Check your bag and throw out anything old, only carry what you need on the go. Refresh any of your products with new ones.
Believe in your ideas. If you do not then who will?
Ideas come and go. It makes it that more important to act on them.
If an idea comes to you, it is for a reason.
If you can think it, you can do it!
