On June 12, 2020, my miracle arrived, Niko Iman Thompson. She was born during one of the most stressful times in the world.
The severity of the Pandemic totally altered how I saw the world. I no longer felt safe. Giving birth in a hospital became even more of concern for me.
As I watched the news, I thought about the world and all of the businesses that would close and what that meant for people and their families.
As I started calming down, George Floyd was murdered and the protests began. I was so sad and angry that another black man was murdered. Fear, and anxiety overcame me and wanting to get out of bed became difficult. I worried about my husband and all of the other black men I knew in my life. Civil unrest at the same time of a pandemic while, really took me to a dark place.
Here are four things I did to take care of myself before I gave birth.
Prayer- I started praying and really asking God to give me peace and to guide me. I realized that as controlling as I can be. I am not in control.
Meditation and calming music– It soothed the chatter and all the negative talk in my head. I started my day with it and my mood shifted immediately.
Therapy-Being able to talk to someone about all the things that prohibits me from living my life with joy is a blessing. I highly recommend a therapist to anyone that is dealing with anxiety, past hurts or any issue that stops you from living life freely.
Hypnobirthing– A method that teaches women to be calm and fearless during labor and delivery. I learned breathing techniques and words of affirmations. Birth can be scary for mothers on the day of delivery. Surprisingly, I was ready to meet my girl and had no fear. I visualized a fast delivery in a hospital that was only interested in my safety and well being. That’s exactly what I got.
Please share with me in the comments how you deal with your stress during the pandemic.
Currently, I am 33 weeks pregnant and I must say prayer has definitely been helping me get through this pandemic. I also talk with my parents and life coach a lot about how I’m feeling and going through each week to help clear my mind of any uncertainties I’m having. Lastly, I find inner peace by working in my home garden and the community garden I work for. Summertime is the perfect time to grow cucumbers , tomatoes, and okra. I have all three of these veggies are growing right now!
Love this blog read ! 💙
Thank you so much Shivonne! I’m glad you enjoyed! I wish I had a green thumb. Gardening seems so relaxing.
Niko is just precious and beautiful! I love these photos. You and your family are lovely and beautiful as well. So happy for you. So grateful that you and Baby Girl are in good health and great spirits.
Now I’m about to dive deeper into research about hypnobirthing 😉
Thank you Kali!!! Yes hypnobirthing really made my Labor and delivery much easier. There was no fear. That’s the most important part.
To My Beautiful Family.
In Everything I Give Thanks for what he Has Done and More to Come in Becoming What God has In Store.
God Blessings and Abundance over your Lives.
Welcome Niko Iman. Love.Auntie Su.
Thank you so much!
Shawny, she is absolutely perfect. Just beautiful. You are such an inspiration. Blessings to you and your family
Thank you Tina! I feel so blessed!