I am currently 35 and a half weeks pregnant. I am in a position where I need to rely on the government for medical care. This is the reason why I created this blog.
Before I became pregnant, I ate relatively healthy- mostly organic. I never really trusted doctors and instead did lots of research on homeopathy and natural remedies. I was always into preventing and reversing dis-ease through food and supplements. I don't get shots (and yes, part of that is because needles hurt and hurt even more with some searing medicine shooting through them) because of the research I've done on vaccines.
After I found out I was pregnant, I decided the "responsible" thing to do was to go to the doctor. I am overweight and things like heart disease and diabetes have their place in my family. I hadn't had a blood test in years (again, the needle thing), and while I began a pretty good diet regimen, I was unaware of any damage I may have already done to my body. And now, this wasn't just about me.
For people, like myself, who either have to stop working or work jobs that cannot/do not offer health benefits (both applied to me), you may find yourself in an ugly and terrifying situation: relying on the government. If you are not armed with enough information, you can also find yourself settling for less than what you and your baby deserve, no matter what your financial status.
Thus, I begin this journey.
I have learned lots from other birth blogs and facebook groups, but have been saddened by the fact that I am either the lone or one of very few Black faces that contribute from the discussions. I am also saddened by the fact that the resources available, should one decide to be an "Earthy Mama" are VERY limited if your funds are limited and/or if you live in the hood. There are not any (in my neck o' the woods that I have found) midwives that attend to homebirths that are able to accept government medical insurance. The same goes for birthing centers. But, the fact that information is so very limited on breastfeeding and it's benefits (for mama and baby), the risks of cesareans (which are on the rise in the Black and Brown communities and all over the US), the facts about VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean, which is TOTALLY possible), the risks of epidurals and etc, etc, etc... it just COMPLETELY blows my mind. Let's not even mention (though I realize THIS is a mention) nutrition and the availability of fresh, organic food to poor mothers and pregnant women.
Most importantly, as I was researching and preparing for this first post, when I typed in "Black Pregnant Women", the results were... devastating. The first page of results in google were about murdered Black pregnant women, teen mothers, Black mothers dying during childbirth and other atrocities. I took that as a sign from the Almighty Father, Himself that there needed to be another voice.
So, this blog is dedicated to women, ALL women, who desire to be Earthy Mamas. The women who may not have known about the alternatives, which, really should NOT be alternatives at all, but the norm and the standard. But, this blog is especially dedicated to those women who may feel they do not have a voice in what they do with their bodies and babies because of pressure from doctors, government, family or whomever else. This is for you. I pray to have all sorts of info and resources for you all to learn and make informed choices. I'll tell you about my experiences and those of others. Ask me questions and I'll try to get as well-rounded an answer as possible.
Be peaceful and productive!
Earthy Mama
No comments:
Post a Comment