11/10/2020
Aye, Prenatal depression is real. Be more gentle on Mamás
Sis, when people find out your pregnant they will ask you if you are excited?!
Don’t feel pressured to say yes if you are not sure how you feel, or if you are not excited. We live in a society that romanticizes the idea of new life. That doesn’t mean they get to project that on to you. Tell them simply, that you are still processing your news.
Sis, when you tell them you don’t enjoy being pregnant.. they will shame you for it.
It is no shame for not enjoying every waking moment of your pregnancy or at all. That does not make you less worthy of caring your little bae. You’re being honest with yourself and truly that is an important thing to note is how you truly feel in your body. Also many women have trauma with their reproductive bodies, this may be an unfair projection of their experiences or desires on to yours; give grace here I am sure they are not trying to upset you ..
Sis, when you tell them you don't feel like yourself. They will tell you that you're hormonal during pregnancy, it’s normal.
Though your hormones are high, if you are concerned of your mental health, seek the attention it needs. You know yourself. I actually cope with Prenatal depression now. It took me a long minute to adjust to the idea of that because I didn’t even know it existed until I took it upon myself to get help.
Sis, when you tell them your morning sickness is too much to bear or the physically this all is hard. They will tell you they went through it too, it’s apart of pregnancy. Basically, to suck it up
Just because it’s a natural part of pregnancy doesn’t mean your experiences is invalidated. I validate your feelings and it is hard to bare.
Sis, if something doesn’t feel right to you. They will tell you your overreacting.
If it doesn’t feel right, it’s not right. Follow your instincts.
Advocating for yourself is labor that you should not have to endure but like for me it is necessary. Speak to those who are worth your energy. Go to places where you feel seen. Know that you are not alone. We all need to do better at protecting Black Mothers.