It is hard enough to be pregnant…add being a black expectant mother…add giving birth in the middle of a pandemic…and the largest civil rights singular moment in history…what a fucking time to be charged with bringing new life into the world. Knowing that in even the best circumstances, Black Women are up to 3x more likely to suffer maternal death and birth complications than white women in the USA, taking birth and pregnancy back into our hands is more crucial than ever.

On May 12, 2020 I gave birth to the most beautiful, healthy little girl in a birth center with my partner, my midwife, and her assistant. My midwife is the only Black out-of-hospital midwife in the entire state of Oregon (!) and her assistant was a brown woman, so my birth team was made up of 100% BIPOC folks. I always had a vision for how I wanted to handle my care during my pregnancy and was able to have a holistic journey through pregnancy and a natural, simple birth.

During these unprecedented times it feels especially scary to be in the hospital and trust our bodies to be properly cared for in the medical industry. I want to offer some tips and treatments that I found especially helpful in my low-risk pregnancy journey, with the hope that this will help birthing people who are currently expecting, thinking of conceiving, or know someone who is. Personally knowing someone that has had a first-time natural birth helps so much to ease any anxiety or doubts you might have, so think of me as that girl if I’m the only one. Everything I share is something that I have researched, consulted professionals about, and most importantly have experienced myself.

First Trimester

My first trimester was an emotional whirlwind as I faced my new reality and kicked into high gear trying to get organized for the pregnancy/birth, and life with a child. My mom was one of the first people I confided in after getting two stripes on a home test. I asked her what I was supposed to do and she said, “there’s not much to do right now except get health insurance and start taking a prenatal vitamin.” Though simple, this advice was key to reducing the amount of stress throughout the pregnancy as once I knew what my coverage was I could start researching my options for midwifery/ medical care in my area. Without insurance my care and birth would’ve cost $5600, so financial planning is key. I used herbs and plants to give me physical and spiritual support for the growing life inside of me as soon as I was aware of it.

Concerns

Nausea
Fatigue
Mood swings
Breast tenderness

Remedies

Nausea— Though I wasn’t having much vomiting, I did feel hungover many days. The best remedies for the queasiness were a) sipping peppermint tea b) exercise c) keeping a little food in the belly at all times d) weed. Teas like peppermint and ginger help settle the stomach throughout the day. Similarly, a little weed ( no tobacco) can help quell sickness. Keeping small amounts of food in my stomach prevented waves of turbulence so having snacks on hand was a must. I found exercise and sweating helped the most long term in terms of eliminating nausea and reducing mood swings.

Mood Swings— this is very natural with all the raging hormones, anxiety and uncertainty of your future, and physical changes taking place. My practice as a yoga teacher really came in handy with focusing on mindfulness and breath work. Keeping perspective was key for me especially as I was navigating much of these early days by myself. Talking to my baby and rubbing my then flat belly also prevented me from letting my emotions run wild. Taking baths and pampering myself was a must for decompression.

Fatigue—the first trimester was the most exhausting part of the whole pregnancy and I felt like I couldn’t get enough sleep. Though I wasn’t able to shake the fatigue entirely, exercising regularly helped me feel less lethargic. I was slightly anemic, so I really had to focus on increasing my iron intake through diet ( dark leafy greens & proteins) and herbal supplements (nettle tea).

Breast Tenderness— my breasts grew instantly and I noticed that the tenderness prevented me from doing certain poses in yoga and affected my sleep. Though normal, I used warm compresses and heating pads to ease discomfort. Baths with epsom salt also helped my entire body and spirit calm down.

Books & Video to Consult

Wise Woman Herbal: Childbearing Year by Susun S Weed

What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff and Sharon Mazell

“The Business of Being Born” directed by Abby Epstein & produced by Ricki Lake

First Trimester Mantra
”I am loved/ I am protected/ I am strong/ I am capable”

I hope these basic tips are helpful, let’s continue to share information and resources for better birth experiences in our communities!

xo Kenya Ku$h