Black Mother’s and Resiliency: Highlights from a BMU Mother’s Pregnancy Journey

On the other side of strength is a softness that all Black moms should experience.

Photo by: Jameel Pugh

I am always in awe of what we as women undergo in general, but the stakes are raised while pregnant. We never know what will occur. Our bodies can endure so much and is a reminder that we are some of the most powerful beings in the world.

Ashley Foreman, a military wife, makes this pregnancy thing look easy. A mother of multiple children, she explains, “I really usually have good pregnancies other than the common stuff like back pain, feet pain, and not being able to sleep,” as we share a laugh.

Books like, What to Expect When You’re Expecting, and Guide to a Healthy Pregnancy cannot possibly explain all the experiences you may have when you embark on your motherhood journey because every journey is unique.

Some women, much like Mrs. Foreman, have the typical symptoms during pregnancy explained above. Still, the labor and delivery process may be challenging, like Mrs. Foreman’s, who explained how her labor deterred from her birth plan when she discovered she had to have an emergency c-section.

For the sake of not exposing an incident that some may view as traumatic, I won’t share all the details, but as I listened in on Mrs. Foreman’s story, I couldn’t help but think, “this woman is remarkable!” Her positive attitude regarding her experience is why women continue to amaze me. With the help of her family, she was able to navigate this event and recount it with a smile and laughter. Wow!

Being resilient is a gift. It’s honorable, and I often feel unique for specific groups. Black women encounter many struggles outside of motherhood. The last thing they should have to manage is a traumatic experience during birth, but they press on with the proper support and viewpoint.

I hope more Black women feel as bright and bubbly as Mrs. Foreman about motherhood and to journey with ease and all the support their hearts desire. Black women are deserving, always have been, always will be.