“This aint the movies and this aint Hollywood!” I had to say “PREACH!” when I came across this video from Comedian KevOnStage where he talked about how he hates the whole 'relationship goals' movement that we see on social media. I often say that it’s the promise of perfection that leads us to the death of divorce. I believe that one of the reasons many relationships fail … [Read more...]
Dear God: Where’s My Baby?
Dek: With every pregnancy announcement—and trust me, there have been plenty—I found myself slipping further into depression and confusion…But I learned to live in the now. It’s funny. I’ve been trying to write this post for a while now. I was even disguising my feelings, by initially naming it: Dear God: Where’s My Next Blessing? However, I know God has called me to be a … [Read more...]
Facing Forty And The Fact That You May Not Have Kids? How To Handle A Lost Dream
You've been dreaming about it since you were a kid. In fact, you can't remember a time when did not think about it. You were going to go to college, get married by 25, have 3 kids back-to-back, and then live happily ever after. But then something happened that changed all that. Oh, you did give birth to a great career, but the marriage and family still haven't come to pass. … [Read more...]
The Cost of Infertility and Why African American Women Suffer in Silence
By Toni Husbands 1 in 8 couples or 7.3 million women experience primary or secondary infertility in this country. My husband and I tried for 9 years before successfully expanding our family. As a 29-year old member of a very large extended family and a small, yet “fruitful”, church – infertility was unexpected and hit like a ton of bricks. I struggled constantly to remain … [Read more...]
What is PCOS & Why Does it Affect Couples Infertility?
PCOS is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, one of the most common hormonal endocrine disorders in women, September is PCOS awareness month. This syndrome is known as the “silent killer” because PCOS cannot easily be diagnosed with one test and the symptoms vary from woman to woman. There are several diseases that women with PCOS are higher risk for such as: endometrial and breast … [Read more...]
Can They Be Married First? 3 Reasons They Might Not Be Ready For Kids Yet!
"So when are the babies coming?" "Any buns in the oven yet?" "Y'all don't have any kids yet!?" Every newly married couple has experienced this line of questioning from either a friend or family member. It's cute at first... but as time passes it can move from cool, to annoying! For many couples who haven't made that decision to have children yet, here are a few reasons why you … [Read more...]
Road To Reproduction: Finding Joy Until Our Precious Baby Arrives
Note: Read the last article in this series here: Two weeks ago, my husband Che called to say he had a surprise for me. After agonizing all day about it because he gives such amazing gifts, I twiddled my thumbs and watched the clock. My phone rings. "Babe, can you help me with something, I'm outside." After running outside, barefoot, he hands me a dog pillow and a … [Read more...]
The Road to Reproduction: For the First Time, I Felt Empowered
Note: Read the last article in this series here: Che was able to postpone his work trip for a month so that he could be home while I recovered. I was incredibly grateful that he could be there. He would be the person to drop me off on the day of surgery and pick me up when I returned home. Dr. Haney does over 100 of these surgeries (pre-pregnancy TAC) a year, so I wasn't at … [Read more...]
The Road to Reproduction: The Due Date
Note: Read the last article in this series here. I spent most of 2012 attempting to allow myself to heal emotionally, spiritually and physically. I avoided most baby showers and as May 4th, my due date rolled around I was deeply depressed. I had signed up for e-mail lists and mailings for pregnant women while I was pregnant and it seemed like as soon as I thought I’d … [Read more...]
The Road to Reproduction: A New Womb Mate
Every woman is taught that everything is fine with your pregnancy once you make it past the first trimester. My name is Donnie Smith and I'm a wife, High School English Teacher, scrapbooker and a stepmother. I'm also a dreamer, a planner and a recovering worry addict. My husband Che "Rhymefest" Smith is a grammy-award winning writer, hip hop artist and a community activist. He … [Read more...]
Life After a Miscarriage
by Saviela Edwards Thorne Life after a miscarriage is everything but easy. Your entire life changes every time you see a pregnant woman or pass the baby items in stores, memories begin to haunt your mind. Your heart aches every time you hear the words, "You're not pregnant". You feel, like no one in the world understands what you’re going through and the ones you try to tell … [Read more...]