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If you Google “Black pregnancy” right now, you will see thousands of articles about Black maternal mortality, the reason why Black women are at a higher risk of dying during pregnancy, pregnancy complications that affect Black women, and articles explaining the disparities in maternal health care. Honestly, it's heartbreaking and disappointing that celebrating the beautiful period of a soon-to-be mother’s life is not at the forefront.
Pregnancy is already filled with stress and worries about having a healthy baby and delivery, so instead of focusing on what could go wrong, let’s take some time to celebrate and cherish the ability to grow a human being and commemorate how our bodies look. Pregnancy milestones are happy moments. Each family should be celebrating pregnancy news once they discover they are pregnant.
Click through for some ideas on how you can celebrate your beautiful, Black pregnancy.
Start a tradition to celebrate the monthly milestones
Celebrate the milestones by taking photos, writing and journaling each moment, or having cake! Whichever tradition you decide to create, there will be opportunities each month, so it should be something you enjoy.
Wear whatever you want to wear
Rock the bikini, keep your form-fitting dresses, or make a belly cast. If you want to stay flowy and comfortable, that’s great, but you can switch it up and wear something that shows off the belly, too. Pregnancy is a time when you are arguably the curviest and most glowing you may ever be.
Do something nice for yourself
Hopefully, you’ve got nine months before your life is going to be taken over by a little person. In those months, you’ll think a lot about what to call your baby, attend many doctor appointments, and even think about what they will wear when they leave the hospital – but also think about and do something for yourself! Think about what you have always wanted to do, within reason, and try to schedule it or plan it out so you can do it before the baby gets here.
Share the news with your family — in the way that you want to
With our first child, we created the cutest announcement that I absolutely loved. Although it was not a creative video announcement or party, it fell in line with what was right for us. Whether you want a big birth announcement, gender reveal party, or a simple video call with close relatives, do it your way.
Go big on your maternity photo shoot
Wear a crown, get the ball gown, and hire a hair and makeup squad. Some moms are even hosting weekends for their friends to celebrate the pregnancy instead of a traditional baby shower. Show your Black girl magic and be a Black queen while you transform into a mother.
Listen to your delivery playlist early
First you have to make the delivery playlist, but don’t just save it until you go into labor. You can listen to it when you might not be feeling great or just need a quick pick-me-up!
Create a pregnancy wish list
Wish lists are great ways to count down to your delivery and have some fun! Add all of the things only a pregnant woman can do or the things you have always wanted to do, and check off as many as you can.
Plan a day that's all about you
Each pregnancy is completely different and unique, but you are at the center of each one! This is the best time to celebrate you with all of your favorite activities. Plan a whole day of what you love, and do it big!
