Hi Lauren, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up learning that some things were better kept to yourself. Things like physical health issues, mental health concerns, and the not-so-pretty experiences of life weren’t things that were shared. It wasn’t until college that I began straying away from that mindset. I found comfort in shared experiences. They reminded me that I wasn’t alone and that situations, no matter how hard, could be overcome. When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately did what many women do… download ALL of the pregnancy apps. Even though they were informative, they typically described the “typical” situations. I wanted more.
This desire for knowledge caused me to find online groups where women could share as they saw fit. I also began looking for experiences of singular women. I wanted to be able to read about one woman’s journey through pregnancy and motherhood… a lot of what I came across was flowery or more of the same. This is what led me to believe that my voice needed to be heard. I began A Natural Black Mama as a way to share my journey with women who may have questions. I wanted women to read about my journey and know that it isn’t all roses. Being Black, Being a Woman, Being a Mama is HARD. On my website, I discuss things that aren’t always discussed. I welcome women into my journey while being completely honest and raw. I provide what I wanted to see when I was searching.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been easy. I began as a new mother who was struggling with postpartum depression. The pandemic made it so that I couldn’t leave the house to get a break. I was a mess and unwilling to reach out for help. When I wrote my first post, it was actually therapeutic. I was able to write about my experience and reflect on how far I’ve come. Now, the biggest struggle is finding the time. I am now back at work trying to juggle staying safe, limited time with my daughter, preparing for the next day’s workload, and another huge commitment. It’s like time doesn’t care about what I have going on… how rude is that?
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the creator of A Natural Black Mama, a blog created for everyone desiring access to the raw truth about experiences that I encounter as I journey through life. My blog is different from many in that I’m not doing this for clout. I’m sharing in hopes of providing insight on what worked, or didn’t work, for me. Because of that, I am able to be completely transparent and detailed.
What matters most to you?
My husband and daughter matter most to me because they bring me so much joy. When I am with the two of them, nothing else matters. Because of that, I strive to be my best self because they deserve nothing less.
Contact Info:
- Email: hello@anaturalblackmama.com
- Website: www.anaturalblackmama.com
- Instagram: @anaturalblackmama
Image Credits
@Tyanadanae
