LaToya Shelby, 27, is the mother of two: Mikayla, 6, and Malikhi, 2. Here is what she had to say about her motherhood experience:
On what being a mother has taught her and her first experience with Mikayla:
“I don’t mean to sound so cliche but honestly patience and sacrifice. When I found out I was pregnant with my first child in 2011, my first thought was “OMG.” Then it was the waiting game, waiting until the right time to announce it, waiting to find out if the baby was healthy, due date etc. I didn’t know what to expect but somehow I knew I would be up for the challenge and would be able to overcome any obstacle. I had a high risk pregnancies due to my health issues. Imagine it’s your first pregnancy and instead of being excited, and worry free, your waking up everyday hoping that the stress wouldn’t take a toll on you and your child. I had to learn to except the fact that certain people wouldn’t react the same, not everyone expects you to grow from being a child to now being responsible for one. In this is when I had to learn to have patience for my sanity. On top of that I was working full time and took my maternity leave the day before I gave birth. I had a C- section which somehow I caught pneumonia and was hospitalized for three weeks before I decided to sign myself out the hospital to care for my child.”
On being pregnant with Malikhi:
“When I became pregnant with my son, it was different. His father was involved in everything! I knew from the time I peed on the stick that this was my boy and I was done with this journey. I already knew that I had to be patient and although the timing for baby #2 wasn’t in my ideal time frame, it was okay because his father was there and a little too excited. People talk about all the good things that comes with child birth and pregnancy and that is why a lot of females have high expectations when trying to or becoming pregnant. I had no idea that I would catch a pneumonia once again.”
Most challenging moment:
“Battling through postpartum depression with a four year old and a newborn. Although I had a partner, trust me it was tough! I feel like that part of motherhood was a test to me and those close to me, to see who could handle it. I had to learn how to control my emotions while trying to care for my kids.”
Advice to new moms:
“Your kids will always look up to you. Being their parent they see no mistakes. Sometimes it’s okay to need help, to want more and to feel in contempt with yourself. Trust me you’ll go through many emotions but the feeling of knowing you created someone who you want to not only follow your path but exceed expectations.”
When it comes to motherhood, I am learning as I go. Every experience is a lesson.
Jazz Marie 