It’s hard to believe this photo of me and my bestie, Dr. Tyus, was taken almost a decade ago. What you can’t see from our backs in that picture is that I was 40 weeks pregnant — belly full, body heavy, teetering on the edge of new life. I was quite literally laboring, preparing to welcome my second child.
Dr. Tyus had flown in from Washington, D.C. to be with me, not just as my best friend, but as part of a deeper, spiritual support team. Her mom came too, ready to guide us through some sacred work as we counted down the days until my baby’s arrival. But the universe had its own timeline. The very morning they landed, my water broke.
What followed was a slow, steady unfolding, five days of laboring at home, riding the waves of contractions, breathing, waiting. Every day, I walked the neighborhood streets, belly leading the way, the familiar trees and sidewalks witnessing my journey. I leaned on every tool my doula had offered — the birthing ball, the deep squats, the baths, the breathing — finding moments of relief, grounding myself in the process.
When I first found out I was pregnant again, I was 42. My mind instantly went back seven years, to the tail end of my first pregnancy when preeclampsia forced an emergency C-section. That experience — the shock, the fear, the sudden shift in plans, stayed with me. So when the doctors heard my age and my history, they wasted no time. One after another, they made it clear: they'd only take me as a patient if I agreed to schedule another C-section. No room for discussion.
Later that year, during a visit to D.C., I shared my frustration with my bestie. And it was her, a doctor herself, who reminded me of my power. She looked me dead in the eye and said, “You don’t have to accept everything these doctors tell you. You have agency. You can find someone who will honor what you want, someone who believes you’re capable of birthing this baby the way you choose.”
Her words landed like a balm, a much-needed reminder that I had a say in how this journey unfolded. Maybe I couldn’t predict the birth — babies have their own plans, but I could choose how I walked through the pregnancy. I could own my habits, my mindset, my care.
I decided to experience a completely different kind of pregnancy…one where I shifted everything. My mindset, my habits, my practices with the deep hope of changing my outcome this time around.
To begin the work, I sat still with one powerful question:
"What would it look like — and what would it take — to create a healthy, whole baby? A child free of stress, fully nourished with the right foods, bathed in love, surrounded by good thoughts, spiritual blessings, and clear intentions… And to bring this baby earthside without me being cut open?"
Truthfully, I didn’t know exactly what it would take, but my spirit was ready to go on the journey to find out.
Because I wanted that outcome so deeply, I leaned all the way in. I cleaned up my eating mainly plant-based, intentional and vibrant foods. Sure, I was already eating well, but this time, I took it to another level. My discipline became sacred. No more processed, salty snacks like my first pregnancy. Instead, my plate overflowed with colorful fruits, leafy greens, nourishing grains, and hearty vegetables.
I drank water like it was my job, infusing it with herbs known for strengthening the womb and building the blood. I monitored my sugar and salt intake religiously, making adjustments whenever needed to keep my body in a healthy, flowing rhythm.
But it wasn’t just about food. I became mindful of my thoughts, carefully curating what I allowed into my mental space. I let go of what no longer served me, things I had clung to in the past. I chose joy. Pure, unfiltered joy. No negative energy allowed only light, only positivity.
And for the first time, I found myself wrapped in the arms of a beautiful community of expecting brown mamas. Every Saturday morning, we gathered for yoga, moving our bodies, breathing deeply, preparing for the sacred act of birth. I lived for those mornings — the connection, the sisterhood, the preparation. My first pregnancy didn’t have that kind of support, and this made all the difference.
Spiritually, I stayed anchored. I poured libations, performed rituals, and set intentions — visualizing the soul we were calling forth. I didn’t do any of that the first time. But this time, I knew: energy matters. Intention matters.
Honestly, I could go on and on about all the things I did differently the second time around, but here’s the real gem: I changed because I could see the outcome I wanted.
And that’s the power of visualization and mindset. You’ve got to see where you’re going. You’ve got to believe it’s possible. You’ve got to become it — every single day.
And here’s what I know to be true — whatever health or wellness journey you’re on, it’s not just about doing one thing. Nah... You’ve got to do all the things. Because that’s what it takes to elevate. You must be willing to release old behaviors, outdated patterns, and practices that no longer serve you to create something new…to reach that next level.
We did the work. We committed. We challenged every old belief about what pregnancy had to look like. And as a result, we experienced a healthy pregnancy and welcomed a beautiful baby — Naturally.
That, my loves, is Lifestyle Medicine. It’s not just what you eat or how you move — it’s how you live, how you think, how you love, how you connect. It’s the way you tend to your physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and communal self. It’s the daily practices, the small sacred rituals that shift everything. Sometimes, it literally takes changing everything to get the change you desire.
What about you? Has anything in your life ever required you to make huge lifestyle shifts to get a different result? I’d love to hear about it. Hit reply…You know I read every message.
WORK WITH US!
Changing your diet and getting on track can be tough. If you are looking to eat and be healthier but not sure where to start, consider scheduling a BE WELL DISCOVERY CALL to get clarity on your next steps. We are looking forward to supporting you.
Stay Connected...JOIN OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER where you will be the first to get weekly wellness tips and perspectives, hear about our upcoming events and get exclusive offers. When you join, you will get a free seasonal guide.
Much love, Essentially Chef Beee 🌱
Your Lifestyle Medicine Health Coach & Plant-Based Chef
Comments (0)
There are no comments for this article. Be the first one to leave a message!