Name: Jhay
Pronouns: N/A
Snapshot: Three years after experiencing a miscarriage, Jhay and her husband learned they were expecting again. Despite the passing of time, grief remained present. Jhay was nervous to share the wonderful news and was admittedly scared to be pregnant again. She now speaks to how she coped with anxiety and leaned on additional support to help her through pregnancy after loss. Jhay and her husband welcomed a healthy baby boy in the fall of 2021.
How were you connected with POEM Rise?
I attended the RISE, Monday night support group.
Tell us about your pregnancy and postpartum journey. How did your experiences impact your mental health?
My first pregnancy ended in a miscarriage, and my husband and I were devastated. When we became pregnant three years later, the pain of our loss was still present. We were nervous to even share the wonderful news of our pregnancy and for a while, I was anxious and scared to become pregnant again. For me, I knew I would need additional support to get me through my pregnancy journey.
Were there any forms of support you found beneficial to you in your journey?
Yes. I began attending support groups when my friend invited me to RISE during my second trimester. There, I found a community of Black women who were exchanging tips on childcare, figuring out milestone and child developmental issues, and strategies on how to advocate for my perinatal, postnatal, and mental health. I found myself in a space where I was encouraged, rather than judged, and where I could challenge my own misconceptions about motherhood and parenting.
Are there any words of wisdom or encouragement that you’d like to offer other birthing persons?
Your tribe is there waiting for you. They are loving, encouraging, and challenging. Parenting is communal, and there is so much knowledge, empathy, and joy for you to give and receive.
