A Mother of Colour (Spring 2022)

A Mother of Colour Magazine

MAKE BALANCE IN THE MIDST OF MOTHERHOOD

5 TIPS FOR RESTING WITH A NEW BORN

PREPARE FOR PREGNANCY FEEDING AND TEETHING TIPS

SPRING 2022

This publication was created entirely by the CEO, Chief Editor, and Designer of A Mother of Colour Magazine.

For more information visit amotherofcolour.com

A Mother of Colour Magazine SPRING 2022

Contents

by PNW Production

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Illuminating Perspective & Defying the Odds

DR. THORNTON // 13 DR. CHISATO // 19 5 TIPS FOR RESTING WITH YOUR NEWBORN // 22

Enjoying Motherhood & Unity

PHNEWFULA NEWFALA // 26 NAVDEEP KAUR // 30 5 TIPS TO PREPARE YOUR BODY FOR PREGNANCY // 33

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Wellness & Cherishing Our Children

MY-CHERIE // 37 MIMI // 41 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT BREASTFEEDING // 44

Connection & Virtue

MICHAELA SUMMERS // 48 3 TIPS FOR TEETHING BABIES // 52 ADVICE // 54

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Staff

by William Fortunato CEO, EDITOR IN CHIEF, & DESIGNER Mitzy

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by cottonbro

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A Letter

rom

from the

EDITOR Hello and welcome to A Mother of Colour Magazine where we uplift and inspire the everyday and extraordinary mother. My name is Victoria Targblor "Mitzy" and I'm your CEO and Editor-In-Chief.

This magazine seeks to highlight and unite mothers of different backgrounds and cultures across the globe. I am so proud to present to you our first issue.

Here's to you and cheers to us!

Xoxo, Mitzy

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by RODNAE Productions

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by Ketut Subiyanto

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Perspective

“Having a child just puts everything else into perspective. Everything else just disappears”

Kate Winslet

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Meet

Mom

Dr. Amber Thornton

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by Dr. Amber Thornton

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Biography Dr. Amber Thornton is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Motherhood Wellness Consultant.

She is the Founder of Balanced Working Mama, where the mission is to completely change the narrative of what is possible for millennial working mothers by helping them to better balance work, motherhood, and wellness.

Balanced Working Mama’s community continues to grow as more mamas are learning how to redefine “balance” in motherhood and truly begin to prioritize their needs and desires first.

Dr. Amber Thornton is dedicated to sharing tips and strategies for balancing work, motherhood, and wellness weekly on The Balanced Working Mama Podcast. Dr. Thornton also helps working mamas to transform their wellness through the Empower Wellness Program, a 6-week virtual group program for working mamas to empower themselves and others in dramatically transforming how they care for and show up for themselves.

Dr. Thornton resides in Washington, DC with her husband and 2 children. She is deeply passionate about helping other working mothers fulfill their goals, passions, and find more joy throughout their motherhood experiences.

Website: ● www.balancedworkingmama.com Email: ● hello@dramberthornton.com Instagram: ● www.instagram.com/dramberthornton (@dramberthornton) ● www.instagram.com/balancedworkingmama (@balancedworkingmama) LinkedIn: ● https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-amber-thornton-8aaa7971/ Podcast: ● The Balanced Working Mama Podcast (available on most major podcasting apps) ○ Apple Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-balanced-working-mama-podcast/id1520168735 ○

Google Podcasthttps://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy8yODBkMjY0MC9w b2RjYXN0L3Jzcw==

○

Anchor- https://anchor.fm/balancedworkingmama

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Stitcher- https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/the-balanced-working-mama-podcast

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Spotify- https://open.spotify.com/show/2nuQYfDuSz0loddz3FuwxT

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5 Best Breastfeeding Positions Being a parent is one of the most exciting experiences of life. Parents enjoy various new colors of life after the birth of their little kiddo but some experiences are only for mothers.

Along with all of the excitement, some things might be difficult for new moms and breastfeeding is one of them. The new mothers are surely not aware of the correct procedure and method of breastfeeding.

We will guide you about the correct and comfortable position for breastfeeding.

Here are 5 best positions for breastfeeding: 1. Cradle hold: Hold your baby facing towards your breast.

Place the head of your baby on your elbow.

Hold your baby in your right arm if you are going to nurse the baby from the right side.

Hold the rest of your baby’s body with the same hand and forward your nipple towards your baby with the help of your other hand.

2. Crossover hold: Hold your baby’s head with the hand opposite the breast from which you are going to feed.

Hold your breast with the other hand.

3. Football hold: Fold the legs of your baby with the arms of the same side used for breastfeeding. Holds up your baby using support and raises the baby, like a football. Use the other hand to hold your breast.

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5 Best Breastfeeding Positions (cont.)

4. The side-lying position Lean down on your side with the support of a pillow under your head.

Hold our baby close towards you.

Use your hand on the upper side to grip your breast.

5. Laid-back position Lie down on a bed in a semi-lying position.

Now, support your back with and place your baby on your chest in any comfortable position.

Now, start nursing your child.

Follow the above-mentioned breastfeeding positions and nurse your child to proficiency tly.

Reference: https://www.whattoexpect.com/first-year/breastfeeding/basic s/

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Defy

“A mother’s love is the fuel that enables a normal human being to do the impossible .”

Marion c. Garretty

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Meet Mom

Dr. Chisato

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by @therapistmamabear Message

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Biography

Dr. Chisato is a Japanese mom of twin boys who are also of Honduran descent and on the autism spectrum. They are her world. She has a unique view since she is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. If that isn’t enough, she has also obtained her doctorate degree in social work! She has a blog, Instagram, and Facebook where she shares about the blending of being a therapist and a mom with kids who have special needs.

Website: https://www.flowcode.com/page/therapistmamabear Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therapistmamabear (@therapistmamabear) Message

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5 Useful Tips for Getting Proper Rest with your new Baby

Becoming a parent is the most happiest and exciting thing in the whole world. Things might be a bit challenging, especially when you are a new parent.

There are a dozen things that can bother you. And the most annoying and disturbing among them are the restless nights.

It is very difficult for a parent to take proper rest with the newborn.

Quality rest is the foremost thing to look after your little kiddo. You can only accomplish your responsibility smoothly after getting enough rest.

We have compiled a list of 5 useful tips to get proper rest with your new baby.

1. Sleep with your baby Newborns take frequent and shorter naps for 2 to 3 naps throughout the day.

This counts 16 to 17 hours for a whole day.

Therefore, it is ideal for parents, especially mothers to sleep when the baby is sleeping. This will help you to get enough rest and also help to boost up your energy.

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5 Useful Tips for Getting Proper Rest with your new Baby (cont.)

2. Skip household chores You should never compromise your rest over household chores with a newborn. You don't need to be worried if our house seems messy.

Simply go and get some rest, whenever you find time and leave your remaining work for the next day.

3. Share the nighttime duties with your partner 4. Place your kiddo crib near your bed 5. Ask for help In this way, you can take a nap when they are helping you.

6. Apply for parental leave 7. Good sleep hygiene The following are some ways to promote good sleep: Both parents should take advantage of parental leave at different times. In this way, you can divide the burden of work and make things easier for both.

When one partner is handling the baby the other can continue his job.

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5 Useful Tips for Getting Proper Rest with your new Baby (cont.)

• Avoid caffeine before going to bed • Stop using electronic devices before going to sleep.

• Make a regular sleeping schedule.

• Establish baby’s sleeping habits • You can help your baby to sleep by establishing sleeping habits. This will promote faster sleep and allow parents to get some rest.

Share your nighttime duties with your partner. This will help both of the partners to get enough rest.

It is easy to look after your baby when the crib is next to your bed. This will promote restful nights.

You can ask for help from your close friends and family. You can ask them for groceries, feeding, diapering, holding up your baby, and sweeping the floor.

Reference : https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/newparents-tips-for-quality-rest

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Enjoy

“The life of a mother is the life of a child: you are two blossoms on a single branch .”

Karen Maezen Miller

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Meet Mom

Phnewfula Newfala

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by @shophappymago

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Biography Phnewfula Newfala is a Mama and the owner of an Atlanta-based children's store. Her store Happy Mango sells almost everything from strollers to cribs to endless baby products.

Apart from running her extremely successful career, Newfala is a mother who is consistently devoted to end racial and social injustice, which can also be witnessed on her Instagram where she offers encouraging words to others to vote and engage in politics.

Website: http://phnewfula.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shophappymango/ (@shophappymago)

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Unity “When you become a mom, the last thing you want to do is feel judged because everyone is trying to do the best they can.”

Jessica Alba

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Meet Mom

Navdeep Kaur

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by thebetterindia.com.com

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Biography Mompreneur, Navdeep has a deep desire to provide the best for her daughter.

In a recent interview with The Better India, Navdeep said, “My daughter would react to synthetic fabrics very poorly. She would develop rashes on her skin which is why I would only stick to natural fabrics dyed in plant-based colours for her.” Thus, she decided to create her own products in a market that was lacking and her business named Aagghhoo was born.

Navdeep creates child-friendly clothes that are easy on the skin which help them sleep and relax peacefully. Navdeep’s encourages other mothers like herself to find peace in their homes and with their families.

Website: https://aagghhoo.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aagghhoostories/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aagghhoo_stories/?hl=en (@aagghhoo)

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5 things to prepare your body for pregnancy There are so many things that a woman needs to do to prepare her body before trying to conceive.

We have compiled a list of the 5 most essential things that a woman should try at least 3 months before trying to conceive.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight 2. Consume more nutrients 3. Regular exercise 4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine 5. Quit smoking The above-mentioned things are very helpful for new moms to make their bodies ready for pregnancy.

1. Maintaining a healthy weight: A normal body mass index (BMI) is a key thing when you try to conceive. Studies show that a BMI between 19 and 24 is ideal. Overweight or underweight can lead to the following compilation: Decrease the infertility rate.

Lower pregnancy rate.

Irregular menstrual cycles and ovulation to stop

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5 things to prepare your body for pregnancy (cont.)

2. Consume more nutrients: You can take nutrients through various sources such as: Eating more nutrients will help to promote the normal functioning of the reproductive system.

Fruits and vegetables Lean protein whole grains Dairy products Other sources include: ● Folic acid ● Calcium ● Prenatal vitamins ● Nutrients supplements

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5 things to prepare your body for pregnancy (cont.)

3. Avoid caffeine and alcohol: A large amount of alcohol and caffeine can lead to an increased infertility rate and can also affect the health of your infant.

Therefore, you should avoid or at least limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine while trying to conceive.

4. Start regular exercise: A physically fit body is essential when trying to get pregnant.

You should do moderate and light aerobic exercise.

Always ask your doctor before starting new physical activity.

5. Quit smoking: Smoking is more dangerous when you are trying to get pregnant. Research also shows that the women who smoke don't conceive efficiently and their chances of fertility problems can also increase.

Follow the above-mentioned tips and prepare your body to start a family!

Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/tips-to -get- your-body-ready-for-pregnancy

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Wellness

“Being a mother is the best reason you’ll ever have to take care of you. ”

Anonymous

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Meet Mom

My-Cherie

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by www.vivalasilk.com 38

Biography

My-Cherie began dyeing silk scarves ten years ago under her former business named Shimmer & Bliss. Creating art on silk became her passion and sparked a sense of joy in her life. Having to put her career on the backburner from all the busyness of motherhood, she began to think that her business was not meant to be. Through all the doubt, her heart was yearning to still share her art with the world and as a result she stepped out on faith that somehow everything would come together. Thus, Viva La Silk was born and exceeded tremendously. Her brand is centered on color, history, and the vibrancy of her Cuban-Jamaican heritage.

Website: https://www.vivalasilk.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivalasilk_/ (@vivalasilk_)

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Cherish

"The most precious jewels you’ll ever have around your neck are the arms of your children."

Anonymous

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Meet Mom

Mimi

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by unlikelymarket.com

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Biography

Mimi lives in a suburb of Atlanta with her husband and children. She is a full-time Digital Influencer and the owner of successful online retail store called Unlikely Market. Most days she shares her struggles of figuring out her day-to-day life. The “Unlikely” in her company name is a nod “to what you see isn’t always what you get!”

Through sharing her journey, she expresses a variety of tips and tricks that keep her home, family, and business balanced. In addition, she holds space for women to not lose themselves to the realities of life and motherhood.

Website: https://unlikelymarket.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unlikelymarket/ (@unlikelymarket)

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Everything You Should Know About Breastfeeding and Blocked Milk Ducts Breastfeeding: After birth, your little ones feed on your milk. This process is called breastfeeding. It is a natural process and every mother has to go through it.

New moms can surely be aware of this term but do you think that you know everything about breastfeeding?

In addition to the night-long feeding sessions, enforcement, breast pump, and leaking, there are many other challenges with breastfeeding. Sometimes, breastfeeding mothers feel a hard lump in their breasts. This is commonly known as the clogged milk duct.

Usually, clogged milk ducts are not a matter of much concern and you can get the clog clear easily at home. But in some cases, the clogged duct can develops into something serious if not treated.

But fear not, we are going to discuss symptoms of clogged milk ducts during breastfeeding and how to treat them?

Common symptoms of clogged milk ducts Following are the common symptoms of clogged milk ducts: A lump in your breast area.

Pain, discomfort, engorgement, or swelling around the lump.

A blister or milk plug on your nipple.

Fever with pain.

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Everything You Should Know About Breastfeeding and Blocked Milk Ducts (cont.)

When to See a Doctor?

Clogged milk ducts don't fix on their own and if the right treatment is not given at the time, the clog may certain factors that can cause clogged milk ducts and mastitis are as follows: History of mastitis while nursing The cracked skin on the nipple surface Inadequate or unbalanced diet Smoking Stress, anxiety, and fatigue Different forms of mastitis 1. Periductal mastitis Periductal mastitis is a condition that occurs without lactation and affects women in their reproductive years. Some of the common causes of periodontal mastitis are as follows: Smoking Bacterial infection Broken skin on the nipple Mammary fistulas 2. Mammary duct ectasia Mammary duct ectasia affects women between the ages of 45 to 55.

In this condition, the milk duct becomes wider which leads duct walls to get thicker, sticky, and become filled with fluid. This causes discharge, tenderness, and pain.

3. Granulomatous mastitis Generally, mastitis is a condition related to women but in some cases, it can also affect men.

Treatment for clogged milk duct:

Massage is considered the most effective treatment to cure clogged milk ducts. You can massage your breast while showering or taking a bath, feeding, and during pumping.

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Everything You Should Know About Breastfeeding and Blocked Milk Ducts (cont.)

Some other useful tips to clear clogged milk ducts: Continuous breastfeeding.

Feed your baby from the clogged side.

Soak your breast with warm water before massage.

Change various positions while feeding your baby.

Mastitis treatment Mastitis infection can be treated through antibiotics.

The complete medication course is for 10 days. The pain and the inflammation can be reduced by using pain relievers such as Tylenol and Advil/Motrin.

The following are some other useful ways to prevent clogged milk ducts: Frequent feeding and pumping Massage your breast while feeding and pumping.

Skipping tight clothes or tight bras during breastfeeding.

Keep the baby carrier straps loosened.

Adopting various breastfeeding positions.

Apply a warm and moist compression along with your breast before nursing.

Apply a cool compression to your breast after feeding.

Ask your doctor for lecithin supplements.

Keep your breasts clean and dry.

Use lanolin and creams to heal cracked nipples.

Sleep early and get enough sleep.

Take good self-care.

References: https://www.healthline.com/health/breastfeeding/clogged -milk- duct

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Connection

“There are places in your heart you don’t even know exist until you have a child .”

Anne Lamott

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Meet Mom

Michaela Summers

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by Michaela Summers 49

Biography

Michaela Summers is a wonderful and hardworking wife and mom. Michaela is currently working as a counselor at Alpharetta High School and she is also a mental health therapist for Push Thru Therapy, LLC. Michaela is working on her licensure to become a professional counselor focusing on maternal mental health. She gained her passion and love for maternal mental health when she became a mom in 2019 and learned more about the importance and high needs for moms and the maternal mortality rates here in the Atlanta metro area.

Michaela is a loving mom to her active and loving son Derrick “D3”! She loves being a full time boy mom and enjoys learning new ways of how she can better support all moms.

Michaela plans to continue to pursue her career in maternal mental health and open her own private practice that will focus on the serious mental health needs of all mothers. With her future practice, she plans to help mothers understand and realize that they are not going through their motherhood journeys alone.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaela.motherhood/ (@michaela.motherhood)

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PICTURES Virtue “The very fact that you worry about being a good mom means you are one. ”

Jodi Picoult

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3 Tips to Help a Teething Baby to Sleep Teething is quite a challenging task not only for the babies but also for the parents. And this task becomes more difficult when it's your first baby.

Sometimes, teething is not a painful period but some kids feel discomfort and irritation in their gums. This sensation of pain can cause sleep disturbance which leads to irregular sleep patterns.

With the sleepless nights, your babies usually remain uncomfortable.

But you don't need to be worried because today, we will guide you to help your teething baby to sleep.

Before going towards the solution let's see what are the symptoms of teething.

Symptoms of teething: Some of the common teething symptoms are given below: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

An increased drooling Mild Rash Diarrhea Rejection to eat Biting of hands or toys Irritability around cheeks and pulling of ears Increased night waking

● Cry

more than usual

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3 Tips to Help a Teething Baby to Sleep (cont.)

3 Tips to help your teething baby to sleep The following are some of the useful tips that will help your teething child to sleep: 1. Give your child a chew toy or a teething toy : Give your child some teething toys to chew. This will help in decreasing gum pain when your child is not sleeping.

You can also use homemade cool clothes to satisfy your kiddo.

2. Use a pain receiver: The sensation of pain can keep your child awake which can cause sleep deprivation.

Therefore, you should use pain relievers such as Tylenol or ibuprofen. These medicines prove helpful in promoting a good night’s sleep.

Healthy tips: Always consult your doctor 3. Avoid developing sleeping habits: Parents want the comfort of their baby but you should be careful with some things.

Therefore, try to avoid bringing your kids into the bed with you. You have to face difficulties later on if your baby develops bad sleeping habits.

References: https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-sleepcomfort/baby-teething-sleep/ 53

Advice Making Small Steps Is Better Than Making No Steps

Mama, you deserve the best because you are the best! Take the time to write down the vision you want for your life and don't shy or back down from it. Then, create small actionable steps to help you achieve that vision. For example, if you want a better job, dedicate 2 hours a day toward job hunting. Or maybe you want to teach at a school, make steps to pass all the certification requirements. Whatever your goals are stick to them and don't back down. You deserve the best. xoxo, Mitzy

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by William Fortunato

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