Naturi Naughton did not let Black Maternal Health Week end without shedding light on her pregnancy experience. The actress, who is expecting her second child to arrive later this year, shared her story with Instagram as a way of partnering with Carol’s Daughter to spread awareness.
“#BlackMaternalHealth is so important to me because too many Black mothers are dying, having unnecessary labor complications, or being ignored when receiving care,” Naturi told her social media fans. “I myself had a harrowing experience in my first pregnancy,” Naughton shared.
“I had a C-section, and I really didn’t want to,” the actress exclaimed. “My water was broken for me, I was induced because I wasn’t progressing quickly enough, and I never got a chance to try to labor,” the celebrity mom revealed.
“I really wanted a natural birth but unfortunately it was quickly decided that I would have a cesarean. Due to a complication, I was ultimately glad they got my baby girl out safely, but I never really understood what was happening! I didn’t know my options, I didn’t prepare my body for labor beforehand by practicing labor positions and I felt like I wasn’t in control of my birthing experience.”
Naturi Naughton welcomed her daughter, Zuri, in 2017. The actress announced her expectancy of baby number two earlier this year.
“In this pregnancy, I have a great OBGYN (Dr.Kameelah Phillips @drkameelahsays ) and a Doula (Janee Aiken @janee_saniaya ), who both happen to be Black women, and it has made a HUGE difference for me,” Naturi told her social media fans this past Monday (Apr. 17). “I feel empowered, listened to, and informed,” the actress exclaimed.
“I’m excited to give birth to #BabyLewis by way of a #VBAC (vaginal birth after c-section) and I feel ready,” Naughton told her supporters. “I’m learning to trust my body and listen to my instincts,” she further shared. “I encourage all of you to do the same and don’t be afraid to ask questions,” Naturi advised. “No matter what your preferences are, You deserve answers.”
Photo: Naturi Naughton/Instagram
