Newsworthy

Ta’laija Fulton is many things. She’s a 22-year-old Topeka native, the oldest of two sisters and one brother, a professional in-home caregiver, and an exceptionally perceptive young woman. And, at the time of writing, she’s a pregnant mom confidently and gracefully moving through her journey to motherhood for the first time.

It’s not uncommon for families to follow the same profession. For some families, it’s education. For others, it might be healthcare. For the Fultons, caregiving is a family business – and a genuine passion for Ta’laija.

“I like taking care of older people,” Ta’laija said. “My mom, grandma, and little sister do it, so I have, too.”

Of course, caring for elderly patients is much different from caring for a newborn baby. Still, Ta’laija feels confident that her skills and instincts as a caregiver and older sibling will translate well into her new role.

“I’ll Be Okay!”

Ta’laija found out she was pregnant on December 10, 2023. Like most women, this discovery left her nervous, scared, and overwhelmed. But after a few tears, she quickly rallied and sprang into action.

“I realized, ‘I’m gonna be a mom; I know I’m gonna do good!'”

From the moment she took her pregnancy test, her friends and family surrounded her with support. This support has been crucial. Young mothers, especially those with robust social support systems, are more likely to identify pregnancy-related changes, such as urgent maternal warning signs.

This knowledge can significantly reduce risks to maternal care and well-being. It also fosters a sense of community, encouraging mothers to be more proactive in their care, follow good pregnancy care practices, and embrace their journey to motherhood.

Her mother, in particular, has been a pillar of strength, providing the guidance and reassurance she needs as she prepares for motherhood.

“She’s always checking on me and seeing how I’m doing, if the baby’s okay, and stuff like that. I’m glad I have her support.”

“Ask Questions!”

During her first trimester, Ta’laija experienced the typical symptoms of pregnancy, including intense morning sickness, hot flashes, and even fainting. While common, these symptoms can still be scary, especially for first-time mothers.

With this in mind, Ta’laija enrolled in several parenting classes at Stormont Vail Health, which helped her set expectations and build confidence in herself as a new mom. In these classes, Ta’laija also learned to care for herself during pregnancy, such as taking prenatal vitamins, which immensely helped her symptoms in the second trimester.

Through her journey, Ta’laija has realized the power of vulnerability and sharing her story. As a Black woman from Topeka, she’s all too familiar with the disparities in maternal health. But now, she’s using her story to advocate for others and teach them to advocate for themselves by asking questions.

“Don’t be scared. If you have any questions, ask! If you feel weird or something off about your body, talk to your doctor or go to the hospital. Don’t leave it to Google!”

“Being a Mother Means Being There”

Ta’laija’s background and experiences have shaped her understanding of motherhood and her commitment to her daughter, who she will name A’mora. She feels a profound responsibility to be present and active in her daughter’s life, ensuring she feels heard and safe and fostering an environment of open communication.

“Being a mother means being there for your kid 24/7, listening to their problems, all that stuff. Like, when they tell you they’re going to do something, actually listen.”

Growing up, Ta’laija experienced significant bullying in school and struggled to express herself authentically due to her natural people-pleaser tendencies. She understands she can’t prevent this from happening to A’mora, but she can learn from her past and use her experiences to nurture her daughter’s confidence and teach her how to cope with similar challenges.

Of course, she’s also eager to share everyday joys.

“I’m most excited about shopping and experiencing everything with her—literally!”

“I’m Still Learning”

For Ta’laija, motherhood is defined by presence, openness, and unconditional support. Drawing from her own experiences, she aspires to create an environment of love and safety for her daughter, A’mora, where open communication and understanding are paramount.

As her due date approaches, Ta’laija still has many questions and choices. However, she’s not letting anyone (including herself) pressure her into a decision.

“Everybody tells you, ‘Hey, this is how it goes.’ When people tell me stuff about their pregnancy, I listen. Sometimes, I take their information. But I can’t believe everything I hear because everybody’s body is different. Sometimes I ask questions because I’m curious, but everybody’s body is different.”

Like many mothers, she has her fair share of immediate and long-term concerns. She worries about her daughter’s future and well-being. But she balances these matters with a healthy dose of optimism, which helps her set realistic expectations for herself in her new role.

Education and Resources to Support Black Maternal Health

As Stormont Vail strives to improve access to comprehensive healthcare for mothers and babies, we created a resource directory to empower expectant mothers with education and support. We encourage anyone to support this initiative (and our community) by learning and sharing these resources with others.