Edith Institute

The Speed Bumps

Some days, motherhood feels like beginning again.

You wake up with a little more energy.
You make the plans.
You drink your coffee while it is still warm.
You remember who you were before the laundry, the appointments, the lunches, the endless questions.

You think, I’ve got this.

And maybe, for a while, you do.

Then comes the speed bump.

A hard morning.
A child who needs more than you have to give.
A decision you don’t feel equipped to make.
A body that is asking you to slow down when everything around you keeps moving.

And suddenly, you wonder where that strong version of yourself went.

Maybe she didn’t go anywhere.

Maybe motherhood was never meant to be a straight road.

Maybe there are seasons when you feel clear and capable, and seasons when you need someone to remind you where you are going.

Maybe starting over isn’t a sign that you are falling behind.

Maybe it is part of the journey.

Mothers deserve room for all of it, the confidence and the uncertainty, the joy and the exhaustion, the days when everything feels possible and the days when getting through the day feels like enough.

You can lose your footing and find it again.

You can be grateful and still need support.

You can love your life and still feel lost inside it sometimes.

And when the next speed bump comes, you don’t have to meet it alone.

Keep going, Mama.
You are still becoming.

We’re Taking a Moment to Pause 💜

As we reflect on the work we’ve done and the conversations we’ve shared with our community, Edith Institute is taking a moment to pause and prepare for what’s next.

We’re continuing the work behind the scenes, including preparing to share findings from The Mama We See study.

We’re grateful to the mothers, community partners, researchers, supporters, and everyone who has contributed to this work and trusted us with their stories and experiences.

There is more to come.

Thank you for being part of the journey. 💜💜💜💜

To our incredible speakers and facilitators, thank you. You didn’t just lead sessions; you created experiences that empowered Black mothers to prioritize their health, embrace their strength, and build community with one another.

The HEART Hub Dr. Fran Knox Kazimierczuk inspired our moms through Mama, Nourished, sharing practical nutrition strategies to support long-term health. From understanding essential nutrients to preparing affordable, nourishing meals, she reminded us that food is one of our greatest tools for healing and prevention. The meal was delicious!
mikaelashavon - Dr. Mikaela Peavy equipped mothers with life-saving knowledge during her session on preeclampsia and self-advocacy. She empowered attendees to recognize warning signs, confidently advocate for themselves in healthcare settings, monitor their blood pressure, and better understand the inequities that disproportionately impact Black maternal health.

Me&She Doula Services had everyone smiling, laughing, and moving during Preggo Poppin’! What started with a room full of hesitant moms quickly turned into one filled with confidence, laughter, and joy. Through their energetic twerk fitness class, they reminded everyone that movement can be healing, empowering, and fun. By the end of the session, the moms were fully embracing the choreography, cheering one another on, and even exchanging contact information afterward, a beautiful reminder that wellness flourishes in community.

Cali Brooks, Ph.D. Dr. Calisha Brooks closed the day with a powerful conversation on nervous system regulation, stress, and self-compassion. She shared practical tools to help mothers recognize burnout, regulate their nervous systems, establish healthy boundaries, and give themselves the same grace they so freely extend to others.

To every speaker and facilitator, thank you for sharing your expertise, your passion, and your heart. Your willingness to pour into these mothers helped make Mama, We See Your Strength an unforgettable experience!

Thank you to bi3 for sponsoring and believing in our mission! We are so grateful for your support!

Lastly, thank you to Tailored Confetti LLC for leading the way with the event planning, ensuring everything was spectacular. We appreciate you, Shantel! 💜

So excited for tomorrow! Join us at the Mortar Building (2453 Gilbert Ave.) for a free community wellness event.

What if one Saturday could leave you feeling more informed, more supported, and more connected?

At our Mama, We See Your Strength event, you’ll spend the day learning from four incredible women who are passionate about helping Black mothers thrive.

✨ Learn how nourishing foods can support your heart and long-term health.
💃 Move your body in a fun, welcoming dance fitness class designed for mothers.
🧠 Discover practical tools to manage stress, prevent burnout, and care for yourself with compassion.
🩺 Build the confidence to recognize the warning signs of preeclampsia and advocate for your health.

Join us for conversations, practical tools, and real strategies you can take home and use in your everyday life.

Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or years into motherhood, you deserve a space where your health, your voice, and your well-being matter.

📍 Saturday, August 1
🍽️ Lunch provided
👶 Childcare available
🎟️ Free to attend, but registration is required.

Reserve your spot today through the link in our bio. We’d love to see you there. 💜

PostpartumSupport BlackWomenWellness CommunityCare CincinnatiMoms MamaWeSeeYourStrength

Today, we celebrate the promise of America: freedom, opportunity, and the belief that a better future is always possible.

And as we celebrate, we also recognize that our nation’s work is not finished.

For Black mothers in America, the freedom to grow a family should never come with a disproportionate risk of being unheard, dismissed, harmed, or lost. The promise of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness must include the freedom to give birth safely, to receive equitable care, and to return home healthy to the families who love and need them.

We honor how far our country has come, while remaining committed to how much further we can go.

This Fourth of July, we celebrate America, and we recommit ourselves to building an America where every mother is heard, every mother is valued, and every mother has the opportunity to thrive. 🇺🇸

Happy Fourth of July from Edith Institute.

A mother event with you in mind. Link in bio. 💜

Freedom is more than a moment in history.

It is the ability to speak and be heard.
To have your concerns taken seriously.
To receive care with dignity, respect, and trust.

As we honor Juneteenth, we also recognize the work that remains. Every mother deserves to be heard, not only at home and in her community, but in every exam room, every hospital, and every healthcare interaction.

At Edith Institute, we are committed to listening to mothers, learning from their experiences, and advancing a future where every family receives equitable, respectful care.

Happy Juneteenth.