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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt

All the Reasons College Is the Right Next Step For Your Child

Teen with backpack

We want what’s best for our children and when it comes to education, the more opportunities we give them, the better chance they have at achieving a job that they love and are passionate about.

That’s something that’s rarer than we’d like to believe to be, so here’s why it’s important to encourage your children to study further education.

Adds More Strings To Their Bow

Depending on the career path they take further down the line is also caused by how much experience, skills and knowledge that they’ve learned and earnt throughout their early years.

So, you should be exposing your children to opportunities from the very moment that they’re able to understand what’s going on in life. Think about different classes that you can take your children to whether it’s cub scouts or language classes.

Encouraging them to take part in extra-curricular activities is important because it will all be on their CV when it comes to securing their first job. By studying further education, it’s adding an extra string to their bow that will likely come very much in handy when they apply for their career jobs after graduating.

The more further education they get, the better. It’s also good to know that there are courses like this MA in business administration through distance learning, meaning that there are still options to study, even if they don’t want to leave home. 

It Gives Them Memorable Life Experiences

You’d give your children the world if you could, but the least you can do is to encourage them to take up further education. Going away to study, away from home, gives them memorable life experiences that will last a lifetime. \

Being away from home, you have to become independent, and that can be difficult if you’ve stopped your child from exploring this independency by going on school trips or joining groups that go out and learn about fending for yourself.

Further education is where your child is likely to make friends for life and more importantly, learns how to budget their own money and to look after themselves without you. Yes, it’s probably not something any parent wants, but there will come a time in your child’s life where you need to let them spread their wings and fly. 

Encourages A Natural Eagerness To Learn

By exposing them to more opportunities, you are building up their passion and eagerness to learn. It’s also influenced by how much you are interested in learning. Maybe that’s taking a trip to the local museum together or reading a book. If they see that you have a passion for learning, then they’ll want to do the same thing.

Children are certainly influenced by their surroundings and that includes their parents. Make the most of school holidays and instead of staying in, go out and do some exploring. Use every opportunity the chance to learn something new, and they’ll grow up hopefully, with that same natural eagerness to learn.

Hopefully, that means they’ll be more inclined to pursue further education when they are old enough to do so.

It also helps with discipline. When studying, they’ll need to be able to control themselves and to manage their own work without a teacher telling them what to do. Sure they’ll have lectures, but that lecturer is only going to be made available to them at the lecture.

It’s unlike high-school where they have teachers giving them guidance and telling them what to do. This all contributes to the discipline that they’ll need when they come out of further education.

It’s needed for their job and whatever they eventually do with their lives.

More Chance Of Being Financially Stable

Money can end up controlling your life and the way you live. It’s important though that money is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to living. However, that being said, the more education and skills you attain, the more chance that your children will be financially stable.

It’s not so much how much money is coming in from their paycheck but more about being able to live comfortably in relation to their lifestyle that they live. So that doesn’t mean that they need to be earning triple figures to be living comfortably.

Some examples of how they’ll use their finances through higher education are when they receive any grants or loans to help pay for their living costs. Having to pay rent for the first time and any bills that go along with it. Knowing how to budget and what they’ll need each month to be able to get by.

These skills will all be important for when they go into adult life and when times get tough financially. 

It Helps Spark New Ideas And Changes Perspectives

Having more life experience and education can help spark new ideas, but it also changes a lot of perspectives.

When we open ourselves up to learn more and to involve ourselves with cultures and experiences that are new to us, we grow as individuals. That’s what you want most for your children, is that they’ll become a well-balanced individual who has learnt to be brave, to fight for what they believe in and to listen to those without a voice.

With as much life experience as possible, they’ll want to explore things that are new to them and hopefully help influence and change the way the world currently is. That they’re contributing to a better world, right?

A Bigger Social Network

Further education reaches out to people across the globe, so no matter where they end up studying, they will likely meet people from all over the place. It’s important to do this because they’ll then have a bigger social network that reaches beyond their hometown.

Having more social connections is rewarding, but it’s also helpful in widening their opportunities that come from having such a wide range of friendships. Imagine all the free stays they could get with friends across the globe?

The more connections that your child knows, the more it will help benefit them throughout their lifetime. That’s why it’s so important that your child continues to pursue higher education beyond high school. 

You can encourage them to socialize from an early age, and it’s good to take them to sports classes and other activities where they can get that opportunity to make as many friends as they choose to.

These friends might be temporary, but it will teach them the social skills they need in order to not be afraid when approaching someone they don’t know. 

Further education should always be something that is a choice for your child, and it’s up to them if they want to do it or not.

Yes, it does bear a financial cost but the experience, skills, and knowledge they get from it, isn’t really something they’d get by just going through adult life. So when it comes to reminding yourself why it’s important to encourage further education, here is a recap. Remember that it adds more strings to their bow and will open up more opportunities further down the line in terms of career prospects and experiences.

The life experiences that they earn from further education will certainly be a memorable one. It will encourage a natural eagerness to learn and a discipline that they’ll need in life. It sparks new ideas, a different perspective, and a bigger social network too.

And finally, it helps bring a bit of financial stability, so what’s not to like?

The Only Mom on the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champs US Team Shares Victory with Son

US Women's National Team Soccer player Jessica McDonald and son Jeremiah

One of the best photos of today’s US Women’s National Team defending VICTORY against the Netherlands in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup Championship was a photo of the only mom on the American team, Jessica McDonald, and her 7-year old son, Jeremiah, sprinkling confetti on her head.

Before the tournament, The Associated Press ran a feature late last month on McDonald, who made her debut at the start of the second half against Chile during round one.

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About her son being able to appreciate the magnitude of what his mom was about to do, McDonald said, “he doesn’t fully understand, but at least he’s at an age right now where he’s actually going to remember this.”

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She added: “He’s going to look back and be like, ‘Wow, I was there. Wow, my mom actually is cool — like she said.’”

McDonald was but among a handful of mothers, a select few that also includes Argentina goalkeeper Vanina Correa, Jamaica forward Cheyna Matthews, Brazil defender Tamires and South Korea defender Hwang Bo-Ra.

“I tried to explain to him: ‘Buddy, we’re going to the World Cup,’” the American forward remembered. “And he’s just like: ‘OK, can I have a toy now?’”

McDonald is a marvel to her teammates, who are amazed the 31-year old can balance her mommy duties with professional sport, solo.

“I don’t know how she does it,” midfielder Morgan Brian said in the report. “It’s pretty remarkable when you think about it and know how much we sacrifice and we put into this team and how much effort off the field that we have to give, and to know that her time is limited off the field and recovering and doing all the things that she needs to do. It’s pretty impressive that she’s here at this level.”

Left back Crystal Dunn is also stunned by McDonald.

“She’s always talking about how early she has to wake up to make sure Jeremiah is taken care of,” Dunn said. “I wake 10 minutes before training and I’m annoyed training gets pushed up earlier and earlier sometimes. But her ability to balance life is just incredible and I think, hopefully, going forward more women choose her route and not feel like they have to choose their career over having a family. I think the new generation is going to feel like they have the option of doing both.”

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Traveling to France maybe new to Jeremiah, but being on the road with mom is not new because he has been her road dog since birth.

His mom has played for Melbourne in Australia and for professional teams in Chicago, Seattle, Portland, Houston, Western New York and North Carolina.

The US Soccer Federation paid for a nanny to care for Jeremiah in France, thanks to a deal worked out by fore mothers who worked out a deal, Joy Fawcett (1995, 1999, 2003) and Carla Overbeck (1999).

Though McDonald has used her teammates as baby sitters, there is a lot of work still to be done towards more rights for working moms on the club level of teams.

McDonald is among seven moms in the National Women’s Soccer League, joined by Portland midfielder Dagný Brynjarsdóttir, Chicago defender Sarah Gorden, Orlando forward Sydney Leroux, Washington forward Cheyna Matthews, Utah’s Rodriguez and Chicago midfielder Michele Vasconcelos.

“There hasn’t been any positive steps for moms in the NWSL,” McDonald said. “Now we’re kind of getting our heads together, getting ideas together, and so now we can start somewhere as moms. … Child care is not cheap. And if you look at our paychecks and you look at child care, there goes our paycheck. How are we going to eat? So yeah, it’s needs to change. We need to do something about it, being helped financially at least.”

We know now that after today, and all the rallying cry for the US Women’s Team hopefully may be on its way to finally getting parity with the US Men’s team which earns about $13,000 per game while the women earn under $5K, while being more successful and generating more excitement, titles and wins than the men’s team.

Come on man, These are the champions!

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Also, Nike knocked it out of the park with this ad:

Make Vacation Hotel Stays More Fun For the Kids

family in hotel entertaining selves

If you’re on vacation, chances are there will be a lot of down time in the hotel room. Your child may find the lack of space in the room restrictive, which could prompt unruly behavior or temper tantrums. Help them avoid boredom or cabin fever with some fun games and toys. It’s unrealistic to bring the contents of the playroom with you on vacation

. However, you can bring along some compact game and toy options, or you can create your own activities that require little to no equipment.

Here are some ways you can keep your little ones entertained during your hotel stay:

Dress-Up

If you have a little girl, have a mini-fashion show in your hotel room. The two of you can get her prepared for her debut with outfit preparation followed by spa services. Perform a special facial, paint nails and create a fun hair-do. You can easily pack a few accent pieces in your suitcase, like ribbon, costume jewelry or your daughter’s favorite dress. This activity is ideal for the child who enjoys planning and is enthusiastic about dress-up. It will require some patience on her part– but if you keep the energy high and have fun, it will keep her occupied and the two of you will have a blast.

Puzzles

Puzzles are time-consuming activities that can keep a child’s attention. If you have enough room in your luggage, pack some jigsaw puzzles. The two of you should pick out a jigsaw that is your child’s favorite animal or animated character, so they’re excited about the final product. The more enthusiastic they are about the content, the more time they’ll commit. If you have limited space for jigsaws, you can bring along some printed word puzzles. Include terms or words that are at your child’s reading level. You can make the theme of the puzzle reflect your child’s favorite hobbies, books or movies.

Card Games

Cards are compact and can be easily transported–they make a great alternative to board games. You can bring along a pack of regular playing cards for games like go fish, speed or gin rummy. Bicycle offers a six pack of kids card games that include Go Fish, Slap Jack, Memory, Matching, Old Maid and Crazy Eights. These cards are well-illustrated, colorful and designed especially for kids. Uno is another fun card game that is great for the entire family, as you can incorporate many players.

Music Video

Get the creative juices flowing and produce a music video with your kid. They can choose their favorite song, and the two of you can storyboard the visual elements. You can orchestrate outfits and practice choreographed dance moves. The video can be recorded on your tablet or smartphone. Many smartphones have video editing capabilities or apps, so you can instantly assemble the footage and polish it up for presentation. Your child will love to watch themselves perform and it is a fun, creative activity the two of you can do together.

Bath Adventure

Liven up bathtime and make the tub an adventurous oasis. The tub is like a mini pool where your kids can hang out and play with their bath toys. Bring along the essential rubber ducky or foam figures, so your child can entertain themselves with these toys. You also can go one step further and create an exciting bath adventure. You can purchase themed bath kits at toy stores.

The Pirates of the Tub play set includes 36 foam pieces that make pirate figurines, islands, a raft, boats and the Jolly Roger flag. The pieces will stick onto tiles, the wall or sides of the bath tub. The set also includes three pirate squirters that your kid will love.

After Forcing A Pregnant Suspect to Labor, Breastfeed Baby While Shackled, NYPD Changes Policy



It took a $610,000 lawsuit settlement for the NYPD to change its rule allowing police to shackle pregnant suspects even during labor and delivery.

Back in February 2018, the New York City Police Department cuffed the wrists and ankles of a 27-year old pregnant Bronx woman they arrested for a domestic dispute that had occurred 6-months prior to the arrest.

The woman eventually went into labor and experienced “excruciating pain” awaiting the birth of her child laying in a hospital bed at Montefiore Medical Center in The Bronx, and after her baby’s birth, according to a lawsuit filed in Manhattan Federal Court.

Doctors appealed to an NYPD supervisor to remove the restraints, arguing that they posed a serious danger to the mother and baby, but were denied and forced to conduct their examinations while the woman’s feet and hands were bound.

Per an NY Post article about this, moments before the delivery “a growing chorus of outraged doctors convinced the NYPD to remove her shackles” — but cops slapped the cuffs back on immediately after the birth, the suit says.

The woman struggled to feed her new baby with one arm cuffed to a hospital bed.

“The NYPD anticipates amending its patrol guide to better address safety and medical concerns associated with arrestees in late stages of pregnancy as well as the exceptional circumstance of safeguarding an arrestee through childbirth and until their arraignment,” NYPD spokeswoman Sophia Mason said in a statement to The New York Post on Friday.

The Police Department would not elaborate on precisely how the policy will change.

Last week, a judge signed off on the $610,000 settlement between the city and the unnamed woman.

City jails severely restricted the use of restraints for laboring inmates in 1990, and federal prisons followed suit in 2008, the papers state.

What to Do When Your Stepchild Screams, ‘You’re Not My Mom/Dad!’

By Clark Rich Burbidge and Leah Dee Burbidge

This phrase has been heard in most blended families at one point or another.

When we were married in 2005, there was scant practical literature ‘How To” addressing the challenges faced in blended families. In addition, it was an uncomfortable public topic.

The conversation inevitably turned toward one’s personal story, an awkward subject at best.

We’ve learned a few things in the trenches since then and are thrilled to discuss one the most basic principles of long-term success…developing effective cross-border communication.

In doing so, we borrow heavily from our new book on this topic.

Start from where each child is.  Most blended family members have experienced the dislocation of absence, divorce or death.

The associated trauma is real.

Remarriage can produce additional disruption due to relocation, separation from support groups, re-establishing social structure, sharing space with strangers and new parental and sibling relationships among countless others.

The key to communication is often found in where parents begin. Spend time listening to understand each child. Knowing better where each child is, and how they perceive their new reality, sets the stage.

You cannot progress from where you think/expect a child should be or where they are supposed to be. Starting from where a child IS NOT ensures daily feelings of inadequacy and failure. A parent must begin from where that child is. This is usually different for each child.

However, when you begin from where they are, every step is a success. Why? Because you are experiencing it with them as your relationship grows naturally from the new soil in which you are both planted.

Respect the Bio-Compass. There is usually a deep pre-existing relationship between the bio-parent and their child. The non-bio parent may be a fantastic person and have a developing bond with the non-bio-children, but it takes time and may never be the same.

That is both normal and okay. The non-bio parent will have opportunities for positive interaction but there will be times when only the bio-parent can respond. Recognizing these and being willing to take a step back while the bio-parent leads is a learned skill and a gift to your children. This often requires a parent to swallow their pride and remain selflessly silent in the moment.

This does not mean withdrawing. In fact, it requires that the less involved parent actively support and sustain the bio-parent. Rest assured that, as you respect this relationship, it will be noticed.

There will come a time when your input is sought.

Misdirection works. We have discovered over the years that the best response to a child’s dramatic or traumatic moments is not the frontal assault. Here are three more effective approaches.

First, progress is often better realized not in the moment when emotions are high. A better time will always become available. Second, distraction works. If two of your children argue over a particular toy, work together and get them separately interested in something else. As they grow older it is more likely to involve mean kids, perceived unfairness, disappointment in school or social feedback or falling short in achieving a goal or dream. It never hurts to turn the conversation in another direction.

Finally, when tough conversations or discipline are necessary, we often tell the end first. None of our children like to be asked to join mom and dad in the study.

They know what that means. We have found that the best way to help them focus, rather than waiting with anxious distraction for the other shoe to drop, is to start the conversation with, “We want you to know we are not mad.” Or “…you are not in trouble.” This relieves pressure and allows more effective learning.

The key trait for blended family success. One evening a teenage son came to us asking about the most important trait he should look for in friends and ultimately a spouse.

We let him name several then made one addition to his list…Kindness. We have discovered in blended family relationships or choosing a spouse, friends or mentors that kindness is always near the top of the list. Kindness opens the door to all other virtues.

If a person is kind, they will more likely be patient, honest, thoughtful, respectful, selfless and able to love unconditionally. We teach and expect such traits to be exhibited by each child and try to consistently provide appropriate examples.

While we often feel painfully imperfect, we celebrate each step of the journey. Our blended symphony encourages each instrument its solo voice. But we also recognize that beautiful music created together is something more than what could have been produced individually.

If we can do it from where we started, anyone can. Each blended family member is good enough to make a priceless contribution.

About the Authors: Clark and Leah Burbidge are 14 years into their blended family experience and loving life more than ever with ten children and their eight spouses, eight grandchildren and counting. Their practical ‘autobiographical/how to’ guide is contained in a new Gold Medal award winning book, Living in the Family Blender: 10 Principles of a Successful Blended Family, July (2019 – Deep River Books.)

Preginistas: What to Wear to the 4th of July Cook Out

Happy Birthday, America!!

If you’re expecting this Independence Day, you may be wondering what to wear to the cookout, picnic or Fireworks celebration going on later today.

Temperatures along many coasts in the US will creep up to the 90s today so you want to make sure you stay cool.

I recommend wearing the lightest of fabrics, ideally cotton or preferbly a light linen.

If you own a kaftan or tunic made of very breathable fabrics, go with that! If not an A-line or sheath dress will do.

If you’re further along, an empire waist blouse with your comfy cropped maternity stretch jeans will be perfect.

On your feet, skip the wedges and stick with sandals.

Avoid flip flops because they can be a hazard if there are spills or if you’ll be walking in areas with a lot of dirt and grass.

If you plan to do a bit of walking, for example, to set up for your family’s spot along the fireworks route, then go with some canvas shoes.

Now, traditionally, I’ve done a post highlighting all of the celebrities who have worn Stars and Stripes American Flag apparel to celebrate the 4th of July, Memorial, Veterans or some other patriotic American Day.

However, given new awareness that is kinda against an old law to wear Old Glory in anything other than a FLAG, here are creative ways to wear stars and stripes:

Even for the kids! By the way: our partners at Janie and Jack are having a 20%off sale!

Have fun!

10 Creative Ways to Announce Your Pregnancy

Being original is what it is all about when revealing that you are pregnant, with some parents taking it that extra step when deciding to tell the world that they are expecting a little baby. Take these guys for example (pictured above) who have used the simplest of things to tell their own personal story. Yes, unique and humorous baby reveals have become incredibly popular over the last few years, with parents using whatever they find on the street as a means to let people know that they are adding an extra placemat to their dining table.

Check out these other 9 creative ways via Mom.com

Inside Gretchen Rossi’s Elaborate Baby Shower

“It took me 41 years to have this baby,” Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi told PEOPLE magazine when they asked if she would be overprotective of her first child ever. “I’m probably going to be crazy protective.”

Since it was a long time coming, that might explain the over-the-top and very elaborate Laguna Beach baby shower she and her partner Slade Smiley had back in May to celebrate the baby girl who is due to arrive this July 11 and who the couple have decided to name Skylar

[She had an elaborate Gender Reveal party too]

The event which took place at a lux venue overlooking the beach, was attended by several current and former Bravolebrities including Real Housewives of Dallas star D’Andra SimmonsVanderpump Rules star Scheana ShayPhaedra Parks (Real Housewives of Atlanta), Patti Stanger (The Millionaire Matchmaker) and Rossi’s former RHOC costars Lizzie Rovsek and Peggy Tanous.

Guests enjoyed a whiskey bar from Distillery 291, cigars from Master Roller Cigars , with Kiss FM’s DJ Chunk on the 1’s and 2s and a Sub Zero Ice Cream booth provided custom frozen desserts — including Skylar’s Shower Cake (cake-batter ice cream with cookie dough and rainbow sprinkles), Rossi’s “Rocking” Road (chocolate ice cream with marshmallows and almond slices), Slade’s “Sleepy” Salted Caramel (salted-caramel ice cream with pretzels) and Family Fruity Fusion (raspberry and marshmallow ice cream with mixed berries).

Rossi and Smiley even had a romantic, smoke-filled slow dance to “I Get To Love You” by Ruelle.

Rossi wore a white empire-waist plunging neckline lace gown by Project Runway designer Michael Costello with flowing sleeves, paired with diamond teardrop earrings, flats and a necklace that spelled her daughter’s name.

From PEOPLE about the food:

There was plenty. Guests nibbled on meat, cheeses and fruit on an epic charcuterie spread by Samira Weddings and Events, and enjoyed other appetizers off a 16-foot-long grazing table of tasty bites by Lucky Board LA. A huge ice tower held shrimp, clams, oysters and other seafood.

There was a huge variety of desserts, too — the centerpiece of which was a six-tier wedding-style cake in shades of pale pink and white, with a gold-detailed crown on top.

Cupcakes were topped with intricate designs, like baby carriages and white flowing dresses. Sugar cookies came in a variety of shapes, such as baby onesies (hanging on hangers) and sleeping babies. Towers of chocolate strawberries and macarons from Regal Delights offered other edible treats.

Photos: Getty, Hamid Moslehi Photography, Ruben Magos Jr., Signature Look Photography

More photos from the event shared by vendors and attendees:

And some stunning maternity photos she’s shared on her Instagram this pregnancy:

View this post on Instagram

Twirling myself into the weekend like ?? (swipe left ??) Happy Saturday Dolls! I’m so excited the sun is out in So Cal and to get some things finished up around the house for Baby! I am in the home stretch now! I’m rocking my baby bump at 9 months preggo! (almost at 38 weeks! ) ?? My body has definitely changed, and I have gained 30 pounds during this pregnancy, but I am owning my curves (and bigger breasts) and having fun just embracing it, cause who knows if I will ever have the opportunity to do this again ??‍♀️————————————————————————-I am also excited to be rocking one of the bikinis from my new #GretchenChristine Collab with @amandalouisebeach and guess what……it still fits me comfortably at 9 months preggo!(same size I had before) It’s because the fabric is so stretchy and soft! ?? I customized mine to have the light topaz stones on it! Remember what is so cool about this collection is that you can customize the color of your bikini and stone color you want! Click the link in my bio then “swimwear collection” to shop all the different looks! ? ————————————————————————My gorgeous flowy coverup is from my friends over @ladyjetset and was so perfect for the pool, oh and it can also be used as a dress! ————————————————————————-Cute heart shape sunnies are from @amazonfashion and were like $9 ??❤️ #spraytan by @naturalbronzing ————————————————————————-Hope you all have a wonderful weekend! Love you all! ?

A post shared by Gretchen Christine Rossi (@gretchenrossi) on

Thanks To Streaming Tech, TV Watching Has Gotten Better for Families

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Flixed

With modern times and newer options for streaming television, family entertainment has changed for the better.

In fact, binge watching television shows and movies has become an American pastime. Streaming has made watching all of a season of their fave show in one sitting.

Before streaming, in order to watch a set number of shows, consumers had to set their DVRs or watch the shows on demand at a time convenient to them. Because devices like Tivo had limited amount of hardware, you had to delete episodes to add new ones.

Remember how much we loved our Tivos! Before that type of technology, we had to wait for our show to air and if we missed it, we were out of luck. Back then, shows didn’t regularly re-run so we wer estuck waiting for the show’s next season before studios would release the previous season on VHS or DVR.

What a headache for parents whose kids loved a particular show. Luckily, times are changing.

Recently, a company called Flixed has returned to shake up the binge-watching marketplace. For film producers like David Guillod, these individuals could see an uptick in how often users watch these films or shows.

Randomizing Television

Given the fact there is nearly an endless selection of shows and movies to choose from nowadays, viewers can get overwhelmed.

With too many choices available for a consumer, a lot of us end up not making a decision and end up defaulting to what is comfortable and what we already know.

With Flixed, desktop users will have access to a button in Google Chrome, which automatically selects an episode from favorite shows. And if there is a show that you prefer to watch in order, you don’t have to worry about spoilers because those are not included.

Flixed is designed for those who do not know what to watch when a group of friends is over, and it removes this decision-making process.

It’s possible that entertainment enthusiasts may enjoy these types of services if they make watching television easier.

Defaulting to Algorithms

One thing to ponder when thinking of these types of inventions involves outsourcing the human thought process to machines. While deciding which television show to watch is not a life or death decision, it is one of many choices that families will no longer need to worry about.

In this internet-connected world, there seems always to be a solution out there that does not require much thought to execute.

It will be interesting to see if Flixed catches on with the public or if it simply becomes another fad.

Slick Woods: Rihanna Spanked Her Into Labor; Doula Erykah Badu Delivered Baby

slick woods erykah badu and rihanna

Model Slick Woods was told after suffering two miscarriages in her youth that she would never have children, naturally, so she didn’t think she was pregnant when an agent told her she was looking chubby in her bikini at Coachella last year.

It turns out she was well into her third trimester!

In a feature for Vogue back in February, Woods wrote about her surprise pregnancy, and shared that after that exchange with her agent, she visited the doctor and learned the news.

“A few appointments later, a nurse was doing a sonogram,” she continued. “There he was: my son. I started crying tears of joy. I had life in me, and felt like I understood the true power of my body for the first time. If I could bring another human being into this world, nothing was out of reach.”

She eventually decided to get a doula and in and interview with Elle UK said why she picked singer Erykah Badu for the job. She had always loved the “Baduizm” singer’s profile as a mother.

“She’s a mommy role model. A mother I look up to, who kills her shit and is a boss-ass bitch,” Woods said of Badu.

A lot of people are now learning that Badu has brought a lot of babies in teh world. The neo soul queen talked about her doula life in a 2015 interview with Pitchfork.

“I became a doula by default,” Badu said at the time before opening up her own practice. “A home birth is about being able to create exactly what you want, because it’s such a violent moment inside of the body that you want everything else to be as beautiful as it can be. So I started studying to be a doula and got my certification in 2011 and now I’m in training to become a midwife. I’m almost there and before I know it I’ll be able to open my own practice, if that’s what I desire.”

And if that isn’t enough, singer, business mogul and actress Rihanna unknowingly helped usher Woods into labor.

By the time Woods was ready to give birth, she had already made news by walking in NYFW shows while pregnant.

She was walking for the Fenty X Puma collection and eventually had to be rushed to the hospital room to deliver her baby boy.

As Hip Hop Hollywood writes, it was in September 2018 when Woods was at the end of her pregnancy when she was modeling in one of Rihanna’s shows wearing what she describes as “pasties, thigh-highs, stilettos, and not much else,” when then 22-year-old went into labor.

“My last memory before going into the hospital is of Rihanna spanking me with a whip,” Woods recalled. “I was already 2cm dilated when I left the show, and I was in labor for another 18 hours.”

In that Vogue piece, Woods wrote about FaceTiming Badu during the birth, the only person there along with the father of her child and her agent.

Badu convinced her to return to the hospital after Woods had talked herself out of having an emergency hospital birth.

“Every day since, my son has healed me, invigorated me – and helped me come to terms with my past,” Woods says. “I never had a normal family. Now I’ve created my own. Who knew you could miss someone your whole damn life without ever having met them?”

h/t hip hop hollywood

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