I have to ask, who was your biggest advocate in your motherhood journey? As we advocate and bring more awareness to black mothers during this week, I think of this question and all that comes with it. I am reminded of the ups and downs of my journey into motherhood and I am truly blessed for the people that have been put in my path. Before my motherhood journey began, like many other women, I was told that I would need help in getting pregnant and would not be able to do so naturally. Thankfully, I believed that God can do all things and shortly after getting married, I became pregnant, naturally, with our first sweet baby. Then 18 weeks later, our sweet baby boy came much sooner than we wanted and was born sleeping. In hindsight, as a black woman, I did not see the red flags that were put in front of me by the providers around me at the time, that I see now. And like many other black women, I dismissed the lack of compassion and cold treatment I received during one of the darkest times in my life. Over the course of 5 years, I experienced 5 losses with the same medical practice. The provider I was under did not care to look for any additional interventions to help and see why I was experiencing consecutive pregnancy losses. Even though I asked numerous times about different options. It was always met with crude sarcastic remarks, which ultimately meant, no. And after the 5th loss, where I could have lost my life, my husband stepped in and said, enough was enough and we left that practice. This was my wake up call. I needed to take charge of my health because others will not if I don’t. I'm so grateful for my husband and his love and support. Through the losses, we weathered the storm of grief, and the emotional roller coaster that comes along with it. He has been my rock and support when I needed it most. Thanks to a dear friend, I was referred to my current obstetrics office. My doctor, midwife and all of the staff have become a breath of fresh air compared to my previous experience. Though I experienced 1 pregnancy loss with this office, my doctor did everything possible to find out what was happening with my body and was an advocate in helping me get the baby I desired for so long. Then with our 7th pregnancy, we welcome our sweet baby girl, earthside after 7 trying years. It was with my daughter that the fight and drive grew within me even more that I have to teach my girl to stand up for herself in any capacity, especially with her health. So, that brings me to these questions. As a black mother, are you advocating for your health? Do you have a team of providers and trained specialists that can be your ally and support? I have some amazing women in the Northeast Florida region that are truly passionate about the maternal care of black mothers in our community. Connect with them clicking the links below. Postpartum Support: MommyTu Doula: Lotus Ring Postpartum & Purely Nourishing Doula Counseling: Her Hope Behavioral Health

Meet Savanna, a wife, mom and owner of the The Shred Society. When I met Savanna, I thought she was an amazing power house but moreso the sweetest person you can meet. I've had the opportunity to photograph Savanna during both of her pregnancies. And I have to say this momma is absolutely radiant. Who is Savanna? As the owner of The Shred Society, I'm an online and in person women's personal trainer who specializes in pre and postnatal exercise correction. I have been a trainer for almost 10 years! I have a huge passion for guiding and empowering women through every phase of their life, from improving their strength and confidence, to preparing for pregnancy, to supporting them through pregnancy and postpartum and beyond! I am blessed to be a mama myself of 1 little girl and a *soon to be born* baby boy, so I've been through it all and understand what it's like in the mind and body of a pregnant/postpartum mama. How did you get started? Found my passion for a healthy lifestyle early on in college, after watching a close family member struggle with their health really for as long as I've been alive. I was always looking up things to help her out and give her guidance, and soon realized my search history on my computer was always just filled with health and fitness research! It became a passion of mine, and when I gained the "freshman 15", I got extremely interested in learning how to make my body thrive. From there, I started working as a trainer at the University of North Florida's wellness center, eventually taught spin classes and other group fitness classes all over Jacksonville in addition to personal training, and opened my own studio right after the pandemic hit as a way to provide safe and sanitary training for those who weren't comfortable going to a bigger gym. My business has only grown from there as I soon after opening The Shred Society became pregnant with my first, and immediately enrolled in a course to become pre/postnatal certified and now love training all the mamas! What services do you provide? In Person One on One Training and Semi Private (3 women max) personal training, Online Programs and Coaching, Nutritional Guidance (I am Precision Nutrition L1 certified), Postpartum Mama and Baby Recovery In Person Classes What do you enjoy most about your job? Getting to spend my days having great conversation with like minded women and being able to support them and cheer them on while getting them stronger both mentally and physically What is one of the biggest mistakes in your industry? -I notice, as a lot of trainers become more experienced, they start to think they know everything and aren't able to listen to their client's individual needs or desires (for example, a trainer might think heavy lifting is the ONLY way to see results, but a client says they feel better when they doing lower intensity/lighter weight movements). Another big mistake trainers make (usually when first starting out - I made this mistake for years!) is thinking they need to KILL their clients every single session, give them tons of burpees and jump squats, etc., just to make them sweat and feel exhausted at the end of their workout. At the end of the day, each session should be a combination of a personalized, intentional program for the individual's goals + catering to what their client enjoys doing I know there are plenty of moms that would love to connect with you. How can others find you, and connect? IG: @ strengthwithsavanna & @the.shred.society and Website: www.savannarose.co