Hiya, I’m Omolola, California Native, ancestral roots by way of Nigeria and the Caribbeans. From living in different states and experiencing multiple cultures, I’m inspired by the raw creation of the life I live. I’m a social entrepreneur by nature, who through self-taught practices and higher education, developed a passion in helping others to heal.
How many children do you have?
I have two children under 4, one toddler boy and a newborn daughter. My children are a beautiful reminder of the fresh opportunities life poses to us anew every day.
What is the backstory for each pregnancy?
My son was planned between my husband and I, as we were ambitious about building a family and expanding our legacy from ourselves. My daughter was a surprise to us both, as we conceived in a drastic different season of our lives. Ultimately, we were still getting our bearings for the legacy of our son.
When and how did you find out you were pregnant each time?
I’ve always been in tune with my body and could tell when change has happened. I found out about my son through an at home test, as most women do. But my daughter was a complete surprise, that I found out while having dinner with my girls. It was so funny! I was out celebrating with my girlfriends when I realized my period hadn’t come in a week. It ran across my mind, “What if”, but I blew it off and started back meshing with the girls. Contrarily, the next day I went out and bought a pregnancy test to assure myself of my thoughts. At this time, my husband I were on a very dangerous route that included dysfunction at an all-time high, and nothing made sense between us. This is why it was funny to find out I was pregnant with our daughter, in the midst of our chaos. So, taking a pregnancy test by myself was such a horror themed idea. I couldn’t help but wonder, what if this is the key to repairing our relationship. When the test came back positive, it came with a slew of doubts, accusations, and foolery that didn’t make me feel good in my body. From there it became a deeper emotional rollercoaster, that I had to suit up for before getting self-destructing. But after my first doctor’s appointment, I made it a point to employ all of my support system and devote myself to my own healing and growth.
Which pregnancy was most memorable, and why?
I feel that both of my pregnancies were similar. They were memorable in that I had no complications during labor and my babies were born healthy and happy. I found my recovery for both quite memorable. I had the support of my parents at home, which allowed me to learn hands-on from the mothers before me. To have my mother around during postpartum was the ultimate relief I needed to function healthily. Fortunately, my daughter was born at night and came home on a night sleeping schedule, which was a blessing in itself. But one lesson we overlook is having support for when you need to sleep at night. Whether it be an overnight nurse, a close friend, or your mother. Because they didn’t take a toll on their body like you, it becomes a priority to advocate for your quality of sleep at night. For me, my daughter slept with my mother so that I could get uninterrupted rest. A second lesson I’m grateful for is having a morning routine with the baby. Considering my daughter sleeps in until 11am, I get to start my day feeling restful and less frantic to a waking baby who is hungry. So, my mother starts the baby’s AM routine with a bath and a feeding into a nap, which adds a little more time to my own morning routine. This allows me to begin morning meditations, bathing, feeding myself, and preparing mentally for the day!
What was your worst experience during each pregnancy?
The worst experience was very much manageable. Having the pressure of a 9 pound of baby on your intestines causing backup or constipation sounds normal right. However, I countered the pressure through mindfulness activities like deep breathing and prenatal yoga.
What was different about each pregnancy?
My son’s labor was close to what I normally hear about first time mothers. Laboring for 16 hours, pushing for 4. However, my daughter’s labor was so divinely time; labored for 12, pushed for 2 minutes. Drastically different, yet in tune with my boy’s process.
Were there any signs before finding out you were pregnant each time?
With my son, I felt the onset of the baby weight early on. Although I wasn’t complaining about it, I took my time to listen to what I needed and indulged. With my daughter, I also indulged but I only craved fresh foods, fruits, and produce. I was in much better shape than I was with my son, considering I had less fluid retention with the fruits I ate daily.
Other than your firstborn, were you able to guess the gender of the next child? If so, how?
Both of my pregnancies were surprise genders. I had a preference of a boy for my first born; with my daughter, I eventually chose a girl as everyone around me perceived her energy from me. It just felt like a strong confirmation of a girl in the womb, I didn’t have to really guess.
How much weight did you gain each pregnancy?
Funny enough, I gained 40 pounds each pregnancy. The first 20 pounds dropped after birth, for both. At this point, I’m hoping to maintain the postpartum weight with my daughter. With my son, I was more determined to lose all 40.
How did each child feed- bottle-fed, breastfed etc, was it easy or challenging?
My son’s breastfeeding journey was too beautiful! We had an easy journey, which allowed me to exclusively feed him for 16 months. I was joyful and confident in my ability to feed him consistently. With my daughter, I’ve reduced my expectations to about 6-8 months, considering I am running a business, household, and myself! I’m determined to pump and store my milk for her to last post 6 months, but I’m also interested in giving her healthy, solid foods as soon as she’s ready to!
When were your expected due dates, and when did you actually give birth to each child?
Both kids came earlier than their EDD, averaging 6-7 days earlier. They both came late in the night, at the end of the week!
Walk us through the day your water broke or the birthing process for each pregnancy?
I chose to give birth at the birth center in Katy because it reminds me of an old southern home, with big pretty trees, open windows, hardwood floors, and a beautiful kitchen which gives me a sense of comfort like a home. There is a lot of natural light, as well as dim lighting in the birth rooms, which are set up like a bedroom but with enough space for a birth tub. It was very helpful to have alternatives in place before birthing. It really gave me a sense of ease experimenting with different labor positions.
With my son, my water broke once I was in the birthing tub. Prior to my transition to the birth center, I was walking on a trail with my mother-in-law and couldn’t get back to the house. My husband was visiting my brother in Las Vegas, and I became worried I’d need help to transfer into labor. My husband caught the next flight back home and made it time to transport me to the birth center and began birthing.
With my daughter, I began contractions in the early morning which I thought they’d subside overnight. And so, to help the coping, I decided to take a bath to soothe my body. Coincidentally, my water broke, and I was stuck in the bathtub with an outpour of fluid. 2 hours later, literally through active labor on my bed, I felt the urge to push on my bedroom floor. With me clutched and holding her in, my husband frantically driving down the highway, I made it to the birth center in 15 minutes and pushed her out in 2 minutes! It was the fastest transition I’d ever imagine!
Did you get an epidural each time? If so, why or why not?
I didn’t get any medication each time. At the birth center, it’s not a service offered. Besides that, I used pulsing tabs on my lower back for my son. With my daughter, I had no medication or assistance for pain.
Do you remember your first words to each child?
My first words to my son were his mantra: “You are healthy and happy, strong and smart!” With my daughter, my firsts words were “Thank you God for this baby!”
Did you have any health complications during or after childbirth?
I had no complications during or after each childbirth. God allowed me to birth naturally without the complications most women face.
What has been the most challenging part of parenting multiple children?
The most challenging part of parenting multiple children is recognizing they are both their unique self, with unique needs. It’s imperative to structure time for both to have undivided attention to learn and play.
What are the misconceptions about being a mom of multiple children?
The misconception about being a mom of multiple children is that we must dedicate all of our time to them. I believe in a harmonious lifestyle, where we all can be independent of each other but a beautiful system when together. I’m learning as I go, how to incorporate my toddlers learning into my newborns, but I’m optimistic they will adjust well.
Anything outrageous happened at the hospital or birthing location?
Nothing outrageous happened, besides coming home 3 hours after birth! HA! Most of my friends are amazed at my postpartum recovery and journey.
Is there such a thing as having a favorite child? Or maybe a child that is more bonded to one parent than the other? If so, describe that bond. Also, how do you go about it while ensuring it is not apparent to the other kid(s).
I think both children are my favorites, as they have unique characteristics I can’t get enough of. With my son, I love that he is expressive and joyful with everything we do, and I let him know that. With my daughter, I love that she’s so calm and content when we’re together, and she brings a nice refresh to whatever we’re engaged with.
What are the characteristics of each child, and who does it resemble the most between the parents?
Whew! It’s so true that we are half of our parents. Often time, my son goes overboard with affection and makes his love known, like his father. He also is nurturing and attuned to what I need, like myself. My daughter is gentle and caring like both me and my husband!
Knowing what you know now as a mother, what would you do differently if you were given the opportunity to redo? (any moment)
Knowing what I know now as a mother, I’m learning to let the expectations and demands fall where they may land. With children, it’s open best to be spontaneous with learning lessons and to reinforce the positives that we want to see. I find it takes the pressure off kids to let them perform in life as naturally as possible.
Any takeaway or advice for other mothers?
I’d advise mothers to give their children undivided attention daily. Whether it’s 2 minutes or 20 minutes, the rewards are imperative to securing time for to yourself! So, when mommy says I need privacy or a break for 20 minutes, they get you!
Who captured your maternity shoot if you had one?
I had one shoot for my son, and I worked with the great Marc Mayes! He came to the house and shot me and my belly in my bedroom and living room.
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