Cherrell Fulton, is a mother with dreams for the future that is gonna give back the missing void she seen in her community. A doula to her means so much more than supporting the mother in the labor room. It’s about becoming the change you want to see happen in and around you. That’s why she believes so strongly in the Ioby “Unshakeable Motherhood” fundraiser project. As it will begin to build a team that supports the mother.
Without further ado, I introduce Cherrell Fulton…
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1.) What inspired you to begin your journey into the birthing industry?
What inspired me to begin my journey into the birthing industry was the birth of my 2nd child. After she came into the physical, I began gathering with other women who are also mothers of young children. Growing with them and learning about all the health disparities that women in the African American community face during and after pregnancy pushed me to want to become an agent of change in an area where I too have faced challenges.
2.) What does being or becoming a doula mean to you?
To me, becoming a doula means support. It means a weight is lifted for someone else and that creates a domino effect in families. When we can support one another ESPECIALLY during a time such as pregnancy, labor and delivery and postpartum, the experience can be all the more enjoyable and precious.
3.) Why do you want to become a doula?
I want to become a doula because I want to help women get what they want during such a delicate time. I do not want women to be subjected to making decisions that could impact their lives deeply without having the proper knowledge.
4.) What long term goals have you set for yourself as a mother and for your career? What obstacles do you have to overcome to reach these goals?
I have many goals but one major long term personal goal that I’ve been working on is becoming a homeowner. I dream of a home that is a safe haven for my children and whomever else may need it. Career wise my biggest long term goal is to quit the typical 9 to 5 job and never return! I desire to create my own business that will allow me to spend as much time with my family as possible.
5.) What lessons has your child (ren) taught you? How has it impacted/ changed your life?
My oldest son was born very very premature. He was the smallest baby anyone in our family has ever seen. He fought so hard each and every day. He has always been such an inspiration to me. He is so very resilient and has taught me to push through! My daughter is a feisty baby and through her short life, she has taught me how to ask for what I want.
6.) What’s the BEST part about motherhood to you?
To me, the best part of motherhood is the love the kids give you. The hugs and kisses. The times they don’t want anyone but you! It warms my heart to know that little people need me so much.
7.) What’s the HARDEST part about motherhood?
To me the hardest part about being a mother is disciplining my children. Of course they act up at times and have to be corrected but it does make me sad when they are sad about having things taken away!
8.) Any advice for Moms (or soon-to-be-Moms)?
Do not be afraid to ask for help. There are many resources available to assist on this journey but you must tell someone that you are in need. Talk to your child’s doctor, a friend, family member, a pastor, someone in the community or a social worker at a local hospital. You should never have to go without when there are many things in place to assist people.
9.) Why did you join the “Unshakeable Motherhood“/ Ioby fundraiser project? What impact do you think this project can make on your community?
I think this project can impact my community by helping to support mother’s in each stage of their journey. It can help them learn, grow and excel to new levels. I chose to join this project because I wish I had support from the community early on in my motherhood journey.
10.) Any words of wisdom that you would leave to mothers that are starting out and who feel afraid of beginning the motherhood journey? And, what does it take for a mother to be “unshakeable” in motherhood?
One word of wisdom that I would like to leave mother’s who are just stepping into this journey would be patience. It will take much time to be successful during this time. One week things may run smoothly and the next may be mayhem. Just flow with it. Everything that is happening is for your growth. There will be better days so breathe! To me, for a mother to be “unshakeable” in motherhood she must be flexible! Flow with it mama’s just flow!
Today, if you are feeling as if you being beaten up by motherhood and losing hope. Just know that your time and effort you are putting in isn’t in vain. As you are becoming a living example by the sacrifices that you are making daily. When your days get tough just as Cherrell has testified. Just go with the flow. When you don’t allow the little things to bother you. You become unshakable..
If you would like to join this movement that will establish a community of diverse women that will exhort and encourage one another along the journey of motherhood.
Our goal is to build genuine relationships with mothers through seasonal local meet-ups, online and our annual event designed to help mothers feel confident about navigating pregnancy, labor and delivery, life with infant, homemaking combined with financial strategies and the overall transition to motherhood.
As well as building a team of aspiring birth doulas to receive a scholarship for a full intensive training for prenatal, labor and postpartum doula training.
Please make a donation by clicking here that will end up saving a life and supporting a mother that may feel alone and isolated in her motherhood journey.
