In this conversation, I chat with Shaniqua Smith, my son's godmother and one of my best friends. We discuss the challenges and experiences of motherhood, specifically the fourth trimester—the postpartum period.

Because -ish gets real when the baby comes, there's much to be said about the transition of welcoming a new baby at home, the emotional and mental changes, and the importance of self-care and grace.

We also touch on the pressures of comparison and the impact of social media on perceptions of motherhood.

Shaniqua Smith is a dedicated stay-at-home wife and mother of four beautiful girls. With a passion for making a difference in people's lives, she pursued a career in social work. Shaniqua earned her Bachelor's degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and completed her Master's in Social Work at Alabama A&M University.Throughout her career, Shaniqua has worked with various populations, including infants and elderly people. She has made a positive impact through her involvement in mentoring programs, hospice care, summer camps, and providing essential resources like food and clothing.In 2020, Shaniqua took a leap of faith and boldly decided to leave the social work field during the pandemic. She seized the opportunity to launch her own licensed home childcare program, the Leap of Faith Learning Academy, LLC. Despite the challenges, Shaniqua embraced the journey and created a nurturing and educational environment for the children under her care.Currently, Shaniqua is taking a break from the childcare profession to focus on her role as a stay-at-home mom. She uses this time to heal, explore new opportunities, and prepare to relaunch her childcare program as a center. Shaniqua's determination, compassion, and unwavering faith inspire those around her.

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