I was shocked when I discovered that my period was back. I knew it was going to come anytime but I was still surprised to see it. I remember feeling wet that morning but it didn't cross my mind that I could be bleeding. So I went about my morning duties until when I wanted to pee that I discovered it. 

As I said, I was shocked, but I was happy because I have been sexually active without being on any contraceptives. 

This is because the medical personnel I saw for family planning asked me to wait at least six weeks before taking any contraceptive. He said at the time that the baby may be still too fragile for contraceptives, especially hormonal contraceptives and said I should wait at least six weeks before being on contraceptives. He asked me to come back the first week of June. I didn't go to the rendezvous because I felt like waiting longer and going at six months postpartum.  

Not having my period left me scared of getting pregnant so I was lowkey happy with my period coming back. It will enable me to know my safe and unsafe days.

With my first child, my menstruation returned at six months postpartum, and this time it's five. It was quite painful this time. 

I still intend to go for family planning at six months postpartum to put my mind at rest.

That's my experience and I hope it is helpful information to you in seeking direction on contraceptives after having a baby.

I broke down these past days due to stress. 

A combination of things got me restless and stressed. I went back and forth with decisions. 

One major thing that made me stressed these past days was judging myself for letting motherhood take the most of me.

To be honest, I fear being identified as a mother alone. I want to be more than that. I started thinking to myself that people would judge me for giving myself to motherhood so much that it reflects in my looks and in everything I do.

But then again I thought to myself that my kids are worth dedicating enough time and energy to. It's not easy taking care of them and they need me to be very present in their lives. By the way, I know how I want to bring them up so it's no problem to play an active role in their lives. I may want to have more time to do other things but I shouldn't apologize for putting in much time and energy to bring up my children. I shouldn't also feel bad about being dedicated to taking care of my family.

Then I was also reminded that life is too short to stress over stuff, and I was able to bring myself to relax a little. I need to find more time to smile than to stress.

The rest of the stress left when I went for just a little shopping. Only small shopping o. Shopping is real therapy 😉. I went with no list. In fact, I decided on what to buy in the market or the only way there.

Guess what I bought - foodstuff. Going to the market really distracted me. Stress is not good o. 

While I was stressed, I couldn't eat or think properly. I couldn't even sleep well. I was overthinking a lot of things concerning work too, I felt really tired and unmotivated. 

I'm glad I feel better.

I'm looking forward to a good rest tonight. Hopefully, I continue to feel better tomorrow morning.

And you, how are you feeling? Hope all is well with you.

I am sharing with you tips on caring for your relaxed hair to help it be and look healthy.

- Use good relaxers

- Relax your hair after at least three months

- Treat your hair often

- Oil your hair often

- Allow your scalp to rest from braids and other major hairstyles

- Do cornrows or any easy style to protect your hair when you are resting from braids or other hairstyles.

- Don't pull your front edges when plaiting or braiding your hair.

Today I'm sharing with you my dear African ladies five resourceful Instagram accounts. I hope they are as useful and helpful to you as they are to me. 

Knowledge is important and the African society needs the knowledge in order to grow and improve their mindsets and lives.

They promote women empowerment and gender equality for African women. I love the way their content is curated to elevate African women and enlighten them on their worth and power. Through them, I found other accounts which are very educative for women too.

This brand aims at helping African women succeed in life. They share career tips and content on money-making moves. You should check them out.

This account is known for sharing content on financial literacy: how to make money, invest money and spend money wisely. They aim at helping you get financial freedom.

She is an image and etiquette consultant who helps women thrive with elegance. her tips are quite essential and practical. It's only a short while I started following her and I enjoy her content. 

They are empowering women to live safe and confident life. I really love the reel they did on how to stay safe at an ATM machine when you are alone.

Those are my top five Instagram account to learn from as an African woman.

Also, follow me on Instagram for a daily dose of relatable content on African women's lifestyle and empowerment. Here is my handle @ngumabi.

I cried the day I heard Prophet TB Joshua died. I shed tears.

Today he was laid in state at the synagogue church of all nations and watching how people took turns to see his body made me sad and weak. 

I only had questions to ask:

Why did he die this soon and suddenly?

Who will lead us spiritually to God and Jesus Christ on earth?

God knows best why he took his servant. God knows what's going to happen now.

But for us, there's a huge void in terms of having a good spiritual leader.

My message to Prophet TB Joshua is:

"Heaven is celebrating your presence but for us it's a great loss. Still can't bring myself to process that you are no more. I'll miss your spiritual leadership in Christ. You've left such a void in the hearts of many believers. But even in death, we know that God is still saying something."

I'm not desperately looking for who to play the role of a spiritual leader on earth in my life right now but I know God will find a way to lead his people again.

May the soul of Prophet TB Joshua RIP.

I love and will miss you man of God.

May God comfort us.

I'm so sad.

My hair journey has been an interesting one after I relaxed my hair. 

Managing my hair has been easy and I am enjoying it.

I relaxed my hair the second time with a Dark and Lovely hair relaxer. I've done brushing twice which I am now a fan of. 

I also treated my hair once at the saloon during this time and did a number of other hairstyles. Here are my hair moments in the pictures below.

So guys thank you for reading this post and following up on my journey. 

After I had my second baby I feel it is right for me to share my top tips for dressing up when going out with a breastfeeding baby.

- Avoid gowns or dresses and some jumpsuits that won't allow you to take out your breast when it's time to breastfeed

.

- Wear mostly free clothes or clothes that stretch.

- Beware of the fabric of your clothes. If the fabric is too light it will not look good when you have breast leaks. Wear thicker fabrics except you can't do otherwise or if you use breast pads.

- Brighter colours show breast leaks more and trust me breastmilk stains clothes over time.

Those are my tips for you breastfeeding mothers. 

I hope you guys are doing well. We are officially in the second half of the year. I hope the year is going as planned for you. 

Mine has been good so far and it's been full of planning, planning, planning. I get so busy these days that I have to make a plan in order to get all that I want to do done.

Did you know today the 1st of July is Regae day? It makes me think of the king of Regae - Bob Marley and his songs. I listened to some regae music today to celebrate the day.

First of July is also international Joke day. I wish I had a joke to tell but let me say that jokes are a good way to help us smile, laugh and create fun memories. So let go of the uptighness sometimes and accept jokes. I know that some jokes are expensive. I mean not all jokes are jokes so mind the things you say about people all "in the name of a joke".

To begin this month well, here are some affirmations to help you achieve what you wish for.

- I deserve a new beginning this year

- This month is a new beginning for me 

- I am healthy this second part of the year

- I am safe this second half of the year

- I deserve good things this new month

- I am going to achieve all that I set my mind to this month

- My plans will not fail this second half of the year

- Happiness is my potion this new month

- My life is getting better this month

- I am motivated to work hard this month

Those are the affirmations for this month. Have a blessed month. 

The one thing I think of for African women is "strength".

African women are the strongest women I know. Their strength is seen in their capacity to persist, be patient and fight for what's best for their loved ones.

But they don't or hardly fight for themselves. Or they just feel too weak to fight for themselves. Or they don't just feel worthy of it.

Whatever the reason may be, African women need to stop thinking low of themselves and start applying their strength to their needs, goals and personal achievements. 

Know that you are worthy as an African woman and that your dreams and aspirations are valid. Don't give them up for anything. Pursue your dreams, and increase your value. You are worth more than making babies and staying in the kitchen. Your limit is endless and exceeds the walls of motherhood and being a housewife. 

So start believing in yourself today. Love yourself enough to take action on your dreams. be an example to your children.

I hope this post encourages you to take the bold step.