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04/19/2025

Thank you so much for the spotlight, HEC. I’m truly honored and grateful. I had to take a small step back recentlyto rest, reset, and refill my cup. Prioritizing my mental health was necessary, but my passion for supporting mothers has never left me. It’s a fire that continues to burn deeply within me.

I know firsthand how devastating it feels to not be seen or heard especially during one of the most vulnerable times in life. Coming so close to death during my last pregnancy was a life-altering experience. It opened my eyes to the harsh realities so many mothers face, and it affirmed what I already knew: this is my purpose.

It is my duty to stand in the gap to advocate, to uplift, and to ensure that no mother ever feels invisible or unheard. I don’t want anyone else to endure what I went through, or what so many others have suffered some who are no longer with us due to negligence and carelessness.

My hope is to be a bridge here in Northeast Florida to help build a system rooted in compassion, equity, and respect. One where mothers are met with quality care, affordable care, and most importantly, continuous care that honors their lives and stories.

This work is personal. And it’s sacred.

I dedicate this work to every mother who didn’t make it home, to those who are still healing, and to the families left with only memories. Your stories fuel my fight. Your lives will never be forgotten. 🤎

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIo4f6HuP0C/?igsh=dzB6NGg3Nm40cG14

03/12/2025

A Transformative Day on The Hill….

Yesterday, my daughter and I had the incredible privilege of sitting down with Mr. Matthew McCulloch, thanks to the warm welcome from Congresswoman and her amazing staff. Our conversation was nothing short of transformative. We spoke with urgency and passion about the critical need for more research and funding for Colorectal Cancer—an issue that impacts so many lives, including my own.

By 2030, it’s estimated that 27,400 people will be diagnosed with Colorectal Cancer. This statistic is staggering, but it’s also a call to action. We need to ensure that our voices are heard, and we need to continue pushing for better screenings and more support for those affected. One of the pivotal moments of our meeting was when I shared the story of my big brother, Josh. I was his caregiver in 2015, when Josh was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer at just 27 years old. I was 22 and a mother of 2. He passed away 5 months later, shortly after his 28th birthday. At the time, the age for colon screenings was set at 50—a number that has only recently been lowered to 45. But we know that’s still not enough. Early detection is everything, and we must continue to advocate for lowering the screening age even further.

I also shared with Mr. Matthew that my brother had MLH1 Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition that increases the risk of developing Colorectal Cancer and many other cancers. I, too, carry this genetic condition. This is personal—this is my reality. It’s a reminder that we all have a role to play in this fight.

It’s my hope that you’ll consider joining the Colon Cancer Caucus and showing your support for this life-saving cause. Together, we can champion a brighter future, one where fewer families experience the pain we’ve known. It’s time for all of us to stand up and make sure that no one has to face this battle alone.

I look forward to continuing the conversation and working with your office to make real, lasting change. Together, we can save lives.

02/02/2025

🌟 **Exciting News!** 🌟

I’m thrilled to announce that my book, "The Extended Journey: Navigating the Unfolding Path of Motherhood" will be launching APRIL 2025, just in time for Black Maternal Health Month.

A HUGE Thank you Xaviera 'Zay' Bell for being the amazing leader, mentor, and trailblazer that you are, to help push me.

This book is a heartfelt exploration of the beautiful, challenging, and ever-evolving journey of motherhood. It’s filled with personal insights, stories, and practical guidance for those walking the path of parenthood, and I can’t wait to share it with you.

✨ Whether you’re a new mom or someone with years of experience, *The Extended Journey* is here to support, uplift, and inspire you as you navigate this incredible adventure.

In "The Extended Journey," Zakela J. Mickens delves into the often-overlooked complexities of the postpartum experience, shedding light on the multifaceted challenges and triumphs that mothers face long after the initial birth of their child. This insightful book serves as both a personal narrative and a resource, exploring vital topics such as postpartum mental health, breastfeeding beyond infancy, societal stigma, and the pressing need for community support.

I’m so grateful for your support and can’t wait to hear how this book resonates with you. Let’s continue this journey together! 🌿

12/31/2024

What does "getting off to a good start with breastfeeding" look like to you?

Breastfeeding can look different for every mother and baby, but it doesn't have to be a difficult journey.

Getting off to a good start with breastfeeding is important for both the mother and baby. Here are some key points to help ensure success:

1. Start Early: Aim to breastfeed within the first hour after birth, as this helps stimulate milk production and promotes bonding.

2. Ensure Proper Latch: A good latch ensures that the baby is effectively getting milk and helps prevent ni**le pain. The baby’s mouth should cover the ni**le and a large part of the ar**la.

3. Feed on Demand: Allow your baby to nurse whenever they show signs of hunger, typically every 2-3 hours, especially in the early days.

4. Get Comfortable: Find a comfortable position for both you and your baby. Using pillows or a breastfeeding cushion can support your posture and help with positioning.

5. Stay Relaxed: Try to stay calm and patient, as stress can affect milk flow. Relaxing can help both you and your baby settle into the breastfeeding routine.

6. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Keep yourself hydrated and eat a nutritious diet to support milk production.

7. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from a lactation consultant, breastfeeding support groups, or your healthcare provider, especially in the early days if you have challenges.

8. Take Care of Ni**le Health: Keep your ni**les clean and dry, and use lanolin or ni**le cream if necessary to prevent soreness or cracking.

9. Be Patient with Engorgement: In the first few days, you might experience engorged breasts. Hand expression or using a breast pump can help relieve discomfort.

10. Trust Your Body: Your body is designed for breastfeeding, and although there might be challenges, trust your instincts and be patient with the process.

Starting with these key points can help build a positive breastfeeding experience for both mother and baby.

08/28/2024

Happy Black Breastfeeding Week! The theme this year is ' Listen Up! Reclaiming Our Narrative and Centering Our Stories for Breastfeeding Justice'.

The annual campaign during National Breastfeeding Month is designated to raise awareness and empower breastfeeding mothers in the Black community. The purpose is to increase access to support, culturally relevant breastfeeding health care, and close the racial disparity gap in breastfeeding rates. It also intends to address the inequities and lack of Black representation in lactation professional fields.

This week serves to acknowledge Black breastfeeding mothers and their children, and to highlight breastfeeding champions in our communities.

You are invited to a 'Lunch and Learn' with Dr. Janelle Barfield, Growing Together Pediatrics. Please share this event with your clients as well.

When: August 29th 12- 1 PM

https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_N2RlMTA5ZTQtNDRlZC00ZmQxLWExYmEtYWVlYWQ1ZDExNmY2%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%2228cd8f80-3c44-4b27-81a0-cd2b03a31b8d%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22040dfa13-ef2f-4577-a412-c80e58a3d8ea%22%7d


For more information on why we celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week:

Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding Initiation and Duration Among U.S. Infants Born in 2015 | MMWR (cdc.gov)

Achieving Breastfeeding Equity and Justice in Black Communities: Past, Present, and Future (maternalhealthlearning.org

Our vision is to be an exceptional national resource center for eliminating maternal health inequities and improving well-being for all families in the U.S.

08/25/2024

Happy Black Breastfeeding Week!

08/24/2024

DO YOU KNOW WHAT TOMORROW IS?!?!

The start of BLACK BREASTFEEDING WEEK!!!!!

You already know what time it is 🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️🤸🏾‍♀️

No matter where you are in the world you can get one on one support from the comfort of your own home! Thank you to Kimberly Seals Allers the Creator of The Irth App! Be sure to download the Irth App to get live support from an experience lactation consultant. The Irth App is the ONLY app where you can find prenatal, birthing, postpartum and pediatric reviews of care from other Black and brown women.

ALSO!

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for August 29 at 11 AM as we kick off The Breast Buddy Brunch celebrating black breast-feeding week! Come out and here from some amazingly passionate panelists 😊

08/15/2024

Hey Dads!

This one is for you 🤎✨

Free online event to discuss positive ways to support breastfeeding in the black community in honor of Black Breastfeeding Week! 🤱🏾 Register Now: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-fathers-journey-supporting-breastfeeding-tickets-991007639527?aff=oddtdtcreator

08/15/2024

Join us as we Celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week 2024!