My Message To Mamas Everywhere

This week on the GirlTrek blog, we’re spotlighting Casey Ferrand, a soon-to-be mom based in New Orleans who has been staying active and healthy by walking consistently. Learn more about Casey’s journey, how walking has helped me throughout her pregnancy, and her advice to Trekkers and pregnant mamas everywhere on how to prioritize their health and self-care. Happy Black Maternal Health Week!

Tell us your story in your own words.

I’m a journalist, media coach, and author with a love for life, family, and adventure. I’m also transitioning into a new role as a mother. 

Tell us about your pregnancy journey — how far along are you? 

I’m now at 35 weeks. Pregnancy has been a fun and exciting journey. I’ve had tons of energy because that’s just my nature, and if anything, the baby is motivating me to keep on going.

What are some things you've been grateful to have during your pregnancy journey? 

I’ve been grateful for the love and support from family, friends, and complete strangers. I'm also grateful to my GirlTrek community for keeping me motivated and active and for Shanika LeDuff at A Labor of Love for equipping me with the knowledge to prepare me for delivery and early care of my baby. 

What have been some of your challenges during this time? 

I’ve been blessed to have had a remarkably easy pregnancy. My biggest challenge has been staying motivated to stay fit during pregnancy, which is why I greatly appreciate the support from my local GirlTrek community. 

How often do you walk during your pregnancy and for how long? 

After about 20 weeks, I started walking 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a week in my neighborhood with the dog, which has been a fun journey. 

Have you done any other physical or emotional activities to stay healthy during this time? 

I started doing yoga with Valerie from The Ohm Well to improve my flexibility and mobility and prepare my body for delivery. She has been gracious enough to make in-person and virtual sessions available to my husband throughout my pregnancy and me. I was also gifted maternity massages by Samantha Junius, which have been so pleasurable to help me relax and address back pain throughout pregnancy. To mentally prepare, my husband and I took a series of prenatal classes with A Labor of Love to learn about what to expect for delivery, preparing a birth plan, breastfeeding techniques, and supporting each other during and after delivery. 

How has walking helped you on your pregnancy journey?  

Walking has helped me to physically and mentally prepare for delivery. It’s been a joy to walk and clear my mind, spend some time with baby, and join other ladies for walks. I’m hopeful that the amount of walking I’ve done and the activity I’ve engaged in throughout my pregnancy will make for an easier delivery.

What is one message your mother taught you about motherhood? 

The one message my mother taught me about motherhood is you don’t have to be perfect, but do what you feel is best for your child.

How long have you been a GirlTrekker?

I’ve technically been a GirlTrekker since January 2021, when one of the local organizers reached out to offer some encouragement and support when she noticed me posting stories on social media about walking and staying active during pregnancy.

My GirlTrek community also built a whole team to support me in my goal to participate in the Crescent City Classic 10K race this month. They cheered me on and built a complete course for our team to participate in the race virtually. I had so much energy and excitement being surrounded by Black mothers during that walk that I completed 3.2 miles this year. I honestly felt like I could have done much more because of all the great energy. 

What is one thing you love most about GirlTrek?

What I love most about GirlTrek is the amazing community of women all over the country who are supporting and uplifting each other.

What is your superpower? 

My superpower is my heart! My heart and care for people.

What's one thing you do for self-care? 

One thing I do for self-care is to do nothing at all. I’m usually busy with so many tasks and responsibilities throughout each day and week that I look forward to just doing nothing and lying around watching movies with my honey.

What is one message you want all pregnant Black women and Black mamas to know? 

One thing I want all Black mamas and women to know is that you don’t know what you don’t know, so seek knowledge, advice, and support from those who’ve been there before or who are where you want to go. Be open to soaking up information from various places and then be open to giving the same in return for those who will follow. Be open to sharing your story because there’s so much I didn’t know and wish I had known in advance.