Kelis Welcomes New Life: A Powerful Announcement Highlighting Black Maternal Health and Self-Care

Celebrated singer Kelis Rogers, renowned for her distinctive voice and trailblazing career, joyfully announced her third pregnancy to the world on August 5, via a heartfelt and expansive post on Instagram. The news instantly sparked excitement among fans and followers, as Kelis, 40, prepares to expand her family once again. This new arrival marks her second child with husband, real estate agent Mike Mora, and will bring their bustling household to a lively family of five, a milestone she playfully hinted at with her caption, “Chef Kelis – table for 5 please. We’re adding one more!”

Kelis is already a doting mother to two sons. Her eldest, Knight, was born in 2009 and is shared with her ex-husband, rapper Nas. In 2015, she welcomed her second son, Shepherd, with Mike Mora, whom she married in 2014. The announcement of a new baby is not just a personal celebration for the artist, but also a significant moment for her growing family, symbolizing another beautiful chapter in her journey through motherhood. Her social media post, featuring a radiant selfie with a First Response pregnancy test, was more than just a reveal; it was a powerful statement on maternal health and advocacy, underscoring Kelis’s commitment to using her platform for impactful change.

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Chef Kelis – table for 5 please. We’re adding one more! 🤰🏾🖤 Happy to announce that I’m expecting and I’m partnering with @firstresponsepregnancy, as they are committed to supporting healthy, equitable pregnancy journeys and understand the importance of a nurturing environment for black women and mothers. #Ad #BlackMamasMatter #Motherhood As a Black mother, there are so many things to consider during this time in your life, especially during the crazy times that we live in — from what we eat, to how we live and love. This is the time we must take for ourselves without apologies, especially when we still live in a country where Black women historically have had the highest maternal mortality rates. So for me, self-care has become paramount, particularly in the beginning stages. Knowing your body and what it needs, being able to be still and quiet enough to hear what it tells you. That’s why I used a First Response Early Result test as it can tell you if you’re pregnant 6 days sooner than your missed period.* Don’t be afraid to look for a team that looks like you and can relate with a level of care that will make you feel your most comfortable. It’s your right. It’s our right. And we must demand not only what’s best for us, but for our community. So, I’m so grateful to be able to work with First Response and to announce that a charitable donation to @blackmamasmatter will be made on my behalf. @blackmamasmatter is an organization that’s working to ensure Black mamas have the rights, respect, resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy. Together we can change these statistics, one woman at a time. *Early Result Pregnancy Test detected the pregnancy hormone levels in 76% of pregnant women 5 days before their expected period.

A post shared by Kelis (@kelis) on Aug 5, 2020 at 8:09am PDT

A Deeper Message: Addressing Maternal Health Disparities

Kelis’s announcement transcended the typical celebrity pregnancy reveal by delving into deeply personal and critical societal issues. In her Instagram caption, she articulately highlighted the unique challenges faced by Black mothers, particularly within the context of systemic health inequities. She emphasized, “As a Black mother, there are so many things to consider during this time in your life, especially during the crazy times that we live in — from what we eat, to how we live and love.” This powerful statement brings to light the multifaceted pressures and considerations that Black women navigate during pregnancy, encompassing not just physical health but also emotional well-being, social support, and the broader socio-economic landscape.

Her message continued to resonate deeply as she drew attention to a stark and disturbing reality: “This is the time we must take for ourselves without apologies, especially when we still live in a country where Black women historically have had the highest maternal mortality rates.” This crucial point underscores the urgent need for systemic change and equitable healthcare access. The maternal mortality crisis disproportionately affects Black women in the United States, who are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women. By openly addressing this sensitive topic, Kelis leveraged her platform to amplify the voices of countless Black mothers and advocates striving for safer, more respectful, and equitable maternal care.

The Paramount Importance of Self-Care During Pregnancy

In light of these challenges, Kelis advocated strongly for the concept of self-care, particularly during the early stages of pregnancy. The “Milkshake” crooner stressed that “self-care has become paramount.” She elaborated on the essence of self-care, describing it as “knowing your body and what it needs, being able to be still and quiet enough to hear what it tells you.” This holistic approach to pregnancy emphasizes listening to one’s inner wisdom and prioritizing personal well-being above external pressures.

Her partnership with First Response, the pregnancy test company, was strategically aligned with this message. Kelis explained her choice: “That’s why I used a First Response Early Result test as it can tell you if you’re pregnant 6 days sooner than your missed period.” Beyond the product, the collaboration highlighted First Response’s stated commitment to supporting “healthy, equitable pregnancy journeys” and understanding “the importance of a nurturing environment for black women and mothers.” This collaboration served as a bridge, connecting a commercial product with a vital social cause, thereby underscoring the brand’s dedication to broader maternal health initiatives.

Advocacy in Action: Supporting Black Mamas Matter Alliance

Kelis further solidified her commitment to maternal advocacy by announcing a significant charitable donation to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance [@blackmamasmatter] on her behalf, facilitated by her partnership with First Response. This initiative directly supports an organization at the forefront of the fight for Black maternal health equity.

The Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a national organization dedicated to ensuring that Black mothers have the “rights, respect, [and] resources to thrive before, during, and after pregnancy.” Their work encompasses research, policy advocacy, and community-based initiatives aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and experiences for Black women. By aligning with such a crucial organization, Kelis not only provided financial support but also significantly boosted visibility for a cause that often receives insufficient attention. Her involvement sends a clear message about the collective responsibility to address health disparities and uplift marginalized communities, stating, “Together we can change these statistics, one woman at a time.”

Kelis’s Enduring Legacy: From Music to Motherhood and Culinary Arts

Kelis’s journey has always been marked by reinvention and authenticity. Rising to fame in the late 90s and early 2000s with hits like “Caught Out There” and the iconic “Milkshake,” she carved out a unique niche in the music industry with her genre-bending sound and fearless style. In recent years, she has seamlessly transitioned into the culinary world, becoming known as “Chef Kelis” and sharing her passion for food through various projects, including her cookbook “My Life on a Plate.” This multifaceted career showcases her boundless creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

Her approach to motherhood is similarly grounded in a desire for authenticity and well-being. Living a relatively private life on a farm, Kelis has often spoken about the importance of natural living and connection to the earth, which undoubtedly influences her perspective on raising her children. Her marriage to Mike Mora in 2014 brought a new chapter of stability and shared values, with the couple building a life focused on family and sustainable living. The impending arrival of their new baby will further enrich this vibrant and loving environment, adding another dimension to their already full lives. Her ability to juggle a demanding career, her passion for food, and a growing family makes her an inspiring figure for many.

Building a Network of Support: A Call for Equitable Care

For other expectant mothers, particularly those from underrepresented communities, Kelis offered invaluable advice rooted in her own experiences and observations. She urged them, “Don’t be afraid to look for a team that looks like you and can relate with a level of care that will make you feel your most comfortable. It’s your right. It’s our right. And we must demand not only what’s best for us, but for our community.” This emphasizes the critical role of culturally competent care providers and support networks that understand and respect the unique needs and experiences of Black women during pregnancy and childbirth.

Her call to action is a powerful reminder that seeking out appropriate and empathetic care is not a luxury but a fundamental right. It encourages women to advocate for themselves and to recognize their power in demanding better healthcare outcomes for themselves and their communities. This collective demand for improved, equitable care is essential in dismantling the systemic barriers that contribute to adverse maternal health outcomes, fostering an environment where all mothers can thrive without fear or prejudice. The donation to the Black Mamas Matter Alliance is a tangible step in this direction, helping to fund vital programs and advocacy efforts.

Looking Forward: A New Chapter for Kelis and Her Family

As Kelis prepares to welcome her third child, the excitement surrounding her expanding family is palpable. The arrival of a new baby brings immense joy, and also new dynamics to a household, especially with two older brothers, Knight and Shepherd, who will undoubtedly embrace their new sibling. The coming months will be filled with anticipation, preparations, and the deepening bonds of family life. Kelis and Mike Mora’s journey together continues to be one of love, growth, and a shared commitment to their family’s well-being.

Beyond the personal joy, Kelis’s pregnancy announcement serves as a beacon of awareness, reminding us all of the ongoing need to support and advocate for Black maternal health. Her voice, both as an artist and an advocate, continues to inspire, making her latest announcement not just a piece of personal news, but a catalyst for important conversations and meaningful change. Congratulations to Kelis and her entire family on this wonderful news!