We joined in conversation with Michelle Mitchenor—lead actress, dancer, and television producer, who is currently pregnant with her second child—and, although we’re excited that Michelle is a current Little Honey Money registrant, perhaps she is best known for her lead roles as Jayla Wright on BET’s The First Wives Club and Detective Bailey on FOX’s Lethal Weapon. We’ve seen her bump on many-a-red-carpet this year and have followed her candid pregnancy journey on Instagram—and when we see a working mom doing it all so gracefully, we also see an incredibly empowered woman who must be strong enough to find support as she needs it along the way. Michelle is that and so much more. Read on for the support system she relies on during her pregnancy—and why she chose Little Honey Money as her one and only baby registry.
LHM
We are so honored you chose Little Honey Money as your mother and baby registry. We’d love to know, what are some reasons you connected with our platform?
MM
Since this isn’t my first pregnancy, I really wanted to be intentional about what support would look like for my husband and me. I wanted to be honest with my tribe about the support we need in order to nurture and care for our newest little one. Little Honey Money is the only registry I have, and it includes the real-deal items that have overwhelmed me in the past. I also wanted to put into practice filling my cup, so that the overflow can pour onto my children, husband, and any other space I occupy. With this registry, focusing on my needs as a mother and the functionality of my home will make this postpartum experience way more durable.
LHM
It’s so inspiring to hear how you’re putting your needs first—both for your own benefit and that of everyone around you. We’d love to hear about those ‘real-deal’ items you’re now registered for.
MM
My registry includes prenatal and postpartum massages, pilates, childcare fund, laundry service, meal delivery fund, date nights, diaper fund, nursing essentials, and breast milk transportation service—which is HUGE for me as a working actress, who at times shoots away from home. All of these items become the responsibility of the parents once the little one has arrived. However, with the demand of an infant it feels almost impossible to adhere to all of these necessities. I cannot stress enough how vital these items are—and if these are taken care of I can only imagine how much less postpartum anxiety I would experience this time around.
LHM
Absolutely. As a second-time mom, you tend to have a better gauge of value in those types of things. What advice would you give to a first-time mom-to-be, who is currently planning her baby registry?
MM
First, I would say before adding any baby items, please first do a thorough inventory of what you and your spouse or partner will need while caring for your little one. From postpartum necessities—like breastfeeding support and vaginal or c-section care—to essentials needed for the home, like meal deliveries, laundry services, child care and more. Use a registry that has a fund option to help you ask for what you need *cough cough* Little Honey Money. Then, of course, put all of the baby needs from newborn to at least three years! Especially if you want more children because you will be set with so many items to pass down. I suggest looking for gender neutral items, because, again, if you want more children, you’ll have your core items that will work for both genders up until preschool age. Lastly, do not—I repeat—do not think you are asking for too much. You are about to deliver an entire human and forever change your body—you deserve to ask for what you need!
LHM
Agree, one hundred percent! We are all about women unapologetically asking for whatever it may be that they need. We’re curious, how has your current pregnancy been, compared to your first?
MM
My first pregnancy resulted in a preterm delivery and an extended stay in the NICU. So grateful we were able to leave the NICU with a perfectly healthy little one who is the light of our hearts every day! My second pregnancy we had to terminate for medical reasons—which left us heartbroken. Little did we know, six weeks later our current miracle would be making its way! This journey of mine has been unique, but it’s mine and I am a living testimony of how life can restore you with so much love, joy and happiness.
LHM
Wow, you’ve been through it all. And your positive spirit is so contagious. Where does it come from?
MM
I’m so passionate about the journey through motherhood. I’ve always imagined what my years of childbearing would be like, it’s been an experience to say the least! I marvel at my first born who is now two, and I look forward to meeting our newest little one this coming January!! I am absolutely overjoyed!
LHM
Do you have any current mantras during this pregnancy?
MM
My body is capable of delivering a healthy, full-term baby.
LHM
Great one. Any last words?
MM
Thank you Little Honey Money for thinking of us parents and our needs. This is genuis! I will continue to tell everyone I know about it.
Thank you, Michelle. We know your words will inspire many women to prioritize their well-being as they enter motherhood. To our lovely readers, you can check out Michelle’s Little Honey Money live registry here. Michelle also runs a non-profit—The Mitchenor Foundation—that provides visual and performing arts education courses to children in underserved communities.
