Like many other Black mothers, Shamari Devoe endured a particularly difficult pregnancy and birthing process. She spoke candidly about her experience in an interview with HelloBeautiful.

She says that during her doctor’s visit she asked medical staff to inspect her cervix as she felt something was wrong. The doctor refused, initially believing that she was fine. After pressuring him to check, he relented only to find that her cervix was tearing open. At that point, she was directed to remain at the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy for continuous monitoring.

As a result of her complications, the possibility of miscarriage grew. Under constant supervision, Devoe stayed on bed rest for the remaining two and a half months. Eventually, she gave birth to two twin boys, Ronald and Roman. Regarding how she endured the lengthy hospital stay, she says, “Some days it felt like the walls were closing in, but I have a supportive family.”