Mama Warrior Spotlight: Katonya Trent, writer, speaker and founder of Konnected Thru 22

I met Katonya Trent, founder of the organization and community, Konnected Thru 22, on Instagram over a year ago through our mutual friend Yaa Abbsensetts-Dobson, founder of Spoken Black Girl. And I remember being instantly drawn to that Mama Warrior spirit of hers, along with her inspiring story of delivering her son, Kareem, at 22 weeks, alone, inside her home. How can anyone not marvel at the strength and resilience it takes to move through such a life altering experience?

No one would fault her for focusing solely on her child in the years ahead. But Katonya’s heart and advocacy are expansive; she is a fierce premature birth advocate, author, and speaker, working, not solely for her son Kareem, but all families who are raising children born premature.

As we say at When Motherhood Looks Different, she advocates like a mother! I know you, too, will be touched by her advocacy, commitment and heart for our community.

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What is your child’s diagnosis or diagnoses? Kareem is Autistic, and has cerebral palsy and epilepsy.

Share your journey with us. What are some of the challenges you all face, and how are you moving through them each day? 

I unexpectedly delivered my son at home alone at 22 weeks pregnant, and he is now 7 and thriving. My son was diagnosed with multiple conditions, but that doesn’t stop us from living our lives.

We take things day by day without placing expectations on ourselves. I let my son be who he is and not what I expect him to be. I have accepted the difference in our journey and I embrace it.

What tools do you tap into for strength and grounding? 

Prayer is my number one tool that I tap into - talking to God gives me guidance and strength. Listening to music, motivational videos and [deep / intentional] breathing are other tools that keep me grounded.

What are the joys and gifts of parenting your child?

The joy and gift of being a parent to my son Kareem is seeing how much he has overcome the difficulties and challenges from day one.

We were told he may never be able to walk, talk, see, or hear, and yet he is doing all of that and so much more.

What are your dreams for your child? 

My dreams for my son is that he will love a health and happy life. I just want him to be happy in life.

What have you learned about yourself as a human being, and Mama along this journey? 

I have learned that I am able to face any challenge that comes my way. I’ve learned to smile through the pain. I’ve learned to continue to push forward even when life is difficult.

Talk to us about your book, and how it helps our neurodivergent community.

My book, 22 And 6 Born on 11/26, is a powerful source of hope and encouragement for families facing challenges. It’s a reminder that no matter the obstacles, you can advocate for yourself and your loved ones.[And] it is not just about the journey, it’s about the emotions we all feel along the way.

It’s okay to be vulnerable, to cry, and to get angry at your situation. But most importantly, it’s about getting up and moving forward. Every step counts.

Another Mama is reading your words today, and I would love it if you shared a word of encouragement with her! 

I would tell another mama who is reading this to know that she is not alone in this journey. Try to connect and create a village for herself and her baby/child. Be open to receiving love and support from those who are not close friends and family.

Take life day by day. Try to carve out time for yourself. Even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day. Keep the faith. You deserve all the good things in your life!

More about Katonya Trent:

Katonya Trent was born and raised in Riverhead, NY located on the east end of Long Island. After having a traumatic birth experience, she was inspired to become an author. Her son has helped her change her perspective on life. She is on a mission of bringing her story to light while educating the world about the challenges that could arise from having a preterm birth. By sharing her story, she hopes to reassure others of their inner strengths when being placed in some of the most difficult situations in life. Katonya’s personal experience has motivated her to write her first book titled, 22 and 6 Born on 11/26: Through the lens of a mother`s fight for life to everlasting life where she provides hope and encouragement to women and families who may have or will encounter a traumatic birth experience.

While writing her memoir, Katonya has created an organization named Konnected Thru 22, where she provides a safe space for families with premature babies to connect through stories and resources, while supporting and uplifting one another. She hosts monthly Instagram live sessions (@KonnectedThru22) where she brings on others to share their premature birth stories. She has an ongoing fundraiser to help provide care packages and essential supplies to families in the NICU on a quarterly basis.