White-Ballantyne Launches Empowering Book Urging Women, Especially Mothers, To Defy The Odds 

By Admin. Updated 11:39 a.m., Sunday, February 1, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

“Between Diapers and Degrees” is a heartfelt memoir by Nashida White-Ballantyne that chronicles her multifaceted life as a registered nurse, mother of five, university student and owner of a small business in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Through raw, relatable storytelling, she reveals the real challenges of Caribbean family life – rushed mornings with toddlers headed to daycare, evenings of noise amid bedtime battles, public outings with judging stares, and bracing for hurricanes while juggling work stress, traffic jams, and relentless ambitions.

Core Themes

The narrative explores pursuing advanced nursing education amid pregnancies and family demands, with online learning adaptations and support from her  partner, relatives, and spiritual practices. Daily routines from hurried mornings, preparing young children for daycare to evenings of affection, laughter, and bedtime customs highlight intentional living and bonding.

Self-care is presented as vital and practical, incorporating brief exercises like 5-minute stretches, therapy, prayer, and routine pampering sessions despite constant demands.

Family and Support

Deeply dedicated to her parents, sister, husband, and children, the book celebrates their profound influence, her husband’s taking up the mantle during her long classes, family rallying through pregnancies, and layered discipline tailored to each child’s age. Caribbean roots shine through in hurricane prep, blending storm bracing with board games and storytelling, plus blended cultural meals like madungo, curry chicken, and wangoo, reinforcing community resilience and joyful traditions

Key Takeaways

White – Ballantyne champions grace over perfection, proving you can have it all – that dream job, side hustle, degrees, brunches, and family reels magic, though it won’t be flawless or effortless. Her triumphs, like acing despite not being fond of research courses, demonstrated grit and Jeremiah 29:11 faith. It inspires busy moms (and anyone doubting themselves) that perseverance, patience, prayer, and small joys like budget date nights or iced coffee escapes make the vibrant life you scroll past attainable, even in the mess. This isn’t just a mom manual; it’s a rallying cry that your ambitions and loved ones can coexist, fueling a legacy of strength for the next generation.

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