I once asked on social media “When did you feel you were out of the Postpartum Period?” and 9 out of 10 answers were “Never.” And to be honest, it’s truly the perfect answer. Can we quell (once and for all) the idea of “bouncing back” after pregnancy? I believe that the notion has caused undue harm to so many women. It sets many of us (if not all of us, but I’m sure someone would debate me on this) up for failure. And how could you EVER say that a mother who just brought life forth from her own body is a failure?

The global beauty industry is worth about $532 billion. Think about that for a moment. There is so much money to be made off you hating and wanting to change your body and appearance. We have been brainwashed into thinking we aren’t enough and that we should change to appeal to someone else’s eyeballs. I have two words for how I feel about this:

FUCK. THAT.

You are worthy of love and acceptance simply because you exist. Period.

These photos were taken near the end of the 4th trimester and I wanted images of what I look like in this moment. It took 9 months to grow my baby and this belly and it’ll take at least that long to get rid of it, if I ever do. Postpartum is a strange time. There are days where I don’t recognize myself and feel an urge to diet and hit the gym hard core. Other days I’m loving the extra softness for my baby to snuggle into. And still other days, I ignore my body completely because I don’t want to face it.

I used to HATE my body. It has taken me years of learning how to love myself, reading encouraging articles, following other badass ladies and mamas showing off their stretch marks and cellulite and love handles proudly and talking about how empowering it is to have proof of the beautiful life you once carried inside you. But it takes constant work to love yourself. It’s a journey. I’m still in the beginning stages of learning to love my newly changed body yet again.

The older I get, the less I care what others think of my appearance. I have waaay more important things to occupy my thoughts with. I just hope I can set a good example for my daughter when it comes to body image and self love. I never want her to see me criticizing my body when that body gave me her. All bodies are beautiful. All bodies are worthy.

Eat foods that nourish your body, eat foods that nourish your soul (for me, that’s carbs lol), move your body in ways that feel good to you and let the rest go. Take care of your mind and heart, and you’ll be the best version of yourself for your child.

My photos by: Heather of Akron Birth Photography

Quote Photos by: Amethyst Joy of The Healed Mother

“Why be ashamed? A life grew inside of you that gives humanity hope of change. You felt things that I as a man will never understand. Even when you first held your baby girl or boy it was nothing similar to when they lay in their father’s hands. Your body changed and so did you. It became a look into the past of what you went through. You grew mentally and emotionally and your spirit was taken to places you didn’t think it would ever go. Your breasts may sit differently. Your ass may not be as thick as it once was. But why should it be when you gave so much of yourself to help all of us. A sacrifice of sorts if you choose to see it that way. But to me your body now is exactly how it’s supposed to be. So don’t be ashamed. Don’t hide your changes from the world that you and your sisters helped create. Be proud of your story. Be proud of your lines. Be proud of who you’ve chosen to be.”

Expressions Untold