Andrea (35 - she/her), Sean (he/him), and Ren Mei (6 weeks)
Minneapolis, MN
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Parenthood, the journey to it has transformed my self image in ways I am still surprised by. It was difficult for us to conceive, and often I would question if there was something wrong with me. It seemed as if the world was able to get pregnant easily, and that if it was harder - it must mean I was broken. Through the journey of infertility, and then through the help of some science, the miraculous journey of pregnancy - I began to change how I saw myself. Motherhood and pregnancy were beautiful and messy and challenging, but so is life. The changes that happened to my body have given my scars both on the inside and out, but these I wear as badges of honor. To remind me of how strong and beautiful my body can be.
What was your postpartum experience?
I loved being pregnant. I was one of 'those' women that adored every part of the process. I attribute this to the fact that it was difficult to become pregnant, that I cherished every bump along the way. I loved my body, the changes, the belly. I felt beautiful in a way that I had never felt before. Labor...on the other hand, felt a bit different. Where in pregnancy I rolled with the unexpected with grace, in labor I tried to roll with it - but it was difficult. 32 hours of laughter, tears, grunts, and pain ended with an emergency cesarean and a beautiful screaming girl. I never planned on having a cesarean, and the recovery from this has been difficult. I did not expect that it would physically be so limiting, or require so much patience for myself.
What is your truth?
You are stronger than you can possibly imagine. Your strength grows from your love of self, your child, and those that support you. Every part of you is beautiful, no matter how many hours of sleep you got (or didn't get), or how much baby spit up is in your hair.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I haven't always loved my physical body, but in the past year - as I journeyed to motherhood, I have felt a huge change. I love what this movement does to empower our communities to show the world that beauty is found in all parts of parenthood. The beauty is in our bodies, in our laughter, in our tears, and in how we collectively support each other.