Elizabeth Anne King Ziemann (39), Lily (5) and Rose (9 months)
Milwaukee, WI
Elizabeth shares -
“I did one round of IVF before conceiving my second daughter, Rose, spontaneously. Unfortunately all three of the embryos were genetically abnormal, which was devastating. We were incredibly surprised and extremely lucky to conceive Rose only a couple of months later.”
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I am amazed at all the different things my body has accomplished. I had a good body image growing up thanks to my parents and lots of encouragement to eat well and stay active in order to nourish my body and my soul. As an adult I have marveled at the changes that have occurred with pregnancy and breastfeeding for each baby. Women's bodies are constantly in flux and so beautiful. I also started weight lifting 3 months postpartum after my second pregnancy and have enjoyed becoming stronger, both physically and mentally. The gym is also where I can do something just for me and to listen to music uninterrupted, which is great stress relief.
What was your postpartum experience?
I am a family physician and was in clinical practice for 3 years before my first daughter was born. I had a lot of intellectual knowledge about parenting but found (like I think most of us do) that reality is much different. I quickly learned what was important to me (giving my children a sense of security, peace, joy, and hope) and what wasn't (perfect nutrition, no screen time, dressing them up, lavishing them with material goods). I also had wonderful birth experiences using only hypnobirthing for pain control and was able to have fast vaginal deliveries with both babies. I try to share those stories because sometimes I think women only hear the negative stories about labor and childbirth. I am also grateful that I have been able to breastfeed both children (17 months with my first and 9 months so far with my second) despite returning to work full time at 4 months postpartum both times. I have an amazing circle of family friends that have supported me through this journey of motherhood.
What is your truth?
Follow your intuition, lead with love, and everything will be fine.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I have admired 4TBP for years and the project has helped me through two pregnancies/births/postpartum periods over the last 5 years. I wanted to participate to hopefully add to the collection of wisdom from so many incredible people.