Previous entries here and here.
For the first time in my life I feel no need or desire to malign or discredit my body, or to qualify it with any explanation for why it is the way it is. I am five weeks post-partum with my second child. He was 11 lbs, which was quite a shock, and I delivered him naturally. Following the birth I felt such a profound sense of pride and delight in my body– in what it was able to accomplish in growing and delivering into the world such a large and beautiful baby. After I had my first child I felt so disappointed with my body and couldn’t come to terms with the fact that it didn’t go back to what it was before. For some reason now I feel so differently. I definitely want to be fit and healthy, and that will likely involve losing some weight, but I want to hold onto this feeling of joy in my body and acceptance myself. We are amazing creatures. Love yourself!
These photos were taken 4 weeks post-partum.
May 20th, 2010 at 11:01 am
You look lovely. Congrats on your delivery. Natural delivery of an 11 pound baby is quite a feat!
May 20th, 2010 at 12:41 pm
Wow! You look unbelievable!!! I was kind of scared that if I had a second child, I would like my body less – but you look just as good or better than before you had your second child! You look sexy and beautiful!!!
And wowwww at delivering an 11 pound baby naturally! That’s shocking! And amazing! And impressive!!!
I plan on delivering the next naturally (again). That’s just awesome! And congrats on the great outlook!!!
May 20th, 2010 at 6:55 pm
Thank you for your inspiring words and beautiful pictures! You ARE an amazing creature!
May 20th, 2010 at 7:40 pm
your post is inspiring! you look great for 4 weeks pp and you will continue to shrink….your so positive about your body and i love that!
May 20th, 2010 at 8:35 pm
These were taken 4 weeks after an 11 pound baby?!?! You look amazing!!
May 21st, 2010 at 3:39 am
Hi just wondering how big your first baby was?? Mine was 10LB baby girl and I’m thinking of going for number 2 – do they always get bigger!!!!?
May 22nd, 2010 at 7:39 am
You look gorgeous! Congratulations on going all natural
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:23 pm
Hi Rachel. I am the “anonymous” who posted this. My first was 8.5 lbs. We were shocked that our son was so much bigger! I think it’s fairly uncharacteristic for the second to be that much bigger. Sometimes they’re smaller– keep that in mind!
May 27th, 2010 at 6:25 am
Even though your body has gone through changes it still looks very beautiful. Wow!!! Thanks for keeping us updated on your story.
January 29th, 2011 at 3:59 am
Hey you look real good!