The Shape of a Mother

Mirror, Mirror on the wall….who’s the most damaged mother of them all? (Anonymous)

“Look at those ugly stretch marks!” the mirror sneers as I hurriedly change my clothes. No matter how hard I try, my eyes always seem to wander to my disappointing reflection staring back at me, “You’re disfigured and they’ll never go away you know. Never.” [...]

My Body Take 3 (Emma)

I don’t think I have much to say, I am 22 years old and have three gorgeous sons, Jacob age 5 years, Benjamin age 3 years and Arthur who is 8 days old Here I am with the youngest at 8 days post-partum. I felt incredibly empowered and attractive when I took [...]

An Update to my Story (Jen)

27
3 pregnancies, soon to be 3 births (all c-sections)
5, 3 and due in 4 weeks
I originally posted this in December of 2006. To recap, we were in a serious car accident when I was 24 weeks pregnant with our second child, and it left me with pelvic injuries, and depression. I read my submission recently, [...]

Just a few degrees south (Anonymous)

I had my first two children when I was 21 and 23. The pregnancies themselves were perfectly normal and healthy, but I was pretty depressed because the father wanted nothing to do with them. He tried to convince me to abort both times right up until the third trimester. I left him when our second [...]

This is me (Anonymous)

23 years old
I am now pregnant with my 3 child (10 weeks) and have had 2 births.
My 1st son is 2.9 years old and my second son is 12 months old
I have had a bad body image for such a long time. I always felt like my body was wrong after giving birth to my [...]

Plus Size and Pregnant -Again (Anonymous)

I am 24 years old and on my third pregnancy. First pregnancy was a miscarriage at 12 weeks. Second pregnancy resulted in my beautiful Daughter born 2/21/08. I am now 22 months PP with daughter’s pregnancy and I am 20 weeks pregnant with this pregnancy (another girl). I’ve always been overweight, expect for one time [...]

Mom shocked by diagnosis (Penelope)

Age 30
Hello Well my name is Penelope and I am a mom of 3 beautiful children. My oldest daughter is 7 with a normal pregnancy and birth my second daughter is 3 with a normal 40 week pregnancy and birth. But after She had not passed the meconium and the doctors noticed her belly [...]

It’s not easy the third time around, when your 38 years old! (Anonymous)

When I found out I was pregnant in May of 2008 I was thrilled! I was 37 years old, and by husband was 49. We both have children from previous marriages. I had a 15 year old son, and a 12 year old son, and my stepson was 9 years old. [...]

Acceptance Achieved (Anonymous)

As a teen
I hated my body
Too thin, so ugly
No breasts, no hips, no butt
I longed for curves
I cried
As a first time mother
I hated my body
Still too thin
But now with stretch marks
I longed for smooth skin
I cried
As a second time mother
I hated my body
Mores stretch marks
And now a saggy tummy
I longed for my teen body
I cried
As [...]

20 year old mother of three (NCB)

I am trying to unpack huge body issues at present and was given the link to your site from a friend.
I have been emotionally abused for the last 4 years, my self-worth has been diminished and I truly hate my body. I hope to get some perspective here.
I’ll pop a bit of a story in [...]

Baby got bigger, I got smaller -update from previous entry (Anonymous)

Facts: 3 pregnancies, 2 children, 1 cesarean. 2 1/2 years postpartum. Age 27.
Story: I first posted to The Shape of a Mother in an entry in April 2008 entitled “Never Been More Proud“.
I wanted to update because I talked about in that entry how proud I was of my body [...]

4 months postpartum & 2 under 2yrs (Proudmommy0709)

Well I’m still getting used to this mommy belly, and saggy breasts… The past 2 years my body has gone through a lot, I know that. I AM very proud, but at the same time I am not satisfied with the way my body looks. When I had my son Nov 27th 2007 I did [...]

Finally feel like a woman! (Erin)

I always felt like I wasn’t very feminine looking - my breasts were small, my body thin… I didn’t feel like a woman at all - until I had my children (2 daughters, now aged 3 and 16 months)… I actually wound up thinner, and with smaller breasts than before children, but I have now [...]

Update - 20 months postpartum and I want another baby (Anonymous)

Your Age: 22
Number of pregnancies and births: 3 pregnancies, 1 birth
The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are: 20 months pp
Original entry here.
It has been 9 months since my previous post, and some things have happened. At 15 months we stopped breastfeeding. I’m still a little sad, I thought we would breastfeed [...]

So it doesn’t really matter after All (Deineria)

First, I love this site. I think it provides immeasurable comfort to moms from all walks of life, and I also feel it is a reality check for those who initially believe what they see in magazines represents a fair picture of most women.
I had my first son when I was 19. I was a [...]

Feeling better about my body (George)

Age: 26
3 pregnancies, 1st was a extremely preamture vaginal birth, 2nd was a catastrophic c-section, 3rd one I lost.
My first girl should’ve been 9 years old now, she died almost 6 weeks old. My second girl is soon 6 years old, and I just lost my third child in the first trimester 3 weeks ago.
Because [...]

Three Babies in Four Years (Natalie)

I am 27 years old, and just had my third baby, a little girl, May 11th. That makes me about three months post-partum, give or take a couple of days. I also have a little boy that was born November 14, 2005, and another little girl that was born January 9, 2007. I [...]

2nd Baby, 8 Wks Postpartum (Kristin)

Transmogrification (Valentine)

Here I am 6 weeks post-partum. I’ve spent my entire life in one extreme or another…first I loved myself to the point of narcissism. Then I couldn’t stand to look at myself, to the point where the extent of my self-loathing would bring me to tears. Now? I still find myself unattractive, but I know [...]

Learning to Love My Body After a Loss (Lissa)

I’m mom of 2 living Children and 1 child who died shortly after birth. My youngest and last child was born at 30 weeks. She was a preemie. And I spent many weeks in the hospital prior to giving birth. I felt like my body failed her for the longest time. [...]

The Doctor Said I Need a Breast Lift, WHY? (Anonymous)

Age: 27
Pregnancies: 3
Five months PP
I consulted a cosmetic surgeon about having cosmetic surgery. I wanted breast implants to plump them back up a bit as they are a bit smaller than they were before baby number three, but was told that I needed a breast lift too. I don’t mind about implant scars, as they [...]

Mama of Three Under Five (Anonymous)

I have three kids under age five.
I enjoy this site and believe that all mothers are united by that bond of knowing what only a mother knows- that you helped create this life with your flesh and bone - nurtured and grew it, protected and fed it, thrilled in its movements and spent sleepness nights [...]

Out in Left Field (Lisa)

Name: Lisa
Age: 26
Number of pregnancies: 2 complete, currently pregnant with #3
Current Weight: 130-ish
Dress Size: 6-8
Ultimately, I have always been my own worst enemy. As a teen, I worked perhaps a little TOO hard on showcasing my body. I got a lot of attention (both good, and bad). When I married my husband in 2005 - [...]

Really Having a Hard Time With This (Kali)

Age: 38
# of pregnancies:3 total, 2 miscarriages before 12 weeks, 1 full term
Postpartum: 4 weeks postpartum, C-Section
At my age and given that I lost 2 pregnancies before this I should really not be so vain, but I am horrified and floored at what I look like now. I don’t think that time or exercise are [...]

A Lost Son, A Blessed Son, A Missed Son (Andrea)

I got married in July the 19th [On my 22th birthday] 2000, to my husband Patrik. In January next year I found out I was pregnant, with twin boys, the whole pregnancy went well and October the 12th Anton and Isac were born. I found it realy great being a mom and I loved it. [...]

Young Mama, 3 Babies, Ex-Stripper (Anonymous)

Ripe, Soft and fertile..
I was 57kg with 10c bust for seven years before pregnancy number 1 at age 23. (first two photos)
Danced till I was 12 weeks pregnant- then left because I was self conscious of my rounded tummy.
Put on 30kg rocketed to a 14ee bust and naturally birthed (No Drugs) Son 9pd. An [...]

The Liberation of my Breasts (Amy)

When I was young I noticed breasts, mostly those that were perky and well-rounded. I had already been swayed by the world into thinking that there’s a sort of standard for the parts of a woman’s body that feed her young. As I grew into my teens and looked at my own mother’s [...]

Baby Belly 7 Months PP (AnneMarie)

I’m 31 and my 3rd baby daughter is now 7 months old and gorgeous of course :), my first daughter weighed 9lbs 9oz, my second 10lb 6, and my last 7 lb which is tiny for me. i got some stretch from my first pregnancy just on my belly, but my second i [...]

12 Weeks Postpartum, Third Pregnancy (Anonymous)

I had my third little girl twelve weeks ago. I am 27. My first daughter is seven (weighing 6lb 1oz at birth), my second daughter is three, (weighing 4lb 12 oz at birth) and my third daughter weighed 4lb 14oz.
When I was younger I had anorexia and issues with self harm, and [...]

The Loss of my Son and Daughter (Keisha)

Becoming a mother is one of the best feelings in the world to experience. You can’t believe to be bringing someone very special in this world, and they be a part of you. My son Demetrius was born January 14 2000, 8 lbs 1 oz. A big and healthy baby. I [...]

Am I Really Going to Be a Mommy Again?

When I was 18 I had my first baby girl. It was my first pregnancy I was a very mature 18 year old and very ready for my daughter. My pregnancy was great no problems or complaints I delivered my daughter Destiny at 39 weeks She was born at 10:11 am on May 14th [...]

Anonymous

I and 24 and have had three children in the past 5 years. I fought with anorexia (although I was never diagnosed) when I was 17 and 18 before I got pregnant with my first child. I have always had a negative body image. I almost feel like if I’m not thin, people won’t appreciate [...]

What my body can do! (Anonymous)

I am 3 months pp with baby number 3, and I couldn’t be happier. I LOVE pregnancy and birth, and feel so empowered to have accomplished 3 wonderful natural births, the last two at home in my bedroom. I have some deep stretch marks on my belly, but they are sacred and special to me, [...]

9 Months Pregnant With 3rd Baby (Anonymous)

This is me today, i am 37 weeks pregnant with my 3rd baby. I do have quite a few stretch marks and bulges in places that i hate. I have battled with eating disorders and gaining weight with this pregnancy has been a mental struggle with me. I think the only thing i like about [...]

Accepting Myself (Anonymous)

The pictures I’m attaching are of my 3rd pregnancy due March 2009. I never let anyone take a picture of me while pregnant because I was ashamed of my body. This is my last pregnancy and I didn’t want to let shame prevent me from documenting such a beautiful experience. I changed the pictures to [...]

There is Beauty in My Flaws (Melissa)

so here is a picture of my two sons and myself…my lovely tummy after the damage of having two children in under a year..exactly 11 months to the day apart to be literal. To my boys, I am the most beautiful mommy in the whole world and when they ask me about my stretch marks [...]

Surrogate Belly - After Two of My Own (Anonymous)

My first contribution was taken six months ago, before the latest preggo belly. This is me at 32 weeks and counting. I don’t look like a hollywood preggo, and I didn’t edit anything out. This is real, this is me, and it is so BEAUTIFUL!!!

Honesty Isn’t Easy (Heather)

I am a 24 year old mother of 2, with a third on the way. By the time I meet my daughter, I will be 25. It’s been a short 5 years by many means of measurement, but make no mistake, those 5 years have encompassed more than their fair share. With [...]

God’s Gifts (Anonymous)

I’m 23 now. I currently weigh 165 lbs. I hated my body 5 years ago when I weighed a whopping … ready for it … 115 pounds and stood 5′9″ tall. Yeah. A lot has happened in 5 years. Three babies, one marriage, and tons of God’s AMAZING grace later I am stronger and happier [...]

Mom of 3 by 19 (Anonymous)

Hi, I was 16 when I found out I was pregnant with my son. after a otherwise great pregnancy at 34wks and 4days my water broke and I was taken to the hospital. I was in labor for 63+ hrs wth no meds except antbiotics I only dilated to a 3 and he didnt move [...]

From Making Money with my Body to Making Babies (Anonymous)

After meeting the man of my dreams and spending two years dancing and modelling at 173cm and 57kg and 10d Bra size, I fell pregnant with my first son.
I quit smoking, Nightshift, Dancing, Vegetarianism and took up a healthy diet.
10 months later i weighed 85kg- I had put on 28kg.
My bra size went up to [...]

Changing Shape at 21 (Anonymous)

Getting here was a tough road, in more ways than one. Although I am a young mother, my boyfriend and I planned for this baby. We had previously lost two little angels, the first was an early miscarriage while the second loss was discovered at 17 weeks. We were devastated, but it helped us to [...]

3 1/2 months postpartum (Anonymous)

I had my baby girl on July 15th 2008…I have been struggling with my self about my weight since…Before I got pregnant I weighed 100 lbs and now I am 134 lbs…I am slowly adjusting to the “new look” It is not the weight so much as the lose skin I have…I gained 60 lbs [...]

Pregnancy Service Stripes (Anonymous)

It is 2 days past my baby’s 1st birthday. After my shower I was just looking at my body. I see how much it’s been through with 3 pregnancies in 5 years. I am 22 years old, I have 3 children and I have my pregnancy service stripes and a battle scar. My belly, hips [...]

It’s nice to not be ashamed of my body (Anonymous)

I have had three children, and each time, my body has changed. Most of my stretch marks came with my first and as I had my other two children, I noticed my belly getting saggier and resembling something like a bowlful of jelly. My breasts have gone from DD to F and back [...]

3rd pregnancy of a plus-sized 20-something (Anonymous)

I’ve never been very skinny. The only point I can remember being so was when I was 13 and 5′6″ and maybe 90-100lbs. After that I plumed big time. At the age of 15 almost 16 I started having really bad pains that made it hard to walk, it was found that I had ovarian [...]

I need this site (Anonymous)

I have 3 beautiful children whom I love more than anything. I nursed each of them for a year each. However, I have been left with a body I am so embarrassed of. My husband does not get to see my “banana” breasts, my skin on my stomach sags despite being only [...]

Bringing Sexy Back with a New Body (Anonymous)

In high school, I was always a slender and athletic girl. At 6 feet tall, it was easy to put on 5 or 10 pounds without anyone noticing. I played a sport every season and enjoyed food.
When I went to college, I was the cliché: about 15 pounds, but lost it quickly, before my wedding. [...]

Pregnant With #3 (Anonymous)

This will be my third baby. I have a 6 year old boy and a 1 year old girl. I’m 24 weeks in this pic.

So Brave (Anonymous)

I had my 3rd child 7 months ago..I was so scared to look at my body after giving birth it made me sick..I tried so many things to prevent stretch marks, like bathing in fruits and veggies, I broke tons of vitamin e capsules and put it on..I am so self conscious of my body..I [...]

3 girls and one more baby on the way (Anonymous)

This is me after having 3 girls ages 10, 8, 5 and one more on the way. I am 8 weeks pregnant this picture was taken this summer before i became pregnant

Ripened by Pregnancy (Anonymous)

Before I got pregnant I was a very petite person. I used to worry about whether I’d manage to “stay pretty” during pregnancy, keep my weight gain reasonable, avoid stretch marks, etc. But the first time I became pregnant, unfortunately, it was an ectopic and the diagnosis was missed. The pregnancy in my left fallopian [...]

I’m Proud… (Ewa)

I’m Proud of my Stretchmarks
Today, after 17 years, my belly looks like this. I´ve been thinking that I should try to dress myself in in yellow, orange and red colours and paint my strechmarks so that they look like flames from a fire or a vulcano erupting on the next Halloween-party I go to….. It [...]

Third Time Mum (Anonymous)

I met my husband when I was 17yrs and he was 21yrs. This September we have been together 18yrs, and married 12yrs We had our first child when I was 23yrs. We were the only ones in our peer group to have a child that young, even though in reality, it isn’t that young! Our [...]

Me after 3 (Anonymous)

at age 18 i was 98lbs then i find out i was pregnant at age 19 i had a beautiful lil boy after giving birth i was up to 200lbs,it took a long time for my to lose weight i got back down to 120 then at age 22 i find out again i was [...]

Never been more proud (Anonymous)

I have always had self-esteem issues. But now after having had two babies, ironically I am more proud of my body now than I have ever been. Not because of the way it looks on the outside (my babies definitely left their mark!) but because it has nurtured and given life to my two beautiful [...]

Anonymous

This is me at 16, about 4 months before I became pregnant with my First child. I had him at 17.I am now 22, and married to the Father of my son,and we have since had two other children. SO I am a wife and a mother of three. ages 5, 3, 18m. And my [...]

Baby #3, Post #3 (Babs)

First Entry
Second Entry
The last submissions I put in were about not having any stretch marks, and a c-section recovery but baby #3 came 3 weeks overdue (and by UBAC) and weighed over 9lbs; he left his footprints when I reached about 40weeks and my fundal height crept past 43cm (it went to over 46). [...]

Home to Three (Anonymous)

Hi, I´m a 34 year old proud mother of three girls… and this is how my tummy looks like after that… and my breasts… and my thighs…
Sometimes its so hard… I´m always making excuses to go to the beach and makes me so sad not to have what once was a perfect body.
Saggy breasts, stretch [...]

Stretch marks & flabby skin, OH MY! (Anonymous)

I just found out on Monday that I’m expecting our 4th child. Today (1/17/07) I’m 4w0d pregnant, so I took a belly picture. I couldn’t believe how my stomach looks, I thought it was looking better now.
My first pregnancy I weighed 135lbs and then gained 70lbs! My son did a number on [...]

Anon

When I took this picture I had 3 children (ages 5, 3, and 1). We thought we were done. I looked at my belly and would just think about how “empty” it looked. Stretched out and empty. A few weeks later I found out we are pregnant with #4. One [...]

Anonymous

I have debated for quite awhile now if I should post this picture. I have decided to. I have three wonderful boys and the body to prove it! But that is OK, I wouldn’t ever choose to trade them for my old body back. In this picture I am in my 8th month with [...]

Nan

We found out that baby #1 was coming 2 months after we got engaged. Shocked wasn’t the word, considering that we were barely 20 years old and weren’t even sure that we ever wanted children. We decided that one baby would be delightful, and that gorgeous daughter was born in [...]

• About this site
• Contact Me
• Special thanks
• Who I am
• Participate
• Save our daughters
• F.A.Q.
• Link to this site

• SOAM on Twitter
• SOAM on FaceBook
• SOAM on Flickr
• SOAM on MySpace

• 007 Breasts: Blog
• 007 Breasts: Gallery
• 50 Nude Women
• Attachment Parents United
• Beauty vs. Industry
• Birth Story Diaries
• BMI Project
• The Century Project
• Hollaback NYC
• International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN)
• La Leche League
• Maternity Gallery
• Mothering the Mother
• Pledge to Love Your Body
• PostSecret
• Taking Charge of Your Fertility
• Unnecesarean.com