The Shape of a Mother

Self Portrait Challenge: Birth
Originally uploaded by mama k.

When I first saw this photo, I fell in love with it and knew that whenever I got around to starting a Photo of the Week from our Flickr Group this would be one of them. (I've technically blogged one other photo from the group before without giving it the title, by the way.)

Anyway, I'm going to try to choose a new photo each Monday to post on the blog.

The woman to whom this photo belongs blogged about it back in May. It's a beautiful entry, and I highly recommend it.

sausage toes
Originally uploaded by megalonychidae.

I love the reality of this photo; sometimes our mother-bodies are shaped by things well beyond our control - complications, preeclampsia, health risks... It's amazing the things our bodies can survive. In some cases, the marks are left for life, like the rings of a tree. We can look at the scars on our bodies and they tell our biographies for us.

My milk started already.
Originally uploaded by pissedbaby.

"My milk came early and easy."

I love this picture from the look on her face to her posture. And, of course, the milk.

augustmyrtlebeach 0371
Originally uploaded by Officially a Mom.

I love seeing mamas showing skin and confidance. This photo seemed especially appropriate as we say goodbye to the summer.

flaviatrenchcrop
Originally uploaded by mickey-finn.

Not only is this photo beautiful in terms of photography, but it is also beautiful in terms of motherhood. I love the way they stretch their little arms (or, as in the case of my current nursling, shove their little fingers up your nose), as their hands explore their world; their mother. Also? Love the hair!

Overdue (41st week)
Originally uploaded by Kimbaleo.

I will be quite busy for awhile and there likely won't be any new entries until late next week. I'll try to update if I get the chance, but I wanted to drop the note to say I'll be back and see you soon! Keep sending in your submissions - I have a few in my inbox but don't have time to add one tonight so I'm sharing this photo instead (it's been WEEKS since I've done a POTW anyway!). I love this mama's pose. The crib in the background just waiting for a sweet babe to hold. The tiny patch of "tigger stripes" on the side of mama's belly. The camera in the shot makes it seem intimate, as though we are let in on this secret moment between the mother and her own mirror. Thanks for sharing! Everyone else - see you soon! Peace.

**Unfortunately I had to pull this photo from the pool and this site because it was not posted by the owner of the photograph. Please only share your own photographs. Thanks!*

Originally uploaded by Marvelous Momma at Flickr to the SOAM Photo Pool.

(Hey, I'm actually remembering that it's Monday and that is supposed to mean photo of the week! Yay me!)

This photo is actually linked to an entire photoset that Torrie has created journaling the less favorable parts of her pregnancy. It's creative, funny and real. Click and enjoy. And then keep checking back throughout the rest of her pregnancy.

To each and every one of you - to those who hold your babies, and those who long to. To those whose babies are long since grown and those whose have not yet arrived. To those with stretchmarked bodies and those with nary a sign of past pregnancies. Each of you is perfectly you; perfectly mother.

Bless you all - you make this site what it is.

Love,
Bonnie

I just found this photo strikingly beautiful and wanted to share it.

It's been a long time since I've posted a photo, mainly because I've come across so few which allow me to blog them. But I'd like to get back to that when possible and this one struck me as the prefect opportunity. I love that she pointed out that her belly button looks like an up arrow since having her daughter. I would never have noticed such a thing, but it seems symbolic somehow.

There is a full moon tonight so this one seemed appropriate somehow. Celestial. Goddesslike. Striking.

Sadalit, the subject and creator of this photo sent me a link to it and also to this one.

Not only is the photograph beautifully composed, but it strikes me as nothing short of amazing how miraculous the human body is. The skin has smoothly sealed the place where her child first entered this world, leaving a road path to show where, but quite subtle in the grand event of birth. Just a little line.

Of course to a woman who has a cesarean scar, it surely feels like a lot more than a little line.

Thank you, Sadalit.

I've loved this photo for some time now so I asked Sarah if I could share it on the site. I just love love love how the little hands are grasping at mama's belly. Precious beyond words. Thanks, Sarah!

Photo by sarahsflickr.