Growing up I wad never skinny. I’ve always been a little bit chunky. This stayed this same through my teens and inevitably into my pregnancy and beyond.
I fell pregnant at 19. Not planned. But I was happy. My pregnancy went smoothly. Absolutely no problems. It was a dream. Then on the 29th may 2011 just a mo th after my 20th birthday I went into labour. The day before my due date. My labour was everything first mums want it to be. I had my first contraction at 3.15pm. Although I thought I was having period cramps ?. I had my beautiful girl at 00.09am on the 30th of may. She was perfect. I had gained some extra weight during my pregnancy and went from a size 14 to an 18. I decided to breastfeed my daughter and successfully managed this for 19 months. But the one struggle I had through all of this was my tummy. The embarrassment of my tummy and stretch marks being seen in public. The friends I had with children had snapped back to pre child body’s. Mine did not. I felt like I had done something wrong. Until I started looking online. I realised that alot of mums don’t snap back. My beautiful daughter is now 4 years old. And even though I am still ‘overweight’ I am proud of my tummy. And even prouder of stretch marks. I carried a beautiful bundle inside me. And its a reminder to myself of the miracle my body produced. I will never be embarrassed by it again. And I will be wearing a bikini next summer. I was pregnant and gave birth. My body is nothing yo be ashamed of.
Congrats on your daughter and your great confidence (which you should have)…I LOVE your pregnant belly by the way :)
Your perception is inspiring, thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes to you and your daughter, she will grow up with more confidence because of you:)