My son is a miracle, and my body is a mess. It was so hard to see such a beautiful little creature nursing while resting on my “pillow” of a tummy. I was always thin and fit, but was put on restriction at 23 weeks pregnant. I had a hard pregnancy and my son was born prematurely a month early. He had to be whisked away to the NICU and stayed there for 5 days due to respiratory problems. This is a picture of our first nursing session, when he was 51 hours old. I was not allowed to feed him before then.
At two week sold he was diagnosed with a heart condition. We had such a turbulent pregnancy (including fertility treatments), birth and now this. I really didn’t have time at first to focus on how much my body was disappointing me! My stomach grew huge…here I am at 35 weeks preggo. The last pic before my son was born.
I only got one stretch mark on my tummy, but my hips, butt and thighs are a veritable roadmap of deep, thick stretch marks. They have since pretty much faded and I often run my hand over them to feel the new texture. My tummy now hangs over my pants, as if I am still 4-5 months pregnant. I often look at myself naked and remark how much I look like my mother did when I saw her naked as a small child. I produced something truly miraculous and beautiful….and for that, my body is beautiful, too.
I still marvel at the whole process, and am thankful to have a loving husband and sweet son who think I am the prettiest mommy around.
I had twin’s girls that I delivered at 34 and half weeks on Halloween Day.
Before I was pregnant I weighted 119 pounds and surfed almost everyday. I was beached by my doctor in early July because I was carrying multiples and then at about 30 weeks I was put on restriction and by the time the girls came I weighted 175 pounds.
Nursing twin girls I am finding is really a full time job, they seem to tag team me, but thanks to my mom, my dad, my partner and a the fact I pretty much live across the road from the beach, I am back out surfing, if only for a few times a week.
I was thinking about doing a similar chronicle on my blog about what having babies can do to a body, but instead I will just keep writing about surfing and post some about my baby body adventures here.
I really loved reading this site; it lets me see I am not alone.
What beautiful photos! I especially like the one of your whole family. It looks as if your baby is soaking up the love between Mommy and Daddy. Just wonderful!
I love you’re pictures, and you’re story. You’re family is beautiful!
WOW, that last picture is the most amazing picture I’ve ever seen! Its ADORABLE!…I love how it looks like your son is looking up at the two of you kissing..its SO cute..:)…Thanks for sharing
The last picture is absolutely beautiful.
What a BEAUITUFL picture of the three of you.
I just found this site. I have two sons, 3 and 7months and have been discouraged as I get dressed every morning. I work out everyday but I just can not seem to get rid of this jiggly tummy. This site is an inspiration…yes, my breasts are sagging a bit now but they were my sons only means of food for 6 months, yes, my tummy is jiggly but those hugs and smiles make it all worth it. Thank you for making me realize this!
I LOVE that last picture!
Beautiful picture. Was that taken in the hospital.
I hope his heart condition clears up. I’ve heard sometimes babies can grow out of some conditions, and if there’s a hole it might close up on its own?
I love the pic of your new little family. I wish I had a picture like that.
What a truly beautiful site. I admire your courage for sharing the photos, cause there are some sicko’s out there.
Congratulations on his birth.
You are a beautiful woman and mommy.
Came by way of Motherpie isn’t she great!
what beautiful baby and what a sweet picture of your family. thank you so much for sharing.
Thank youf or sharing your story and your photos. I absolutely *LOVE* the last one. I have been coming to SOAM since it was first created and I think I can honestly say that your picture is my favorite. It says so, so much. It’s one of those pictures that they say “is worth a thousand words”.
Enjoy your beautiful family. You are all so precious and special. Congratulations!! Thank youf or sharing your story and your photos. I absolutely *LOVE* the last one. I have been coming to SOAM since it was first created and I think I can honestly say that your picture is my favorite. It says so, so much. It’s one of those pictures that they say “is worth a thousand words”.
Enjoy your beautiful family. You are all so precious and special. Congratulations!! <3
You totally captured my feelings of comparing my body to my mothers. I used to think critical thoughts of her body when I was younger. Now as I grow older and with each birth when I look in the mirror I see her body! Part of me is still not at terms with that, but I’m still growing. Thanks for posting and I love the picture of the whole family.
This is a beautiful picture; I am so happy for you. I look like my Mom too and I KNOW she was the most beautiful woman in the world.
I love the way the pattern on your skirt (3rd photo) echoes the pattern of the striae on your hips. Wonderful! This is beautiful.
This photo of the three of you is my favourite photo so far on this site… the love of the father and husband… simply amazing!
Love the last pic- very sweet!
I’ve had two NICU babies (out of 5 children). One was a micro at 29 weeks (11 weeks early) and one was a 33 weeker (7 weeks early). I love that beautiful photo you put up, I love the way your little one is looking up at the both of you. Very loving, very passionate!
I just LOVE the family picture you shared. It is one of the best images I’ve ever seen. I hope you display it!
Love your story and you are gorgeous! Love the family photo how your son is looking at the two of you kissing! Priceless children are! Congrats!
AWWW OMG UR BEAUTIFUL MANN AND SO IS UR FAMILY…
You are beautiful and you have a beautiful family and you seem like a great person, im proud of you i had a baby ten months ago born with esoiphageal atresia, so i can relate to pretty much just about anything. Best wises love your pics there adorable.