Helen

My name is Helen.
I have a website at: https://everydaystranger.net

In October 2007 I gave birth to 36 week boy/girl twins after 5 rounds of IVF. I’ve struggled for years and years with anorexia and purging disorders, and I knew that being pregnant would be hard for me, mentally, as I’ve always had a negative view of my body.

I was lucky enough to not get any stretch marks while pregnant, and in the end I only gained about 30 pounds despite eating constantly (albeit healthily). Within two weeks of delivery I was out of my maternity clothes and back in my regular clothes. Three months on and I’m two sizes smaller than I was when I got pregnant – I’m not actively dieting, but I am taking care of twin infants, which keeps me moving 16 hours a day.

Now that three months have passed, I have a noticeable C-section scar, a still visible linea negra, and my former navel ring piercing is a large scar. I have that apron of skin hanging down, too, which I’ve been working on but suspect it will never really go away. But I am so, so lucky to have beautiful, wonderful babies after trying for so many years.

I’ve included a shot of me the day I gave birth, as well as one of me today – both are watermarked as I had some photos stolen a little while ago and I’m now a little over-protective.