Coming across this website has given me reassurance that I’m not the only one out there struggling with my post-partum belly. Seeing pictures and reading inspirational stories only motivates me more than ever! I realize that acheiving my ideal body is possible.
I have to admit that I have always thought down upon my body. After having my first child, my son, I now look back and realize what was I complaining about in the past?! I had a really good body! I believe that what I felt was normal, teenage thoughts of, “I’m fat”. But in reality, I was fairly petite all along.
I became pregnant at 17 years old after only dating my boyfriend for four months. It was unplanned and shook my world. I took full responsibility of my actions because let’s face it, we all know what we are doing when we are doing it! (for most situations anyway). My decision–OUR decision–to keep our son, has been one of the best choices I have ever made.
I had the best pregnancy I could have asked for. I actually fear the next baby, whenever that may be, because it will be complete opposite of my first pregnancy! ( :0D ) I had no morning sickness, no crazy mood swings… just a relaxing, exciting, joyful, pregnancy that I spent preparing for the biggest 180 life-changer.
The only downside to the pregnancy was gaining 45 pounds that I didn’t worry about while pregnant and didn’t realize would be hard to take off after. Also, the deep, long, reddish/purple stretch marks that I accumilated on my stomach, sides, thighs, and even the back of my knees.
I went into labor naturally at 40 weeks, 1 day at 5:30p.m. the day of Thanksgiving 2008. With no epidural and after 15.5 hours of labor and 30 minutes of pushing, I delievered my healthy 9 pound 5 oz., 21 inches long, baby boy at 9:43a.m. the next day.
Having my son has kept me holding onto my dreams. I believe that without him I would still be partying and doing things that would have let my goals in life slip away. I want my son to look up to me and that means doing the right things: I am going to school to become a RN, I quit smoking ciggarettes (nothing against people who do–I personally just don’t want my son seeing me do something that I will later be telling him not to do!), and just doing what I believe a mother should be doing and acting like. Since my own mother growing up was on drugs and always in and out of my life, I made a vow while pregnant to be the opposite of that. The love I have for him is a different kind of love (that also comes with tons of worries lol) that keeps growing by the day.
His father and I have been tested greatly through this experience. He is an outstanding dad and provider to our little family, and I’m proud to say that we have continued to stay together.
But still, I can’t help but feel self-concious over my body, especially around him. It has changed so much and is so flabby and jiggly. My thighs are huge, my love-handles stick out for a mile, my stomach hangs, my stretch marks adds onto what I feel like is already not attractive, but is the last thing I worry about when it comes to my body……I do have to admit that I have made no effort to change it, and know once I do so it will make a huge difference; because hey, this body ain’t gonna get toned itself! After coming across this website, like I said in the beginning, is only motivating more to get up and start making a change. It is so nice to see that we are all women with the same insecurities, bodies, hopes, etc.
I just wanted to write this to thank all the women who have shared their stories and photos and to encourage other people to be comfortable and confident with who they are; the road I am starting to walk down myself.
Thanks SOAM
– Age: 19
– Number of pregnancies and births: 1 preg., 1 birth
– Age of children: 10 months old
– Young mommy of 1, 10 months later
Here are my pictures :: underneath it all
– Picture #1: 2 days before labor
– Picture #2: 10 months PP at a distance
– Picture #3: 10 months PP closer
– Picture #4: 10 months PP sideview
What an AWESOME attitude you have about motherhood and a very mature one for someone your age! I’m so happy about the positive effects it has had in you and in your life. I think you look great, too. The gym will always be available, & when you are ready and the time is right I’m sure you’ll be able to get into a healthy program. Remember to focus on health and not so much instant body changes. It does take a while…but the health benefits are immediate (even just feeling good/more energy etc). Thanks for your great story!
Great post! Good luck to you and your little family :)
I felt like the only person in the world who got pregnant after being with someone for only 4 months, so it’s good to know I’m not alone. I am happy that you have stayed together, my daughter’s father and I have not. : ( You look great and it’s true, working out WORKS! Good luck sweetie!
your story is alot like mine, I came across this site and was amazed on how much it has helped me, as is my stomach looks alot like yours but i gained 70 pounds and I also had a easy pregnancy except for the labor, I also got pregnant at 17 and was dating my boyfriend now fioncee for 5 months, Weve been together for two yrs now, and i had my son at 18 and he was also 9. 5 and 21 inches but i had to have a emergency c-section cause his head got stuck, and I also hated my body before but also looking back i was skinny, your 2 months ahead of my postpartum and all i can say is the streach marks will fade and use baby lotion it helps with the streach marks, even after you have them lol, they will start to fade quick, all i can say is look at your little buy and your boyfriend and be thankful for what you have made and that he stuck by you, and keep your head held high, Jeezz i wish i could take my own advice, lol, but my story will soon be on here, lol
I know a lot of people on this site say this…but you REALLY are my body double…exact!!! I am 23, and now 7 months pp with my second child (I am on here under child loss…”2.5 months pp, 2nd cesarean in 2.5 years”). I hate my body most of the time…sure, I look ok in clothing…but naked, I feel horrible, saggy, fat and ugly. When I look at you I think you look good…we are definitely harder on ourselves! You look great, and it will get even better!
im glad im not alone. i have been having so many problems accepting my body, i got pregnant not even a month into my relationship with my boyfriend, we are getting married in december, my baby is almost 4 months old. i try to accept my body but its hard, im so lucky my boyfriend supports me and tries to tell me i look beauitufl, i told him my stomach was too fat and ugly and he hugged me and said he loves my stomach, that was a huge shock.
Wow! I feel like I am looking at pictures of myself! I hope you find peace with your body and get healthy in the process. I hope I can come back on here in a few months and read an update!