My name is Raven, I am 20 years old and I have one son that is now 18 months old. I had him via cesarean section.
I had a lot happen to me after I had my son. I had just assumed since having a baby was one of the happiest and greatest things that could happen to someone that nothing in life would be bad after having a child. It did not take me long to find out how wrong I was. I love my son more than I could ever put into words but the year after having my him I suffered with such horrible depression that I didn’t even want to live anymore. It’s embarrassing admitting that and openly talking about my depression because I always fear people will view me as a bad mother but now, after everything is said and done, I am so grateful that I had to go through that. I had the choice of going on anti-depressants or changing my lifestyle which meant becoming more active and eating healthier. I had always struggled with my weight and body image so I thought why not make a change for myself instead of having to take medication. After my son’s first birthday I started eating a lot better and working out regularly and now I really do love my body. Sure, there are things I am shy to show others but overall I love everything about it. I have a pooch at the bottom of my belly because I had a big baby. My boobs are not perky any more and they are much smaller, but being able to provide my son with all the nutrients he needed with them is a fair trade. I have stretch marks all over but let’s be honest, who doesn’t have stretch marks? I have a nice big five inch scar from where my beautiful baby boy was brought into this world and guess what, I even love that too! Knowing that everything that is “wrong” with my body was caused by creating my wonderful son really allows me to embrace everything about myself and I love it.
My pictures are of me now, 18 months PP and a nice big close up of my c-sec scar and stretch marks :)
dont ever feel ashamed for expressing your feeling. You look awesome and I’m happy to hear to were able to change your life for the better! There is nothing wrong with you. All those beautiful marks on your body make you who you are and tell your story. And you are rocking it! :)
I am really glad that I came across you and your story. Its like reading about myself. I had a Cesarean and unfortunately had to stop breastfeeding after 2months because of insufficient glands =/ I suffered with bad depression after having my son and it was made worse by the not being able to have that connection with my son but like you said I am also even more grateful for going through it. My son is almost 14 months and I am starting to realize that it is time for me to make a change. I still suffer with really bad moods swings and not so happy thoughts about my PP body. It inspires me to see how great you look after having your son, seeing your belly reminds me of mine if I could shed this extra weight, staying positive. Thank you for sharing. You look great!
My beautiful baby boy was a big one as well, 9lb 3oun.!lol
awe thanks ladies! and pricesmom, I really wish you the best of luck on overcoming depression and beginning to love your PP body. It is a hard journey but so worth it! I still struggle every day but it’s always getting better :) and you are right that is a big boy! ha ha 2oz bigger than my little man!
PPD is so difficult. Thankyou for sharing, your positive outlook has helped me.