I am a mother of 7. I had my first child when I was just 16. His twin sisters followed 22 months later. My next child a beautiful baby girl was born 2 years after the twins. Then we had another girl just shy of 3 years later. When she was 3.5 months old we discovered we were expecting again. After 4 little girls we were thrilled to have another son. He was born 1 year 1 week and 1 day after his sister. Our last child was born 3 years later and she will forever be the baby in our family. I had my tubes tied after this and I still regret it to this day. If I could afford it I would have 20 children. Pregnancy never got to me. I loved every moment of that special time and I often find myself longing for it. Now I am almost 32 years old and it is time to start working on me. All my life I have devoted my time to my children and a full time job. Now it is time for me to find the time I need to get myself to a point in which I am happy with my body. I am so disgusted with my body but after 7 children, 1 set of multiples and 5 c-sections I am not sure what to expect.
I am 32 years old
wow! way to go mama! kids are SO much work, specially so close in age, however you never ever regret them! good luck on your journey finding the new you :)
Jennifer, I can honestly say that I am in awe of what you have done. Your body is amazing. I hope you can now focus what time you have, on yourself, because you deserve it. x
7 children. Wow! You’re wonderwoman! I studied art in school and the first thing I thought of when I saw your photos were the fertility idols that are seen throughout our history. A round, curvy shape was considered the epitome of womanhood and beauty. To give life was beauty in and of itself. Don’t feel disgusted. You’re a goddess! Don’t have expectations. I know that’s hard but take it one day at a time. Improve your eating habits if they need work. Carve out time to exercise, doing something you like to do and make that time non-negociable. It’s your time. You deserve it. Just start working out with the intention of having more energy and go from there. Most of all don’t punish yourself now. My mom looks a lot like you. I don’t see a disgusting body. She’s my mom and she’s beautiful because she’s my mom. Try to see yourself through the eyes of the people who love you.
You know, you have the same shape as my mom and she had seven kids, too (two losses, one adoption, four live births). My mom never gave herself time to work on herself. Financially, she never had that chance as she had to work so much and worry so much. I always wished she had given herself time. So definitely work on yourself as much as you can while nurturing your children. There’s a balance that can be achieved.
I also a mama of 7! & 32 years old! And had my first at 17! I know a bit about your journey! I hope you can figure out a way to accept yourself fully and move forward into your fullest potential of health and happiness! Be well mama!
I also had 5 csections before going on to have 2 unassisted home births. You can read my story at UBA5C
7 pregnancies! Wow! That is great! I agree with what others have said, see yourself through the eyes of those that love you. Start small with exercise, and be patient. Even when I don’t see results it really boosts my mood when I take the time to get some exercise. Good luck to you!
I just wanted to tell you how absolutely beautiful and stunning your photos are to me. I really admire you for doing this. You’ve given me courage, thank you.
I also have 7 kids…oldest is 22 and youngest is 9. Had my first at 18 and bounced back after the first two but after that it was all downhill…it helps so much to know I am not the only mom of a large family having body issues. Thank you for posting! Bless you and your family!!!!
Your body did exactly what it was designed to do–create a beautiful family! (Did a great job too, from your story!). You should be proud of what you accomplished, and your body is your testament to that. However, if you want to focus on yourself and making yourself feel beautiful, make sure you are eating healthy. That is not a magic pill for dropping dress sizes, but it goes a long way toward having the energy you need to care for yourself and your family. Avoid eating convenience foods–they are so heavy in starches and sugars, and void of real nutrients–and soda or other sugary drinks. Focus on TONS of fruits and veggies, high quality protein, and reducing grain: bread, pasta, cereal, bagels, rice. Do some research first, you will need to have some substitutes ready to replace those foods. It’s not about counting calories or counting carbs, but about making sure everything you eat fulfills a real nutritional need, not just empty, processed and nutritionally empty calories. Anyway, when you are eating healthy and getting vital nutrients from your food, you will feel energetic and great no matter your bra or pant size!