I am a 23 year old mother to 5 month old Claire. My journey began with the heartaching realization that at this young age, I have fertility problems. Fighting not only with doctors who would help diagnose and treat a young woman with PCOS (polycystic ovaries) but also fighting with myself, with my body- for failing me. I felt cheated… My body was a place of disgust and distrust. Throughout my fertility journey- I had to learn to see it in different light. To be kinder to this woman in the mirror… to learn to love her, because she was going through an awful heartache yearning for her babe.
Moons later, we conceived our first babe… I was shocked and also terribly scared to be happy. So afraid that since it was hard to get pregnant- I expected nothing to come easy… But soon my belly grew, my body stretched and gave way to LIFE.
These images are so many things to me… I feel awfully proud when I look at them, because I see the same woman said and wrote such heart wrenchingly sad things about that body… I see the woman who started learning to accept her flaws. I see a young woman who is happy, confident, and strong… who carried, gave birth, and nourishes this delicious little babe. I see someone beautiful.
At moments, I feel incredibly vulnerable about these images. But I feel like they hold power- and I hope mostly- that they will help someone else to feel a little bit more compassionate towards their perfectly imperfect body.
This story was featured over on Glamour Magazine!
That was said so beautifully. Thank you.
I remembering seeing these on I think it was your blog, and I love them. You’re a beautiful mother, and you can simply see the love. I’m sorry you have fertility issues, and am so glad that you were able to have your baby. <3
I saw your post at Glamour and I’m so glad you shared it here, too! I love these photographs! You’re so gorgeous! Gorgeous! Gorgeous! Love it! :)
Your photos are crazy beautiful and honest. Where can I see more?
Beautiful. Thank you.
You are my tummy twin! Although I see more beauty in yours than I do in mine. Funny that?
your story is such an inspiration!! you are beautiful –so are ur pictures
Congrats on your Baby! Your pics are sooo beautiful!!
Gorgeous pictures, just gorgeous. Congratulations! Your entry was so sweet.
Erin, my husband and I struggled with my infertility issues, miscarried, and finally conceived through IVF. We are expecting our baby in a matter of weeks now! What you said about disgust and distrust with your body, but then learning how amazing that same body truly is once you become pregnant…profoundly true. You’re a strong woman, and better yet, a stronger mom for what you’ve gone through. I know I am. God bless you and your little one.
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I just wanted to say, I stumbled upon your post here and you have given me such a gift tonight, as I sit here in my living room. My husband and I are currently going through infertility issues, and most days I feel like I can barely stand it. Thank you so much for posing this. You and your photos are an inspiration!