Pregnancy Service Stripes (Anonymous)

It is 2 days past my baby’s 1st birthday. After my shower I was just looking at my body. I see how much it’s been through with 3 pregnancies in 5 years. I am 22 years old, I have 3 children and I have my pregnancy service stripes and a battle scar. My belly, hips and breasts are covered in silvery stretch marks and my c-section scar is barely noticeable but will be there forever.

Pregnancy has changed my body in irreversible ways. It’s a small price to pay for children and one I gladly pay. I’ve dropped the baby weight, all 60lbs of it. I’m at 118lbs! But no matter the weight I lose, I will have loose skin from where my belly grew to accommodate my rapidly developing babies. My boobs will be deflated and saggy once I’m done with breastfeeding. I am okay with that. I am still amazed at what my body can do.

Fortunately, my husband loves me and my body the same, no matter how “damaged” it is. I am beautiful in his eyes and he helps me see it too. Sure there are days when I catch a glimpse in the mirror and go “UGH!”. I’m happy those days are few and far between.

The same way children leave marks on our hearts, they leave marks on our bodies. I earned my service stripes and I wear them proudly.




4 thoughts on “Pregnancy Service Stripes (Anonymous)

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 8:29 pm
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    that is awesome…you lost all that weight and u had 5 kids….that is a very encouraging way to look at it….i am on my second child and im tryin to learn to love my pregnancy stripes and im sure i will, but just like our children leave marks on us we will leave a couple on them too that stick with them for life and im talkin lessons not abusive scars….lol jk but your stretch marks will fade more good luck

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2008 at 11:29 pm
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    Mama, you look so beautiful!!! :D I love it when ladies say they are their service stripes. We’ve earned every single one. :D

  • Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at 8:42 pm
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    great job losing all your baby weight! it gives me hope that i also will be able to! i gained 60 lbs as well during my pregnancy and when i told my doctor she looked at me and said, Well we know theres not a 60 lb baby in there, and laughed. i felt horrible, but im happy to know im not the only one who did! i dont thin theres a “right” amoutn of weight to gain, i think its different for everyone and the baby, and as long as baby is healthy when theyre born thats what matters! congratulations and you look great!

  • Monday, January 11, 2010 at 7:33 pm
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    Dude, mine look the exact same. I feel so gross and fat. My son is now 6 months and I just feel like I’m gainging weight, you look AMAZING.

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