Belly

Never felt more like a woman. (Jordan)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions, Update 3 Comments

23 years old
3 pregnancies/2 births
14 months pp

Previous post here.

As mothers, our bodies may not look like they used to, but that’s OK. My body gave me my children and for that, I will be eternally grateful. It is a beautiful thing. Sure, Alot of woman may see their stretch marks, and sagging skin as a flaw or fear others will view them as unattractive.. but they are part of who we are now and, therefore, they are beautiful. We earned them and we need to appreciate them more. My body may not be magazine perfect but it’s perfect enough for me and that’s all that matters. I had an easy, healthy pregnancy with both of my boys. Labor and delivery was short, unmedicated and absolutely beautiful both times as well and if i could do it all over again.. i’d do it the same way. Epidural is not natural and not for me. I have a 3 year old and a 14 month old, They keep me busy, never cease to amaze me and they are the best thing that ever happened to me. I love me, inside and out.. I hope every single one of you reading this does or will come to feel this way about your own body and minds! Love this website.

(1) Pre-Pregnancy
(2) 8 months pregnant with second child
(3, 4) 14 months pp
(5) My boys

Update (Kathleen)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions, Update 11 Comments

Previous post here.

14 months ago, I wrote a submission following the birth of my second son. Well, my baby boy just recently celebrated his first birthday, and it got me thinking about the memoir I wrote so many months ago. When I posted my story, I was, like many mothers, exhausted, adjusting to life with a new baby, and struggling with my self image. This past year has been a wonderful whirlwind, but as a mommy to two busy boys, I found it extremely difficult to find any time for myself. I wanted to lose my baby weight, but never seemed to have enough time in a day to work out. I would try to early in the morning before the kids got up, (5:30) or at night when they went to bed. It was difficult to be consistent and I was often dismayed that I wasn’t seeing any results.

I decided that I would do the best I could, when I could. But most of all, I decided to revamp what I was eating. I may not have had much control over my schedule, but one thing I could control was what I put into my mouth. I started eating clean, well – as clean as I could! And just tried to eek in a workout whenever the kids would allow – even if it was 10 or 15 minutes during the day. Well, here I stand, 65 lb lighter, and the healthiest I have ever been. And I have never felt so good about myself. I wanted to post this for all the moms out there that are feeling the same helplessness that I felt. I never thought I would lose the mommy tummy. I was resigned to the fact that I would probably have a little poofy pouch under my shirts for the rest of my days. I said I was ok with it, yet like many women on here, I researched alot about tummy tucks!

It wasn’t a quick process. It didn’t happen over night. It took 14 months of “trying” to get in a workout. But what made the biggest difference of all, was changing my eating habits.

Because I am happier with myself, my happiness spills over into many other facets of my life – most importantly, my role as a wife and a mother. To all the amazing and beautiful mothers on this site who encouraged me inspired me, and lifted up my soul when I needed it the most, thank you so much.

Update on My Diastasis Recti (Mrs. Roussell)

Bonnie (SOAM) African American, Belly, Diastasis Recti, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Update 8 Comments

Age :23
Weeks PP: 9!

Previous post here.

When I last posted I was 4 weeks pp and very insecure about my stomach. I haven’t lost any weight yet (still 140) but I’m ok with that being I’ve never had a big butt and being that I’m African American I’ve always been made fun of because of it but now I LOVE my new booty!! … One person commented on my post that just by looking at my pictures she was 100% sure that I had Diastasis Recti (separation of the ab muscles) ..my first thought was “what the hell is that” so I started to google. Every picture I saw reminded me of my stomach and through further research the “Tupler Technique” popped up. I have a belly binder that the hospital gave me to wrap my boobs after I had my baby(no I didn’t breast feed!!! Don’t Judge) I cut it into 3 sections and wrapped my stomach while hold in my abs and pushing them together..it’s not the same as the proper diastasis recti rehab splint that is endorsed by the “tupler technique” but hay money is a little tight because we’re moving..so until we’re settled that’s what I’ll be doing. I’ve been wearing it for 2 days now and doing transverse abdominal exercises and I already see results!! To all moms PLEASE google this condition before doing CRUNCHES !!! I have a new found confidence knowing that I have this condition and that I CAN fix it..hope this post helps new and old moms

Updated here.

Mother of 8 Wants to Say, “Aloha!” (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Four or More Pregnancies, Mom over 30, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom, Twins 11 Comments

I have a fairly long story, but don’t we all?

I was a young teenage mom.

I am now 40 years young.

I have had 8 children, 7 full term pregnancies. One of them being twins, BOGO free.

My oldest is 20, my youngest is 3.

I was co-dependent and chose abusive relationship’s.

I did get therapy and have been working hard to learn to love and accept myself. Raising your emotional I.Q. is what I call it.

I don’t work out yet, I am collecting equipment and educating myself with the intent of developing more muscle tone. I feel that I am skinny fat. KWIM?

I do study and read about nutrition and hormones, etc. and apply what I learn in my and my children’s life.

I am pursuing a degree in Nutrition and Dietetics so that eventually I can teach and empower other women in the near future.

I don’t think I am perfect, I am perfectly me in the present moment.

Most of all I wanted to let other women know that with proper nutrition and diet you can change your body.

You deserve the absolute best and nothing but love. We all do.

My Battle With Guilt (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, Children with Health Complications, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions 10 Comments

I met my boyfriend in high school, freshman year. We were officially a couple a little over three years ago. I think we may have used a condom for the first couple months and gradually I started to let him not wear one, being stupid, young, and in love. Well miraculously, it took me years to get pregnant (wasn’t trying) and I was a couple months before turning 18. My mom was already okay with our relationship considering we were together for so long, and finally took it seriously, basically letting us live together for the last couple years. So, she wasn’t so in shock when I got pregnant around 18.

I suffered a terrible amount of guilt and was considering abortion. I knew the fact that my diet was complete shit, that I was smoking marijuana, cigarettes, getting wasted all the time wasn’t good for the baby. I had heard that women start cleansing their bodies in preparation to getting pregnant, and was very scared. I was having pelvic pains, so after the doctor confirmed I was pregnant, I was taken in for an ultrasound. I found I was 8 weeks pregnant. The heart was already beating, and instantly I knew I never could have an abortion. Hearing her heart beat was the more beautiful music I had ever heard in my life.

So here I am, 39 weeks and ready to pop any day. But, about 18 weeks in I come in for a routine ultrasound, and they had discovered a mass somewhere in her abdomen. Never in my life was I so frightened. I come to find out after trips to UCLA, that this was a CCAM/Pulmonary Sequestration. It is a rare mass that occurs in the lung, and in her case was so large it was pushing her heart completely to the right side. They had advised me to “terminate” the pregnancy. I knew there was no way in hell I would. I remember sitting in the office listening to these doctors tell me in detail about her mass, during the fetal heart echos, and 2hr long ultrasounds, and all I could think was why? Here I am 18 years old, changing my whole life around, becoming a mother so young, dealing with this shocking news I was responsible for another life and NOW I’m hearing not only is there complications, but a very rare one, that is known very little of.

Around 23 weeks I moved to a different state. My boyfriend came with, and I continued care with a new OB in one of the best hospitals in the US, because of the insurance my stepdad was able to give my daughter great care and a fighting chance. Although, when I had come up here I knew they had little hope for my daughter. Long story short, I was told she will me immediately taken from birth to the NICU for her care, and that there was a chance she can come out not even being able to breathe. And that even if she was healthier than ever, she still needed to be transferred to the NICU to run tests, and determine when her surgeries will be. (surgery is necessary, it’s not an if it’s when)

So, with all this on my mind, I have a tremendous amount of guilt. I feel that what I did before I was pregnant, and when I was pregnant but didn’t know I was, the things I was doing somehow caused this to happen to her. I was told it wasn’t, that it is genetic, but I am scared it was my fault. On top of this, I’m 18 years old, 239 lbs, and looking my absolute worst.

I gained weight previous to the pregnancy. I blew up in about 2 years, going from 145 to 190. After being pregnant I shot up to 239 lbs. I am 5’7, went from 36DD to 40E, and I have stretch marks all over my body. From my sides, my hips, one or two on my butt, and all the way up my belly. I hate my body. I feel miserable. I wear the same black long sleeve maternity shirt every other day, the other day is a dark grey long sleeve maternity shirt, and sweat pants. I used to dye my hair consistently because I hated my natural hair color, I used to do mystic tanning because I am naturally pale, I used to wear fake nails, etc. All which I cannot do anymore and it actually does bother me. And I feel terrible for worrying about such stupid and vain things while I should be focusing on what’s happening with my daughter and be thankful that she has made it this far. I’m constantly comparing myself obsessively to other 18 year olds, perfect slim bodies, belly pierced, no stretch marks, perky breasts, able to show it off comfortably any time they want. I’m jealous. And obsessive. And it’s on my mind constantly. I love my daughter with my whole heart, she has become my whole world, and I haven’t even met her yet. But I hate my body. And I am so scared I will never lose the weight, nor the stretch marks, and that my body will never be the same. And I knew this is wrong.

– First Pregnancy 18 years old
– Photos taken at 38 wks

Still not quite where I want to be (Kris)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions 3 Comments

Age: 28
Years postpreg: 2.5
# of children: 1

At the age of 24, i was single, in college, and living alone in a new town. I was enjoying the single life since it was the first time in my adult life that i had been single for a significant period of time. In fact, I was entertaining the idea of committing to a life a spinster hood. However, I met my son’s dad and after knowing him under two months, i found out i was pregnant. I wanted to keep my baby, so we decided to give us a try and he moved in with me. Within 4 months, i realized this man i was about to raise a child with was a severe alcoholic, and not a very nice one at that. But i stuck it out in hopes that everything would just work itself out, which i know now was stupid. I was in a relationship that put me in a constant state of stress, always worried that id come home to a hostile drunk, not having a supportive partner to help me in this difficult period of my life, feeling unloved, and completing my junior year in college. So i turned to food. I was gaining close to 8lbs a month, so at 5’0, i went from my prepregnancy weight of 135 to 205 by the time my son was born. I was miserable. I felt so ugly.

My son was born via csection after being two weeks over due and a failed induction. After he arrived, my weight stayed around 178. The first few months of his life were difficult, i tried to work on my health and getting back in shape, but the combination of my senior year in college and an unpleasant homelife drained me of all my energy. When my son was six months old, i finally realized i needed to leave my son’s father, so i moved us into a new apartment and i graduated college. Since then, I’ve worked housekeeping jobs and watched my son grow into a beautiful person who i love more than anything in the world. 2.5 years later and i am finally committing to getting healthy and getting my life on track. i am working out 3-5 days a week and eating better while working on my application for grad school. So far I’ve lost 10lbs, but I’m worried that my tummy, which used to be my favorite feature, is going to always look gross and saggy no matter how much weight i lose:(

The photos i am posting are of me 2.5 years postpregnancy and168lbs. I’d love to hear if anyone knows if with diet and exercise, i can get my tummy somewhat back to normal or if I’ll need to consider surgery.

A Do-Over (Megan)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions, Update 4 Comments

Previous post here.

Age: I’m 25
Number of Pregnancies & Births: 2 Pregnancies & Two births (3.5 yrs & 3 weeks old)

I was terrified to have another baby after my first. For all kinds of reasons: I didn’t want to get more stretchmarks (more! how would that even be possible?! I felt covered already.), I hated being pregnant the first time (I just felt fat and ugly the whole time and wasn’t too excited to re-live those feelings), I didn’t want to have to lose a bunch of weight afterwards again (it took me 6 months to even feel semi normal again last time), I’d hated all of the comments from people when I went overdue with my first (“You haven’t had that baby YET?!”) etc.

Long story short, despite all of my reasons, I really wanted my son to have a sibling so we decided to start trying for another when he was 2.5 and boom! Two months later, the pee sticks showed pregnant. I was simultaneously thrilled and scared.

How would this time be any different? Would I completely lose myself again?

Then I remembered the post I’d written on here when my son was a year old. Looking at it again was like a pep talk from my self. I COULD have a better second pregnancy! I COULD enjoy it! It was all up to me and my attitude/habits. And guess what? I did.

I took my own advice: I walked daily and I ate decently (this time I gained 28 pounds instead of 53).

I tried to dress in a way that made me feel confident and showed off my bump. And you don’t have to spend a fortune to feel good! I went to thrift stores and wore hand me downs (but only the ones that made me feel pretty!).

I grew my hair out to a length that made me happy.

I actually let people include me in pictures.

I celebrated milestones.

All in all, this pregnancy flew by and although I went overdue by almost 2 weeks (oh the comments I got this time!), I let myself enjoy being pregnant. Having my son involved made it such a special time that I want to remember forever.

Do I look like a supermodel now? Nope. Do I absolutely love my body all the time now? No way. BUT I now know, I look like the mother of two amazing children who I love more than anything and THAT’S the look I’m going for. My husband loves me and more importantly, I love myself. I also realize now that it takes time to get back to “normal” (if there even is such a thing) after having a baby. I’m in no rush.

I’m so incredibly grateful for the community of women on here who let each other know daily it’s OK if becoming a mother changed you! It’s supposed to. We’re here to build each other up and I love it. Thank you mamas, keep doing what you’re doing!

These pics are of me at 2.5 weeks postpartum after my second. I really want to start eating cleaner and getting back into the swing of doing Pilates daily but for now, my hobbies include sleeping (whenever I can!) and nursing. :)

I have a not-so-depressed tummy now. (Claire)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions, Update 6 Comments

2 pregnancy boys aged 4 and 2years 6 months.

Previous post here.

After alot of hard work ive lost a further 10lbs and currently weight 128lbs i wish i was 100% happy with the way i looked but i would still love to loose another 14lbs and tone up more before summer. All mums know that having kids and being a full time mum does not leave alot of “me” time. I speak to alot of mums and they all wish they had more time to work out and tone up.

I have finally got a routine where i can fit in a work out and i really feel great for it. I have been to rock bottom about the way my stomach has changed since having children and gone through so many emotions. I am an expert on tummy tuck procedures so much so that i could probably preform one in my living room .lol and read about every magical cream or diet on the planet. I have learned during the past year though that you need to work extra hard to get what you want so with my zumba,sits ups and cardio i hope i am on my way to a “normal” stomach. Its getting there i guess. I am very proud of myself i have lost over 50lbs since my second child do any other mums out there feel like they will never be happy no matter what they do? much love xxxx

Every experience has its first. (Desiree Lynnette)

Bonnie (SOAM) Before Pregnancy, Belly, First Pregnancy, PCOS, Pregnant, Submissions 3 Comments

I am 22 years old, 23 in October of this year. I am currently 26 weeks pregnant, and nothing could have prepared me for pregnancy. It has been an amazing, emotional, and at times miserable journey. When I found out that I was pregnant is was somewhat expected, but at the same time a pretty big shocker. I was diagnosed with PCOS at 17, which meant nothing to me at that time. I was 17, I didn’t really care that much is my period was random or that I couldn’t easily get pregnant. About a month before I got pregnant me and my wonderful fiance decided that although we weren’t ready to begin trying vigorously, we were still ready to make a commitment to a child to come into our lives and relationship. Coincidentally the Friday 5 days after our conversation I got pregnant. We took the test, and both of us were very happy to be bringing a child into our world. I was also very nervous and excited about the entire pregnancy experience up until the morning sickness came into play about 2 weeks after the positive test. I had morning (ALL DAY) sickness for the rest of the first trimester. It got so bad that I had to stop working because of how hard it was getting to be to work through it. Throwing up in a Wal-mart bathroom every 2-3 hours was not exactly my cup of tea, I am much happier now focusing on school work and resting my growing body. My fiance has done an amazing job supporting me and ensuring my comfort through out this entire process. One I hit the second trimester everything changed. My skin became extremely dried out, like alligator skin over here! My acne got out of control like crazy, and not just on my face! My boobs have grown from a B to nearly DD (I lost about 100 pounds about 2/3 years ago and went from a D to a B, so it’s not actually that foreign for me to have larger breast. Still crazy sore and painful though! I stopped throwing up (THANKFULLY!) and started eating so, so much! Pre-pregnancy I weighed only 115 at 5’5 and hardly ever had three meals a day, now I have at least four small meals! I now weigh 150 at 26 weeks, which my Dr. is happy with but I HATE!) I was very very happy with my body before, and I pretty much hate it right now. I am always tired, so I hardly ever (Ok, NEVER) workout. I am no longer working, so I pretty much sit around on the couch, cook dinner, and do school work everyday. I feel like the laziest person that ever lived. My body is killing me. I feel like my boobs and butt have gotten 5 times too large. My stomach is way to big! My skin is about as good as it was the year i hit puberty, and my over all physical self esteem is completely shot! I love being pregnant, and I love feeling my baby move around and kick me. I feel guilty sometimes about how down on my physical appearance I am. I always see pregnant woman and sites praising their pregnant bodies. To me it just seems abnormal and huge, especially after working so hard to have to look so good before I got pregnant! I hope that I am not the only pregnant woman that feels this way. Well, I am about to go into the third trimester and I know that it is going to be yet another adventure in this 9 month long never ending journey. I wanted to share my personal story of how it has been so far. From changes in medicine, to appearance, emotions, and self esteem; it’s been a long journey so far. I hope that in this last trimester I can learn to love this body a little bit more, and if not at least I am in the last stretch of this particular transformation. I don’t think I am very well prepared for postpartum body changes, but hopefully I can start shrinking again soon and get back to working our and taking care of my body. I can’t wait to hold this little boy that’s growing in there, and even though I hate the way it looks I hope he is nice a comfortable and happy inside my huge tummy! I love him with all my heart, it’s not like anything I have ever felt before. This first pregnancy has thrown a lot of curve balls at me, but I am happy to take it and keep learning in this first time experience. I know that including my son, I will gain a great amount from this experience. Far beyond what any other life experience could give me. Thank you for reading my story, I hope that you are all doing better than me with your body transformations!

Two pre-pregnancy photos and a few pregnancy pictures.

~Age: 22
~Number of pregnancies and births: First Pregnancy

Old Before My Time (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Cesarean, Four or More Pregnancies, Postpartum, Submissions 22 Comments

Age 33 yrs
4 children
breastfed
all c-sections

My youngest is 10 months old, I had my first child 14 yrs ago at 21 yrs old. I usually avoid looking in the mirror when naked My stomach hangs and I have tried many exercises it will never be the same which is disappointing. Whats worst, my breasts are deflated and feel soft. My nipples are also stretched and very long. I know this is not attractive and has hindered my sex life. Taking off my shirt just makes me want to cringe. As well, this affects how I feel in my clothes especially since cleavage shirts are the in thing. I even went for a bra fitting recently and the sales lady I know said “why didn’t you stop breastfeeding?” I always wanted to wear a bikini which I feel I missed out on but, instead I recently got a sexy one piece from pinup girlclothing.com. I wore it swimming…no excitement from my bf…. all I could think is: “If I were wearing a bikini you wouldn’t be able to take your eyes off of me”. Well, retired that! I feel old and deflated however, I am at a decent weight which is good. My man claims he has no problem with my bod but I have caught him looking at porn specifically, of large chested women which blew my self esteem out the window and made me not believe him when he does compliment. I also get angry at the Drs. who kept giving a c-sections not telling the physical repercussions on the body. I am also angered by society there is no way, in my opinion, a man would buy a magazine with a bunch of women with sagging breasts and stretch marks although this is reality albeit a harsh one. I love my children and am thankful for them. Just don’t know how to get some self confidence back….