Belly

Birth is a privilege and every scar is a testament of what we’ve been through and it’s made us who we are (Simone)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Mom over 30, Pregnant, Second Pregnancy, Submissions 4 Comments

I went through my first pregnancy comparing my damaged body to all the other women I believed came out of it completely unscathed! It seemed like just about everyone had a washboard unblemished stomach just weeks after giving birth.

It took me a long time to accept my post pregnancy body and to realise it wasn’t nearly as unattractive as I believed it was. In fact, while the father of my boys failed to appreciate my post pregnancy body and our marriage didn’t last, I have gone on to date some stunning (and younger) men who have never had a problem with my post pregnancy stomach! I was recently told by an old (now pregnant) colleague that my ability to attract young hot men was an inspiration to mothers everywhere! I agree. I’m still looking for a man who is the whole package (not just a Personal Trainer or an Ironman – seriously) but quite simply, my post pregnancy body has been no inhibitor. I take excellent care of my body by leading an active and healthy lifestyle and I am grateful every day for the privilege of having my two boys.

I may choose to have a tummy tuck one day, I may not – I simply know it is no longer required for me to feel good about myself, attractive and to be grateful for what I have.

~Age: 36
~Number of pregnancies and births: 2 boys
~The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are: aged 10 and 2

Trying to Adapt to my New Body 4 Months PP (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Four or More Pregnancies, Postpartum, Submissions 2 Comments

I have my first baby at the age of 15 and ever since I keep having kids, Now I’m a mother of 6…and even tho sometimes I’m self consius on the way i look I love my body in some ways, every time i have a baby my body get a different shape and form, I have stretch marks in my entire body and cellulite in legs and bum, also my tummy area its very stretch and i have lose skin and saggy boobs, I’m trying to accept myself and be thankful for the 6 blessings god had given me. My husband loves me, right now I’m trying to lose weight and I’m hoping i can look a lil better to wear and bathing suit this summer.

Age 24
Number of kids: 6 and 1 angel
Kids ages 9,8,7,4,3, and 4 months

6 Months Postpartum and Still Healing (Jillyn)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, Child Loss, Homebirth, Plus-Sized Mom, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Update 14 Comments

I am posting my postpartum pictures here of my body after my second pregnancy. My previous post is here.

This pregnancy came a bit unexpected for my husband and I. After the birth and death of our first daughter we planned to wait a year before TTC again. But just 6 months postpartum we found out i was expecting again. By 6 months PP i hadn’t lost any of my pregnancy weight and I actually gained a bit. I believe i started my second pregnancy at around 215lbs (i am 5’5″). The pregnancy was an emotional time for me because i was still trying to deal with the emotions and grief of loosing our first daughter. We tried to keep things as peaceful as we were able. We had a midwife for the pregnancy and planned a homebirth.

I delivered our second daughter at 41 weeks and 2 days. Everything went wonderful and we have a very happy and healthy 6 month old (she was 7lbs and 20″ long at birth). I’ve still been struggling with my emotions this postpartum and i’m trying not to slip into depression but sometimes it’s hard, especially with a very high needs baby (most would say she had Colic). But there are many good times and she is such a blessing in our life. Our “rainbow” baby :)

The day i went into labor i weighed 250lbs and a couple weeks postpartum i believe i was around 230lbs. I’ve struggled with accepting my new body but i don’t 100% hate it. I hate how much my belly and hips droop with extra skin, but other than that i’m not too upset. I actually like my stretch marks and i think they are pretty cool (i thought they were cool before as well). One thing that i thought was neat was when i was pregnant with our first daughter i got stretch marks and they started to heal and were more white. Then when i started to stretch more at the end of this pregnancy you could see where my old stretch marks ended (from first DD) and my new ones began. The day i took these postpartum pictures (6 months) i weighed myself and i was 213lbs (and at 6.5 months PP i’m 208lbs!).

The pictures i posted are from 6 months postpartum. I tried to take pictures of all the changes. I included pictures of my worst stretch marks, ones inside my thighs. I have one on each side and they actually split so bad that sometimes they bled and i wasn’t able to walk properly. Even now one of them still splits sometimes (as you can see in the photo). Of course they were much bigger during the pregnancy (about 1/2″ wide and 3-4″ long!). I also took a close up shot of my stretch marks on my belly. And I included a couple pictures from at the end of my pregnancy :)

~Age: 23
~Number of pregnancies and births: 2 pregnancies, 2 births, both vaginal
~The age of your children, or how far postpartum you are: First DD died after birth, Second DD is 6.5 months. Pictures taken when i was 6 months PP.

To Love Thyself (Jessa)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Cesarean, Postpartum, Pregnant, Second Pregnancy, Submissions 3 Comments

Age: 23
Number of pregnancies and births: 2 pregnancies, 2 births
Age of children: almost 3, 8 months

I have never loved my body. I was a skinny child, but I never paid attention to my body at that age. By the time I actually became ‘self-aware’ and started nit-picking about my appearance, I had gained some ‘fluff.’ In high school I was 5’3’’ and weighed between 125-130 lbs. I thought I was fat. HA! I stopped eating for a couple months, but my self-image only played a small part in that. Most of it was the depression. The starving dropped my weight to 120. Still chunky for my height and age. When I started eating again (do to my now husband’s encouragement), I gained weight like I was moving to the Arctic and needed the body fat of a whale to survive the cold.

On my wedding day, at 19 years of age, I weighed 140 lbs. Three months later we got pregnant and over the course of that pregnancy, during my second year of college (yay for stress!) I gained 42 lbs. I’m not going to tell you how often I cried because I was only a stone’s throw away from weighing 200 lbs. Really didn’t help my depression any. That first year postpartum was rough. By the time I finally got to a place of acceptance with my new mommy body my daughter was 15 months old, and we found out we were expecting our second child. It was a bit of a roller-coaster, but overall I loved my pregnant body. I loved how firm my stomach was when it had been much like a water bed before. I loved how the second time around I never got a single stretch mark, where my belly was riddled with stretch marks from my first pregnancy. At 40 weeks pregnant I had gained 31 lbs for a total weigh in of 185 lbs.

My youngest daughter was born cesarean section. On top of flabby skin, silver stretch marks over my stomach, boobs, hips and thighs, I have the c-section scar. But I’m okay with all that. My husband finds me more beautiful today, having grown his two children in my womb, than he did when he first fell in love with me. His cat calls, winks and pick up lines are all encouraging to say the least.

I am 8 months postpartum. I weigh roughly 155 lbs. I get asked if I am pregnant at least once a month. But I wouldn’t trade that for anything, because I got two of the most amazing little girls out of it. My jello-like tummy, silver stripes and c-section scar are my battle wounds. I am an Amazonian worrier. I am a mother.

Photos attached are
1. 40 weeks pregnant with my youngest
2. 4 weeks postpartum
3. 8 months postpartum (shirt up)
4. 8 months postpartum with my almost 3 year old (shirt down)

Updated here.

Almost 5 Years Later (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Child Loss, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions 4 Comments

I became pregnant at 19 and gave birth 2 months after I turned 20 to a little girl. Didn’t know till I was over 3 months along that I was even pregnant. Had NO symptoms at all. Peeing a lot and vanishing period were normal for me haha, so thought nothing of it, till I just had a “feeling” and tested. Turned positive immediately. I never wanted children, so I was going to abort, but hormones took over and I obviously had her and very glad I did. I am 5’9″ and weighed about 127lbs at the time I found out I was pregnant and the day I gave birth I was 164lbs. Right after delivery, I weighed 140lbs, then 3 weeks later, was down to 130lbs. I have been bouncing around 119lbs-138lbs now for almost 5 years. I have very few very light stretch marks on my stomach, but my breasts are covered in them. I was an A cup and went to a full D cup before I “dried up”. I chose not to breast feed for personal reasons. My breasts literally deflated and until recently were so flabby and gross I was mortified and ashamed. But they have filled out to a full B cup (weird, don’t hear of that really happening). June of ’09, I had a complete miscarriage and again, had no idea I was pregnant. I was trying out Nuva Ring and it failed.. I was feeling terrible and took it out about 2 months after use (I didn’t give myself a week to have a period inbetween months, just put a new one it) and a week later, started bleeding. Thought it was my period, but I bled very heavily and passed a ton of clots. Then, I passed the entire little placenta and sac.. I didn’t know what it was, so I took it to the ER with me in a baggy. Sounds gross, but I thought it was a piece of my uterus that had fallen out or a tumor and was really scared! They confirmed it was a miscarriage and I had been about 6 wks pregnant. I was honestly thankful I miscarried, I didn’t want another baby. I had a tubal ligation (burned only) November of ’09 at age 23. I DO NOT recommend this!! I have since had THE WORST pms ever! Severe nausea, hot flashes, terrible mood swings, random bouts of crying, alcohol intolerance, anxiety attacks, breast swelling to a full size or more larger and painful, cramping so severe I am doubled over in pain and in tears… list goes on. I deal with this about half of each month. Doctor whom did it wont see me again because I have Medi-Cal (but he had no problem doing the procedure, go figure). But, I am glad for the most part I can’t become pregnant again, one child is enough for me:-)

2 Kids and Body Afterwards (Heather)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, Cesarean, Cesarean Scar and/or Incision, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions 14 Comments

I had my first son at age 19. I was 115 pounds and a size three. In my pregnancy I went up to 198 pounds. My body never went to normal. For while i stayed at 165 pounds. Stretch marks on my inner legs ouuter upper legs vigina, boobs love handles belly almost every where . So a few years later I decided to have smart liop/. Now I have six scar from that and loose flabby belly. A year later I got pregnant again, and my stretch marks got worse on my boobs and are past my belly botton on my belly. I’m 23 now with a 4 year old and a one year old. I love my boys but hate my body… I’m a size 7,9 now and 136 pounds.. i had a c section with my 2nd.. i’m ugly.. I used to play sofe ball and be a cheerleader. Now no one wants to see me. I don’t even ghe the beach i can’t wear a one piece cause of the stretch marks on my legs whta do I do

Starting to Love My Body Again (Anonymous)

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

I am 25 years old and have two beautiful little boys. I hated my body after my first child and finally got the weight off when he was about 1 1/2 yrs, only to find out the week that i reached my goal weight that i was pregnant with my second. I was so happy to welcome our new little boy into the world, but i was right back where i started. Well it has been about 19 months and i am again working to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight. I am only about 5 lbs. away now!!

Age: 25
Number of pregnancies/births: 2
Age of children: 3 yrs. 7 m. and 19 months

2 cesareans, 2nd pregnancy

Pic #1- My wonderful little men
Pics 2 &3- 19 months pp after second pregnancy

Updated here.

The Beauty of Natural Childbirth to a First Time Mother (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Before Pregnancy, Belly, Child Loss, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pregnant, Submissions, Tattoo 11 Comments

Age: 22
Number of Births: 1
Age of my child: 8 months

The first time I found out I was pregnant I was scared but excited and looking forward to bringing a new addition into the household. Unfortunately, I miscarried in the first trimester. I was completely devastated and for months it was the only thing I focused on. My husband and I went on to get married a month after the miscarriage and after a few months I was able to get back to my normal self. That was when the magic happened! I found out the day after Halloween of 2009 that my husband and I were expecting again. I was nervous the first few months that I would lose this baby as well, but the pregnancy went perfectly. I gained a total of 26 pounds taking me from my original 127 to 153 when I gave birth. We both wanted me to give birth naturally because we personally feel that it was the best choice for me. We watched lots of videos like The Business of Being Born and read up on many articles on the internet. I became very comfortable with the idea of a natural birth. The rest of my pregnancy was a breeze. The only stretch marks I received were a few small ones on the sides of my breasts, I only had about 4 weeks of morning sickness in the beginning ( although it felt like an eternity ha ha). My husband walked with me every evening to get some fresh air and exercise, and I had no swelling of the hands or feet. Finally, the day came for my daughter to be born. I was 38 weeks and my water broke at roughly 2:40am in the morning. We packed up a few things and made it to the hospital by 3:00am. Once I got settled in the room I started having very strong contractions. I knew that labor was going to go quick. I wanted to give in a few times and opt out of the natural birth my husband and I had planned because the pain became unbearable, but my husband was wonderful and talked me through it. Also, when the nurse checked me it was too late. I was 8cm and very close to giving birth. A few painful contractions and some pushes and an episiotomy later I gave birth to a beautiful 6lb 12oz baby girl at 5:10am. I feel in love with her right away and apparently bawled my eyes out (so hubby says). I breastfed her right away and still do to this day, although I do supplement baby foods as well. I think the breastfeeding really helped to shrink my tummy back up. I took pics of my postpartum from about 1 week post to 6 months post. It’s amazing how your body changes! But with some healthy eating and a great workout plan like what I’m doing….you are sure to get your sexy back ;)

I now weigh 120 lbs…7 pounds less than my pre-pregnancy weight

Pictures as followed:
#1 Pre-pregnancy
#2 30 wks Pregnant
#3 38 wks Pregnant
#4 At the hospital with contractions
#5 My daughter at one day old
#6 1 wk Post Pregnancy
#7 2 wks Post Pregnancy
#8 3 wks Post Pregnancy
#9 6 months Post Pregnancy side view
#10 6 months Post Pregnancy front view
#11 My little girl at 7 months
#12 My little girl and I at 8 months

Did you know? (Jill)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Reader's Favorite, Submissions, Update 23 Comments

Previous posts here, here and here.

My baby is 20 months old.
My body is 20 months postpartum.
We had a natural birth.
We breastfed for 13 months.
I’m 23.
………………………………………………………………………………………

I didn’t know you could “give it 9 months, 12 months, 18 months, etc” and still not be where you want to be.
I didn’t know people were gonna be so wrong when they assured me “Don’t worry, a first pregnancy doesn’t do any damage.”
I didn’t know my boobs would be so empty, so used up, so covered in scars after this whole ordeal of motherhood began and flourished.
I didn’t know the stretch marks on my thighs would illicit so many comments at the pool.
I didn’t know my hair would fall out, my eyesight would get worse, and my hands would go numb during/soon after pregnancy.
I didn’t know the postpartum stomach I’ve worked so hard on, the one I’m now OK with (mostly) and so proud of would confuse and even disgust the few I chose to show it to.
……………………………………………………………………………………….

I didn’t know I could love someone so much I’d pray over them while they slept.
I didn’t know I could get by on so little sleep and still smile.
I didn’t know I’d build such amazing forts that my son would play in them for hours.
I didn’t know a couple of words could make my whole heart melt: “I want mama!”
I didn’t know 20 months later, I’d still be saying, “Don’t get any bigger! This phase is my favorite so far!” and mean it each time.
I didn’t know I could love my husband more but every time I see the resemblance between my little baby and my big baby, watch out! More love.
………………………………………………………………………………………..

I don’t know how I’ll ever let that little baby go and grow up on his own when it’s time.
…………………………………………………………………………………………

What didn’t you know?
What do you wish you’d known?
What have you learned?
…………………………………………………………………………………………
Know this: We are mothers! We are amazing.

Pics: The ever controversial postpartum stomach. Covered in stretch marks. Flapping with extra skin. I know. Get over it.

Winter Update (Vi’s Mama)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Tattoo 4 Comments

Hi everyone.
I posted an entry here over the summer, but a lot has changed since then.
I’ve been continuing to struggle with my body image. I constantly obsess over it, and i don’t want it to rub off on my daughter. Recently i got my belly button pierced and a tattoo designed by my friend on my hip.
I don’t know what it is, but suddenly i feel more confident about my body. Maybe it’s because i feel that the piercings and tattoos take away from the stretch mark scars. Either way, it’s such a relief to look in the mirror and be okay with what i’m seeing.
I hope someday soon i can be okay with my belly with or without decoration. Until then, whenever i feel insecure all i have to do is look at my beautiful daughter and it all feels worth it.
Thanks for listening :)