Submissions

It’s Gonna Take Time (Jessy)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Cesarean, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions 13 Comments

Age: 20
Number or Pregnancies and births: 1
How far postpartum: 5 1/2 months

I am 5’10” and was 159 lbs when I found out I was pregnant. I was already unhappy with how much I weighed. During those 41 weeks i had gained a whopping 50 pounds. I had my daugher Jocee Grace Feb. 2nd 2010 via emergency c-section, because she had ingested meconeum while i was in labor. She was in the NICU for the first 72 hours of her life because she couldnt breath on her own, and i wasnt able to hold her until she was 2 days old. It was the worst feeling ever. But the minute i held her and she looked into my eyes, I knew that everything was going to be ok.

Of the 50 lbs i have lost 42. I love my beautiful baby Jocee and she is truly a God-send, but the changes in my body are very hard to deal with. My legs are fatter, my hips are wider, my boobs are saggy and I have stretch marks all over my thighs and lower belly. I have just recently started dieting and exercising and my goal is to weigh 145 by her 1st Birthday, its a long way away but it realistic! I love this website, it helps me realize I’m not alone and I’ll definitely keep updates!

Pic1-me at 8 months
Pic2-my Jocee 2 days old
Pics3,4&5-me 5 1/2 months postpartum
Pic6-Jocee 5 1/2 months
Pic7-me and Jocee

22 Weeks, Second Post (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Before Pregnancy, Belly, Eating Disorder, First Pregnancy, Pregnant, Submissions, Tattoo, Update 12 Comments

Original entry here.

Age: 22
First Pregnancy

My last post was at 16 weeks. I’ve been reading the other stories on here and decided to post again. For those who read my last post, I’ve been battling an eating disorder since I was 10; my issue with weight gain has followed me throughout this pregnancy. Specifically, when my doctor says he’d be a “little concerned” if I hadn’t gained any more weight by my 22-wk appointment (scheduled this week), my first thought is “OK, a challenge!”

And I’ve spent the last six weeks doing everything I can to stay at the 163lbs I was at my last appointment. I tried to be healthy while still avoiding any additional weight gain… although I know that sounds like an oxymoron. I weighed myself today and I’m 166 at 5′ 7″ I’m doing my best to have a fit and active pregnancy; I walk every day, try to eat healthy, and very rarely have sugar– I’m still struggling with being okay with an extra pound or two, though. Maybe that extra pound is in my bra now– I went from a small B to a C. Yikes.

To be honest, I think I’d be more okay with the weight gain if I looked more pregnant. I spent too much pre-pregnancy time working my abs though, lol. Interesting point of view, huh? I wonder when I’ll “POP” and start looking obviously pregnant (since next week I enter my sixth month). Right now I still feel like I look thick, not pregnant. Here’s hoping that changes soon! Thanks for the support everyone!

First pic: 2 months pre-pregnancy stomach (145lbs)
Second pic: 18 weeks pregnant
Third pic: 21.5 weeks pregnant (covered)
Fourth pic: 21.5 weeks pregnant (belly bared)

Updated here and here.

Katherina

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Reader's Favorite, Submissions, Third Pregnancy, Vulva 40 Comments

My name is Katherina and I am a mother of three beautiful children, ages 7, 4 and 3. All my births were natural and I breast-fed all three of my babies. Like most women, I intended to gain the recommended 25- 30 pounds with each pregnancy, but I ended up gaining 50+ pounds each time. I ate nutritious food – fruits, veggies, etc. – I just ate a lot because I was hungry ALL THE TIME, even in the middle of the night.

I received a lot of veiled hurtful remarks about my weight gain, like: “you were so thin before, I just assumed you would be a thin pregnant person”, “wow, your baby is going to be gigantic” and “you don’t really need to eat for two”. Some people made comments that were outright hurtful, including my husband. It left me wondering, when did my weight become everyone else’s business?

The photos below show what my body looks like now that my youngest (and last) child is almost three. I gradually lost the extra sixty pounds I had gained and I’ve taken up yoga. As for my last pic, I took it to disprove the myth that a natural delivery ruins your vagina. I know that c-sections are a blessing to those who truly need them, but so many women who don’t need one are ‘electing’ to have one anyhow. Hopefully my photo will take away some of the fear associated with natural birth.

Motherhood has brought so much joy into my life and I hope that all the pregnant women and mothers who read this will realize how beautiful and special they are. Insist on celebrating yourself in all of your phases – you’re worth it! : )

080510-katherina-1

080510-katherina-2

Third picture can be viewed here. It’s more personal than most photos on this site, so I am not posting it within the entry itself. :)

No Longer Hiding (vsmama)

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

Age: 27
Previous entries here and here.

1 pregnancy; 1 birth
3 years 1.5 months postpartum

I made it a goal to feel sexier when my son reached 3 years of age and I wore a dress! A short dress at that! lol Everyone commented on how beautiful I looked and oddly, for awhile there I was embarrassed by the compliments because after hiding in clothes, hiding in my home, and no longer taking pictures of myself, this attention felt new.

I gave away every zip up hoodie and sweatpants, every over-sized clothing so I would STOP hiding. I began buying clothes that fit better and flattered my new body. The body that I’ve come to see as beautiful from the beginning of my progress. And now I am turning 28 shortly and I am more than satisfied with my self image. I can tell my confidence and love for myself shows when I smile, as well as in pictures, because I have my ‘glow’ back. I no longer have body pains at night and am still in no rush to be pre-preg size. I know I am going at a great pace and staying healthy, eating healthy, and pretty much just living and enjoying my family. Thank you SOAM. All the support from this community has given me a new definition of woman and beautiful.

First pic: June 5, 2010
Second and third: taken this morning July 15, 2010

Getting Back (Selena)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions 8 Comments

Age: 24
Number of pregnancies and births: 1
Age of children and how far postpartum: 9 month old daughter and 9 months postpartum

When the thought came into my head that I wanted to start a family I, like many women, did not think about what my body would look like afterwards. I had not met mothers who openly discussed what changes happen to your body during and after pregnancy. Needless to say, I was quite shocked. I was motivated to stay in shape during my pregnancy, working out 45 minutes a day and eating well. During my pregnancy I was consider the ideal. I had a quick delivery and my daughter was 7 pounds 10 ounces. I was praised in the delivery room by my obstetrician for losing my tummy instantly. The first few weeks after delivery I was ecstatic with my new family and how I looked. Then the little voice popped into my head a few months into motherhood that I was not thin/fit enough. This is the same little voice that was in my head for most of my adolescence and young adulthood. The only time I did not let my obsessive thoughts bother me was when I was pregnant because my unborn child was more important than my perfect figure. I began to workout whenever I had the time (usually when my daughter was sleeping). It did not take long for me to become severely exhausted. Between being the primary caregiver for my daughter (no grandparents and very little assistance from my partner) and being a perfectionist around my house (baking, cleaning, entertaining guests) I was burnt out. I have learned now that I have to be a bit kinder to myself and relax a little about my wrinkly, giggly tummy. I was blessed enough to have a healthy, beautiful baby and I wouldn’t trade her for my former hot bod any day.

Anonymous

Bonnie (SOAM) African American, Belly, Breasts, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions 12 Comments

I am 33 years old, these pictures are taken 5 years post-partum. I’ve had 2 pregnancies (first one at 13), and given birth once. My body has changed. My butt has flattned, my waist windned. Due to a number of reasons, my weight has fluctuated greatly. From 170 at pre-pregnacny, to 163 one month post partum. 204 at my highest depression (and 6 months sober), to now, 184lbs. I’m 5’5″ and have never admitted that publiclly. Other than my daughter, I’ve not allowed anyone to see me naked, for I am so ashamed. My waist is huge, my breasts saggy, my bum flat, and stretch marks. I love my daughter, and slowly loving my body, as I have to accept that *this* is it (well, that and excercise, however there will be no more bubble butt).

Dreams Come True (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Abortion/Life after Abortion, Child Loss, Four or More Pregnancies, Pregnant, Submissions 6 Comments

Age: 25-years-young
Number of pregnancies: 4, 1 abortion, 2 miscarriages
Number of birth: On the way…I am 25 weeks!!! Yea!

After a horrible relationship with a best friend of more than 10 years, I never felt so betrayed. I had to end my relationship with her last year. She manipulated and instigated between my husband and I. I always wanted to keep a strong “friendship before lover” type of thing, but I found out the hard way when I discovered that she’s been placing me against people and people against me for many years. I really didn’t understand why she did what she did. It caused me many many tears. She literally insulted me and said “people only talk to you because you’re pretty, but people talk to me because they love my personality even if I’m not pretty.” Ever since she said that, I felt like I have no personality. My own best friend had put me down. Years of her instigating took to the point I aborted my baby at 3 months. I fell into depression afterwards. Before I found out I was pregnant, I was 110lbs. 5’3″. Then weigh 120 lbs. at 3 months. After the baby was out, I was back to 110 lbs. I grew very depressed and drop down all the way to 95 lbs.

Luckily, I have a wonderful and understanding husband. He was depressed when I did what I did, but he still stayed by my side. We decided to try again and this time I won’t do anything stupid because it was the biggest regret of my life! We tried again, but I got pregnant right away and was looking forward to risk my body for my baby! But sadly, my baby didn’t grow more than 9 weeks and just stayed in my uterus with no heartbeat. I cried my eyes out and didn’t lose hope so we tried again. About two months later, I was pregnant again. Unfortunately, it happened again where I miscarried my third baby. I finally given up and I told myself that this was God teaching me a lesson because I killed my first baby. I was so depressed. I felt like I deserve this and would never get to experience having a baby of my own.

After two years of having irregular period, I didn’t know I was pregnant and didn’t even bother to take a pregnancy test. But I grew very tired with no morning sickness. My husband told me to take one, but I was so afraid of the outcome—negative. After denying it for a couple weeks, I finally decided to take one and it was—POSITIVE!!! I was so grateful and I thank God for his precious gift. I was so afraid that the baby won’t grow more than 9 weeks again. But now, I am 25 weeks and everything is great!!! I am looking forward to stretch marks or loose skin, anything…I just want to hold my baby.

First picture is my body at 3 months with a little bump through the clothing. Second picture is me a four months although the bump is not there, I know my baby is there. Third picture, is me showing my boobies (which aren’t growing at all!=( but it’s okay, my baby is there). Fourth and fifth picture is me at 5 months front & side. I will update my upcoming bump more.

I can’t wait for my precious baby boy to arrive!!!

Anonymous

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Plus-Sized Mom, Pregnant, Submissions 25 Comments

I have been searching the web looking for overweight women who are pregnant so I may gain the confidence that I am a normal beautiful woman even if I am larger. Even while browsing, I get the “shes-still-smaller-than-me” syndrome, so I wanted to submit my picture to show that even a large number can have a beautiful body. I weight 345lbs and this is me at 9 weeks pregnant.

073110-anon-1

Continued Hatred of a “Beautiful Thing” (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 12 Comments

Age: 19
Number of Pregnancies: 1
Number of Births: 1 amazing baby boy
(Almost) 6 months Postpartum

Let me start out by saying that I am so thankful to have found this website. I no longer feel completely alone in the way I look. Although I do still have my self-confidence issue, I know that others are feeling the same things as I am, and they are BEAUTIFUL women!

I found out I was pregnant just a few months before my eighteenth birthday. It was not a completely unplanned pregnancy, and although I was very shocked, I was overjoyed. Throughout my pregnancy I felt so beautiful despite my growing amounts of stretch marks. I had this beautiful belly and a beautiful baby boy growing inside of me. I truly felt the miracle of life.

On February 8th of 2010 I delivered my happy, healthy baby boy. He weighed 9lbs2oz and was 21.5inches long. It was love at first sight with my new baby. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same thing with my new body. When I looked down at my “bowl-full-of-jelly” stomach, I felt empty. Not just my stomach, but my self-esteem.

I now was full of stretch marks, and although I had a gorgeous baby to show for it, I hated my body, and I still do. I envy the women who have “come to terms” with their bodies, as they deserve to feel beautiful because they have done the most powerful thing a woman can do!! Giving life and then nourishing that life is amazing beyond words!

I know I should feel that way also, but when I look down at myself, all I see is disgusting stretch marks, a flabby tummy, saggy boobs (although I am still exclusively breastfeeding), and I can’t help but feel awful about it.

I hate this new body, and I hate the way I look. I used to love shopping, now going in to a store just depresses me as I know I will never find anything that will fit me, and now I have to try to hide this flabby tummy, arms, thighs, and hips. Also, being 19, I would love to wear shorts and even ANY swimsuit, but I barely have the confidence to do that.

I am covered in stretch marks from my breasts to my calves (and everywhere in between!), but I think (with help from all of you beautiful women), that I am VERY slowly starting to realize that this new body is not a burden, but the miracle that continues to give my child nourishment and life.

Thank you, ladies! You are all beautiful!!

15 Months PP Update (Shannon)

Bonnie (SOAM) Before Pregnancy, Belly, Cesarean, Child Loss, Postpartum, Second Pregnancy, Submissions, Update 8 Comments

Previous entries:
Missing my baby boy and expecting my second.
5 Weeks PP Second Baby
2.5 Months PP – Second Cesarean in 2.5 Years
6 Months PP Update

Age: 24
Pregnancies: 2
Births: 2 via cesarean
PP: 4 years in September and 15 months

So, I am now 15 months pp with Liam. Wow, this has been a long and hard journey to accept my body. I am finally starting to accept it! Connor would be 4 in September…time flies! I ended my pregnancy with Liam at 177 (I am 5’2″), and I am now 122. I only have 7 pounds before I am pre Connor weight…but I have a lot of toning to do. My husband and I are doing P90X. We do not do it every day, but even the
days we don’t do it, I still work out. I LOVE weight training! I only use 3 and 20 pound hand weights (because that is all I have!). I do all of my arm work with the 3 pound weights, and leg work with the
20 pound weights. I also have a band I use for pull ups! I feel myself getting stronger (although my sweet tooth kills me…I had 4 cookies for breakfast!). I used to cry about my body almost every day. I am shamed I did that…I have been through such harder stuff…but I still cried over my body…how dumb is that? I am still soft, loose, saggy, and stretched…but I love me! I tried on a bikini for the first time in 4 years and liked it! I am not brave enough to wear it yet, but I decided I will wear it on Connor’s 4th
birthday.

Anyway…Liam is doing great! He just started walking about a month ago…and he is now starting to walk more than crawl! I am still nursing him, he refuses any type of cup…any advice on that would be great!

Good luck Mama’s…we are all beautiful. The more we flaunt our bodies in bikinis, the more people will accept it! Let’s try to be brave and do it :)

Pictures:
pre babies
me now (15 months pp)
my weight loss journey

Updated here.