Teen Mom

Young and Feeling Hopeless (Amelia)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 15 Comments

Hi there, first off I would like to start by saying that when I found this website I was so happy to be able to relate to other real woman who feel the same way that I do. A lot of stories on here have helped me to begin to accept my new body, but I still have the days where I feel so sad about my body I dont even want to go out in public. When I had my daughter I was 17 years old, very young yes I know, but I adjusted to motherhood completely and I wouldn’t change it for the world. I am now 18 and 1 year postpartum. Before I got pregnant, I was comfortable in my own skin, and now I look at other women and just wish I had their stomach lol I used to take mine for granted, and
I never realized how important it was before this. I just wanted to share the way I feel and a little bit about my story because I hope that atleast one woman out there will feel better about themselves after reading this or even be able to relate to me and know that there is someone else out there who knows what you are going through. The hardest part about it is that I can’t even look in the mirror anymore without feeling sadness and getting this horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach because I am so unhappy with my body. I look at celebrities who have just had babies and they look amazing! And I know I know they get things done and have a lot of money to be able to fix the scars and stretch marks and all the other fun stuff that comes along with being pregnant, but I can’t help but feel worse about my body after seeing them. I love my daughter with all my heart and soul and I would go through it all over again if I had to because even though I can’t stand to look at my body, it was all worth it in the end, and to be able to be part of making a human being who is part of you, and have their little fingers, and toes, and heart, and lungs grow inside of you is an amazing thing and thats what makes us woman so special. So even though we may not like these stretch marks or c-section scars, or the saggy mummy tummys, they’re badges of what we went through and what an amazing thing we did by being pregnant and giving birth and we shouldn’t be embarrassed by them or ashamed by them because it brought us beautiful miracles from God. Anyways I hope that this makes someone feel beautiful and brings them more confidence and acceptance of their body.

She Was Worth it All (Amanda)

Bonnie (SOAM) Abortion/Life after Abortion, Belly, Child Loss, Postpartum, Pregnant, Submissions, Teen Mom 5 Comments

Age: 22

Number of pregnancies: 3
Number of births: 2
Age of children: 14 months

I was 16 years old the first time I got pregnant, and I was petrified. I didn’t know what to do, or who to turn to, and my boyfriend made it quite clear that abortion was the only logical choice. He told me having a baby would ruin our lives, and that our families would be so disappointed in us. I knew he was right, I knew I was too young, and I knew my parents would be devastated, so I did it. Part of what drove me to my decision was fear because I had no one to talk to, but a big part was him, if he couldn’t support me in keeping our baby, I just didn’t feel as though I could do it. I was 11 weeks and 4 days the day of my procedure, on August 3, 2006, and my due date was February 18, 2007.

Two years later after my boyfriend and I had just moved into our first place together, I found out I was pregnant again. We were both working, supporting ourselves 100% financially, but that didn’t make it any less terrifying. When I told him he was extremely upset and pushed for abortion, again. But I told him no, I just couldn’t put myself through that a second time, there was no way, so I told him if he didn’t like my decision he could leave. The next thing I knew he was packing up all of his stuff, and then he left.

Once he left I questioned whether or not I should really go through with having a baby, because at that point in time I thought for sure I’d be doing it alone. After a few weeks of living with his mom though, she managed to talk some sense into him, and he came back home. Things were still not easy between us though, he was angry and distant, and I was scared, and because of everything going on between us only a few people knew until I was about 18 weeks. At that point in my pregnancy he finally decided to come around, and even started showing some excitement, but then everything took a turn for the worst.

At our 20 week ultrasound on October 9, 2008, we were told that our baby did not have a heart beat, and that because of the position the baby was laying in, they couldn’t tell us the sex, either. I was heartbroken, and my world felt like it came crashing down. I didn’t know what to do with myself, I didn’t know what there was left to live for. Two days later I was induced into labor, and after 8 hours I delivered my baby by myself because no one made it into my room in time. When the nurse finally came, she told us it was a little boy, and she cut his cord, wrapped him up, and handed him to us. We got to hold him for 12 hours before we had to let them take him away, and that was truly the hardest part, just watching that nurse walk out of the room with him, knowing we’d never see him again. We named him Liam, and he was born on October 12, 2008, at 20 weeks and 2 days, weighing 10oz and measuring 7.5in long.

16 months later I found out that once again, I was pregnant. I really wanted to be excited this time, but right away I started having a lot of spotting and cramping. I went to the ER twice, and both times they told me it was a threatened miscarriage, so I expected the worst. I was heartbroken all over again, and it felt like I would never get to have a baby. But despite all the spotting, my little baby held on, and we later found out via ultrasound that I had partial placenta previa and a subchorionic hemorrhage which was the cause of all the problems. They both resolved by themselves though, and in the end I was able to have my natural birth that I’d always wanted. My little Amelia was born on November 17, 2010, at 40 weeks and 1 day, weighing 8lbs 3oz and measuring 21in long. She is my everything. (We picked the name Amelia Mae because it has Liam’s name in the middle of it).

During my pregnancy with my daughter I didn’t get a single stretch mark until I hit 37 weeks, when she very noticeably dropped. I wanted to cry when I first saw them, but they’ve faded a lot since having her, so I don’t mind them as much now. Luckily none of them were too deep, and most of them were below my belly button.

The first picture below is from when I was actually in labor, I wanted to get one last belly shot lol. The other two are from today, at 14 months post partum

Thanks for letting me share.

So Much Stronger (Hannah)

Bonnie (SOAM) First Pregnancy, Submissions, Teen Mom 1 Comment

Age: 19
Number of pregnancies/births: 1
Age of child: 4 1/2 months

My story of motherhood begins on New Year’s Day of 2011, when, only eight weeks after our wedding, I handed my new husband a pregnancy test with a big blue “+” on it. We had been hoping to have children soon, so we were both surprised and happy. We got to see our little man on Saint Patrick’s Day, and, although I had known I was pregnant, it really hit me that day that there was an amazing little wiggly 16 week old person in there, with fingers, toes, and a face he wouldn’t let us get a good look at yet.
One month later, we got a look at his privates and give him a name. As Sean developed inside of me, I fell so in love with those kicks and bump and hiccups, and when I was around seven months pregnant, my husband and I had fun feeling around for his sweet little butt and elbows. I went into labor at 41 weeks, having gained 25 pounds, which doesn’t sound like much, but on a 5′ frame, it was plenty, and I was anxious to meet my son. I had wanted so much for a completely natural birth, but after three days of hard labor, we decided to opt for an edipural. My (highly needle-phobic) husband was so incredibly supportive the whole time, I am still amazed by what he went through with me. He held me, rubbed my back, got me drinks, etc., on and off for about 72 hours, while running on about six hours of sleep, a small coffee, and an order of french fries.
Finally, after an hour of pushing, Sean entered this world into his father’s waiting arms at 12:51 a.m. on September 10th, and weighing 6lb. 14oz. He had some trouble breathing at first, so the doctors kept him in the nursery for two days. I am so thankful for the nurses who took the time to notify me when he was hungry, so I could start breastfeeding, even though he wasn’t in the room with us.
Now he is a healthy 16 pounds, and breastfeeding has been so good for both of us.
The majority of my pregnancy weight came off in the first few days after birth, and I could wear my “fat jeans” within one week. By three weeks, I was back into my old jeans, and although I still need to continue toning up the lost abdominal muscle, I am happy with my weight loss overall.
One of the things that has impressed me the most about the whole process of pregnancy and childbirth is the incredible strength of the female body. The fact that we can grow and nurture another human being within us, and then give birth to them, is astonishing. It shouldn’t possible, but it is.
Whatever we are left with afterward, whether it’s a couple extra pounds, some sagging skin, or permanent marks across our bellies, should remind us that we are the bringers of life to this world, and that we have accomplished the impossible.

The photo is of our sweet boy

Long Story Short: I need help with all this. (Elisabeth)

Bonnie (SOAM) No Photos (Story Only), Pregnant, Submissions, Teen Mom 5 Comments

Age: 19
Pregnancies: 1
Births: Due February 17th 2012

OK, this is a long one, my apologies.

I first found out I was pregnant at the beginning of summer, I was 18 at the time. It was a complete shock and I was unbelievably scared. I felt like this wasn’t supposed to happen to me: I’m the youngest of four, had a terrible relationship with my Mom, had far too many self esteem and body issues, depression haunted me (still does). Felt like I could never tell my parents or family and I was incredibly selfish thinking “Why me?”

I told the guy I was seeing right away, he was just as shocked as I was. But he urged me to keep it. I was very undecided at the time, I mean who was I kidding? I only have my high school diploma, have no idea what I want to do with my life, barely have 3K saved up, was fighting with my Mom too much, had only been seeing this guy for 6 or so months, the list goes on and on.

I hate the idea of depending on others for things, I was raised differently. Gotta earn what you want kind of mentality, but my parents have done and are doing so so much for me, of which I am so grateful for. Anyways, I knew I would have to depend on, my now boyfriend, and/or my parents.
For some reason that petrified me.

When I first told my boyfriend that I was pregnant he was away for work (his job takes him away for 2 weeks or so at a time) he wanted to know if I was OK and what I was going to do. I didn’t have an answer for him for weeks even when he went with me to the Doctor’s to make sure and everything. He has honestly been amazing from day one, I am extremely fortunate.

He urged me to keep the baby even though I told him multiple times “I can’t do this”. He told me that if I thought I couldn’t do it that he would take the baby and raise it, just please let him know. I knew I had to but my mind was all over the place for so long.
I had thought to myself that the best solution would be to abort the baby- it was just way too much for me. I never thought I would be a Mom, nor did I want to be one to be completely honest. It really hurt my boyfriend when I told him this. I said I was going to call the clinics so I did and it made me feel 1000x’s worse. The websites said how understanding they were and how well cared for I would be, how compassionate they were, etc. Not the case- they were incredibly rude and made me feel like complete crap. I was even hung up on when I was asking questions. When I told my boyfriend about this-it enraged him. He thought it was completely ridiculous.

I’ve always been against abortion. When my Mom was pregnant with me Doctors told her that I was going to be mentally and physically disabled so she should just abort me. When I learned that I could only think of what was going through my Mom’s head- she is such a strong woman. I had also known how they perform abortions and the different types so when I started to think that that was the only option I was disgusted with myself. How selfish could I be?
And the fact that I have such a supportive boyfriend and family. That’s when I decided that I would keep it.

I managed to get through telling my family and all and same with his. I worked on my relationship with my parents and still am.
There have been multiple stresses in my life since then: work putting me on sick leave (only to go back 2 months later for 1 month), shady people in my life, people trying to break up my boyfriend and I, dealing with friends who have depression, my family having extreme health issues, etc. But it wasn’t anything that none of us couldn’t get through. I mean, there are so many more people with much, much worse situations. I have no room to complain.

My boyfriend bought a house and we moved in together, I felt like a complete mooch. This isn’t how I pictured any of this; I’m suppose to be independent not have to rely on him for so much. I help out as much as I can. But I feel like it isn’t enough.

And now that I am 36 weeks I am seeing more weight on the rest of my body and can see a few stretch marks starting to peek through. I hate it. Why is this happening again? I have always struggled with my weight and appearance. Having three older, skinnier sisters never helped. I constantly compared myself to them, still do.
When I hit puberty my legs were stretchmark city as well as a few on my sides and boobs. I would work out a lot and try to eat well. It would work sometimes and I would feel better for a little bit but then I would see skinnier people and hate myself and eat to feel better. Vicious cylce I am still going through.
I know that I should be happy with my body and proud that I am able to grow such a miracle in me. But I hate me.

Kick in the depression. I feel horrible about myself- like I’m not good enough for my boyfriend, like I am going to let down my baby and him and our families. I hate my body, I feel like no one could like my body or me. I just don’t want my baby to come into this world with me thinking that way.

I could go on forever about all this. But how can I feel better about myself for my baby, boyfriend and family’s sake?
It’s hard on all of them. None of them deserve this.

The Clothes Hide the Ugly (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 9 Comments

Age: 19
One child who is 2 years old.

Hi, I love this site and love to see real bodies. I just wanted to confess that I have a mommy body. My stomach hangs like a W, I have stretch marks so large and small that cover my breasts, butt, stomach, hips, thighs, and behind the legs. And my breast are not full or perky. I am the most insecure woman you will ever meet. I wear baggy clothes to hide the muffin top and to avoid the mistake of accidentally showing my ugly stomach. I lost all my baby weight, but everything else still remains. All I want is for my stomach to be firm, the stretch marks to go away behind my legs so I can wear shorts, and for my boobs to look like 19 year old boobs. It bugs me everyday! Since the day I gave birth two years ago. I just want to feel confident and beautiful. Thanks for reading my story. =)

4 Months PP, Breastfeeding, and Struggling with Eating Right (Anonymous)

Bonnie (SOAM) Before Pregnancy, Belly, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Pregnant, Submissions, Teen Mom 9 Comments

I was 19 and in my sophomore year of college 1000 miles away from home when I found out I was pregnant with my first baby. My boyfriend was in school 800 miles away, and I had gotten pregnant while we were both home for Christmas Break. I was shocked, scared, etc. We moved back home, lots of struggles, and we’re finally on our feet. Our beautiful baby boy was born on September 9th, 2011. At 10 lbs, 5 oz. he was a C-Section. Not only 10 lbs 5 oz, but 23.25 inches long, my stomach was ruineddd. I was in good shape when I got pregnant. 5’8, and around 180 lbs, but I never worried much about my weight as a number because I never looked as heavy as I was. My stomach was always flat for the most part and I could get abs in no time. I gained about 65 pounds while pregnant.. thanks to my sweet tooth. So I got up to around 250-ish pounds… terrifying number to see on the scale, no matter how much I never worried about the number before. Also, I’m struggling with PPD. My boyfriend tends to ignore it… every time I’ve tried to discuss it with him he shuts down. It’s been hard with no support from him, but I went to the doctor and am now on anti-depressants that I think are helping. My son is my world, he’s PERFECT. But I’m dying to get my body back…. my stretchmarks are un…real…. I’m breastfeeding, so I’m hungry ALL THE TIMEEEE. And no matter how much “good food” I buy, I just grab quick snacks, or even make sugary things because it’s what I’m craving. It’s winter and I’m in the north so working out is difficult… I’m mostly a runner (or I was…) and a gym membership isn’t an option right now due to financial struggles. My boyfriend is super supportive with my body image issues, and tells me I’m beautiful no matter what, but as all women know, that’s never enough to convince YOU. :/ I can live with the stretch marks- I just want that flat tummy back! :(

Pic.1- 4 Month PP Stomach
Pic.2- Side View
Pic.3- Close-Up of Stretch Marks
Pic.4- 39 Weeks Pregnant
Pics. 5 & 6- Pre-Pregnancy Body

Mummy Belly (Catherine)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 8 Comments

I got pregnant at the age of 19, I was skinny all throughout my teens until i hit 18 where it started to pile on. Pregnancy made me gain a silly amount of weight.

I’ve never exercised and I didn’t want to start whilst pregnant. After having my beautiful daughter I was left with a lot of excess skin around my tummy and my body is covered in stretch marks. I don’t mind the stretch marks though, to me they’re just as natural as freckles. But the excess skin has made me so conscious about myself. I have to wear long shirts to cover it all the time and it makes me cry when I look in the mirror. I guess I just want reassurance that with time & work it will tighten?

Shoot for the Moon (Analisa)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Four or More Pregnancies, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 16 Comments

Before I start I just want to say that in all the years I’ve read through “your” stories and seen “your” photos I’ve yet to see an ugly body. I believe our perception of our own body image is the only true “ugly” thing I’ve seen…including my own.

My name is Analisa. I am 29 years old. I’ve been married for almost 14 years, had 6 kids and since June, 2011, divorced.

I really don’t remember how it felt to have a nice teenage body. I had my first son at 15 years old. I gained about 50 lbs with him.
When he was four months old I became pregnant with my daughter. I didn’t realize how much pregnancy had taken a toll on my body, till my then 17 year old husband asked me,” Didn’t your boobs used to look like this?” while he held up one side of my chest. One day he took my son’s etch-a-sketch and drew a picture of a woman with boobs that like those ladies in Africa on National Geographic. He showed it to me while laughing his head off saying it was me. I can’t tell you how bad that hurt my feelings. That started my total disgust and loathing of my body.

As days past I became extremely self-conscious and would no longer allow him to see me without my bra on. To this day the only time I take off my bra is to shower. I don’t want to see them any longer than I have too.

I realize my body went through a lot to bring my beautiful children into this world, but, it doesn’t make sense to me to now not take care of the damage. You get cavities you go to the dentist and get them filled. I believe this is the same kind of thing. I can no longer accept the body I have. I want to do something about it.

I’m a bit on the skinny side but at the same time I’m not fit. I’m what some people would call “skinny fat”. I look okay in my clothes, but outside of them is a whole other story. I would actually like to gain some weight by toning up..I have no butt. :( I’m not sure if exercise will do anything for the loose skin on my stomach but I’m willing to try. I am going to try building up my chest muscles before I decide whether or not to get implants. I don’t care if they are small as long as they just look normal.

I decided that 2012 is going to be my year to turn this around. I started a blog type website called “The Jillian Challenge”(Jillian as in “Jillian Michaels” ) to keep track of my progress and also maybe inspire other moms out there that are feeling the same way to get in shape.

This is an excerpt off my site’s home page:

When I look in the mirror I see a misshapen old woman, thinking, “this can’t possibly be my body!”. I’m tired of feeling disgusting..I want to get in shape to the best of my ability. I know we’ve all heard that quote…
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” ~Brian Littrell

That’s why I chose Jillian Michaels to be the body image I aspire to. You can’t possibly aim higher than that. If I could get anywhere close to how her body looks it would be amazing. I am starting a 6 month challenge to get my body to look as close to her’s as possible. I will be following her diet advice, doing her workout DVDs and using her equipment.

In the first belly pic you can see I have a small hernia above my belly button caused by pregnancy. It will have to be surgically fixed.

Well, we will see what happens.. :) Good luck to all you Mom’s in this new year!

Something I Cannot Fix (Marissa)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Breasts, First Pregnancy, Postpartum, Submissions, Teen Mom 17 Comments

Age:19
One daughter (Lily), one birth/pregnancy.

I gave birth at the age of 16. Big life change after that moment. I have done great as a mother and as a student. I tried to be perfect in every way and love my daughter to the fullest! She makes my day. =) But many obstacles have shown up, and i conquer them one by one. No one said it would be easy. But yet again, no ever said that your body would be least of your worries. I am insecure and depressed. At 140 lbs, 5ft4 I think about my weight everyday and about food. I hate mirrors and a flaw is always on my mind. It makes me feel worse. Stretch marks cover my breasts, under my arms, behind my legs and all over my stomach, butt and thighs. Why me? Every other teen who got pregnant was able to flaunt in a bikini the very next day. Why did i get all scarred up? It was sad when i had to hide in the changing rooms at school and girls would give me disgusting looks and tell me they hope they disappear soon. I sadly tell them they are permanent scars and they reply back, “Really? Ew. I will never get pregnant then.” It just bums you out when you have to be nervous about wearing shorts or having a muffin top. My stomach is like a w shape, and has loose skin. My breasts are small, but not perky and full. I want to feel beautiful and sexy. I just want to stop worrying about my looks. I just need to learn that i cannot fix it and move on. My toddler is the only thing that should matter to me. I love it when she grabs my belly and gives it kisses. I smile and tell her she once lived in there.

Mother of Four (Jerrika)

Bonnie (SOAM) Belly, Postpartum, Submissions, Tattoo, Teen Mom, Third Pregnancy, Twins 7 Comments

My name is Jerrika. I am 24, I have 4 children between the ages of 2 and 6.
I gave birth to my oldest son in 2005, I was 18 year old, and felt like I had lost my body before I have even had one.
I soon had my 2nd son at 20, and felt much the same, negative and self conscious.
I gave birth to my twins in 2009 which after 2 natural births, was a C section,
I now had 4 boys and a body that felt like it had gone through a small war.
I even joked with friends that I had been attacked by a bear, and survived with the scars to prove it!
Although I was what I feel to be lucky, I still have issues every day when I look in the mirror and see what I am left with.
I am logical, and realize that I am not badly scarred. Even though it may not seem like much to some people on this website,
lack of confidence has no maximum or minimum requirements.
I am lucky enough to have friends and family who build my esteem for my everyday, but it still eats at me sometimes.
i never even got to have an adult body, so I will never get to know what I “could have been”.

I love my children, and at this point feel a lot better than I did six years, as this is the body I was MEANT to have.
you get what you get, and I know that I have 4 little boys who I couldn’t be happier to have around.

My name is Jerrika, and I am a free lance model. Pregnancy doesn’t end life, or ruin a body… I’ve earned my stripes! haha. Thanks.