Emily Way Sizer (35), Brendan (6), Courtney (5), Lyra (2.5), and Autumn (6 months)
Emily is a previous project participant. You can view her original photo and story here.
Baltimore, MD | Washington, DC
Emily shares -
"When I participated last time I didn't know it but I was pregnant. I found out a few days after the shoot. We were so excited but the night before my 8 week check up I knew something was wrong, I had been spotting all day. I decided to go to the ER for confirmation that I was losing the baby. My intuition was right, the baby's heartbeat was not there and the baby was in its 6th week. The next time I lost the baby at home. It was incredibly difficult for us as we had already told our older children. They were sad when we told them their sibling wasn't going to join our family. I grieved over the lost for quite some time. However, less than a month later I got a positive pregnancy test, I got pregnant again immediately. It came as a huge shock as we weren't yet trying but we are thrilled.
Parenthood has given me positive feelings towards my body image. Sure I still see imperfections but I've learned that I'm me. My body developed and birthed four children and my breasts have fed each of them for at least six months. My children just see Mommy and my husband sees his wife and the woman who gave him children.
Postpartum after my first was a shock. I didn't know things were going to hurt so much, didn't know I was going to bleed for so long, didn't know I'd be so emotional. After my second, it felt like a walk in the park. After my third I didn't expect to suffer from serious PPD. I was hesitant to have a 4th child though we always wanted 4 because of my PPD. I made sure when I was pregnant with my 4th I had a good support system and I decided to encapsulate my placenta after birth. I experienced some immediate baby blues but bounced back quickly and adjusted really well.
{I participated again to show other mothers that they should be proud of who they are. Embrace every curve, stretch mark, or imperfection. You are beautiful to everyone. Be you. And for my children. I want my girls to never feel less than perfect. I want my son to always appreciate and respect females."