Natasha Unruh (38 - she/her), Kai (7) and Mila Mae (2)
Siberia | Portland, OR
“I’ve had three miscarriages. Choosing to get pregnant for the fifth time in an effort to conceive my daughter was probably the scariest thing I have done. My fear was that I would lose the pregnancy, lose my mind, and be left unable to care for my living child.
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
After my body changed with my first child, I tried to make peace with those changes. The only way I knew was by continuing to engage in body shaming. I would think things like, "My boobs are ugly, my butt is ugly, but at least I don't look like this person or that person."
When I had my second child, my body changed again. I felt so misshapen, so completely deformed. At the same time, having a girl made me imagine what it would be like for her to feel such disgust for her own lovely body, and that image broke my heart. My body had gone through so much to do what I had asked of it -- create and nurture these beautiful beings. I decided I had to find a way to love it.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I am very grateful to the women whose ideas, words, and images help me in my effort to free myself from body shame, which I continue to experience despite good progress made. I wanted to be a part of that movement.