Meagan Baldwin (30), Rowan (5) and Hawthorn (4)
Milwaukee, WI
Meagan shares -
“I had a very early miscarriage for an unplanned pregnancy. It happened the weekend before my scheduled hysterectomy.”
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
It’s complicated. Overall, I am more body positive than before parenthood. I still have a lot of personal body image issues. My body has changed, and I’m still learning to know myself. In an effort to teach my children realistic expectations for female presenting people, I want to be completely comfortable in my body. Comfortable with my size, shape, body hair. But I’m only sometimes okay with it all.
What was your postpartum experience?
It was hard. Postpartum depression and anxiety were life changing. I have been crippled by mental illness for most of the past 6 years. I often feel like I’m still trying to adjust.
What is your truth?
Find a good therapist that you mesh well with. Don’t just lie to them and stop going!
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I’m on a long journey to knowing myself, accepting myself as I change, and finding my identity. I have been married for 9 years, but I’ve never felt like a Mrs. I have birthed two children, but I am not only a mom. I am Meagan, and I am constantly evolving. I hope to remember this phase.