Stephanie (36 - she/her), Madelyn (9), Avery (7), and Andie (2)
Bend, OR | Portland, OR
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Parenthood has impacted my body in many different ways. It has been empowering to watch and see my body grow and perform to bring life into the world. It also brings about insecurities. My breast have been reduced down to close to nothing after breastfeeding for 4 years and my stomach will never look or carry weight the same way. I also experienced prolapse with my last child and had to attend physical therapy; that really had an impact on my self confidence. Just not feeling of not feeling sexy and feeling like my body was gross for the first time.
What was your postpartum experience?
Postpartum was hard for me with each of my children. I experienced serve anxiety with my last two and depression with my first. I also experienced prolapse with my last and had to attend physical therapy. It was all so hard because I felt so alone due to the fact that no one talked about their own stories of struggles with postpartum. I feel like there's so much shame around it. I definitely kept it all in with my first two because I didn't want to appear to not have it all together but began to open up and be honest with my last one because I felt encouraged to lift the shame and speak out against the lies.
What is your truth?
To own it. Our bodies are so amazing and do so many amazing things and no two bodies look the same or are perfect. Don't feel like you have to look a certain way because society says but also, don't be afraid to share your accomplishments too. Own all your failures and accomplishments equally.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
The desire to open up, be vulnerable and share myself without shame. To be a part of something bigger than me, something that gives women power and empowers them.