Kym Chambers (38 - she/her) and Noah (12 weeks)
Toronto, ON | Brooklyn, NY
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I realized how much body shaming and judgement existed in my body as it changed and continues to change. Women are indoctrinated to hate their bodies in so many ways and black women in particular are doubly excluded from conversations and depictions of beauty. We have to build this for ourselves. Especially during pregnancy, where there are literally no books about pregnancy with a non-white baby or woman on the cover. I have to consciously practice self love and empowerment to feel good in my body daily.
What was your postpartum experience?
The first few weeks were rough, I didn’t bond immediately post cesarean. It took a few weeks. I had a lot of help from my mom and husband, I was lucky. I didn’t realize how much I’d want my own mother to be here and I’m so thankful she was.
What is your truth?
Your journey into motherhood/parenthood is singular, unique, just like your baby.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I love documentaries of all kinds and I think it’s particularly important to document women in liberating ways where the gaze is also female, and the subject matter is open and honest. There’s so much mystery in childbirth still, but we can make space for everyone’s unique journey into birthing and parenting. These facts we can document and share so that the those coming up after us have a clearer view from someone who’s been there before.