Rebecca Marie Enk Arpin (37), mother to Sam (5), and Ike (3)
Milwaukee, WI | Photographed in Seattle, WA
Rebecca shares -
"Parenthood changed my body in so many ways! I see my body more clearly now and all of its flaws and imperfections, but I also see it as a whole and try to focus on my body as a strong and capable force.
My postpartum journey was a struggle. I suffered from severe PPD. I had two large babies that really took a toll on my body and I moved 2 times (once across country) during my pregnancies and post delivery. All of these factors had a huge impact on me emotionally and physically. I learned a lot throughout the process though and as a result grew to better understand who I am as a mother, wife and individual.
To my former self I would say, enjoy what was in front of you. I always say I wish I could go back to my body when I first thought I was fat. I never enjoyed my pre-baby body. I was so critical of it, but it was beautiful and served me well. I try to remind myself of that now on days when I feel low about how I look.
As a former sufferer of eating disorders and as a current woman who still occasionally has a love/hate relationship with her body, I wanted to do this project as a reminder to myself that my body is incredible! It has birthed two human beings, run countless miles, lifted lots of weights and it is the only body I will ever have. I can either spend my days cutting it down and nitpicking it, or I can choose to love it (at least most days). Loving it is easier!"