Lauren Springfield (29) and Charlotte (13 months)
San Diego
Lauren shares -
"As someone who has worked in the fitness industry for over 10 years, I have always had a very interesting relationship with the idea of "body image". Being in a gym 7 days a week, training clients and training myself, I have always been hyper critical of how I look. Any change on my body and I knew. I was naturally concerned when I became pregnant as to how I would look after, how my body would adjust and was generally very unsure of the whole process.
I committed during my pregnancy that none of this was about looks and it was now 100% about my baby. Everything I ate, every moment of movement was to either help her develop or to help my body with the process ahead. I kept this outlook after my delivery. I now take each day one at a time with my health and fitness. When I begin to become critical of my body, I think about Charlotte and how I never want her to see me in that way. I do not want her to be critical of her own body.
All of my exercise and nutrition is centered around making me the best version of myself from a holistic standpoint and I am the healthiest overall I have ever been. I love that I have the opportunity to be a role model for my daughter each and every day.
Nothing has prepared me for where I am today, and I'm not sure anything could have. However every step of the motherhood process is a lesson. I have never felt more lonely, confused, exhausted or unsure of myself, but in turn, I also have never experienced such an immense love for something. I am in awe of myself everyday for what I am capable of. When I question myself, I rely on my instincts, and then pat myself on the back. I remind myself daily that, "I've got this". Hearing the stories of other women and their journey's has been so incredibly helpful as it is also a bigger reminder that no one is ever in it alone and most parents have gone through a version of what I/you am/are.
Each of us is different. I am surrounded by incredible women, in my family and in our community and each of our stories varies. The message, support and love for one another and I am honored to be a part of it."