Brett Castro (31), Blanca (3) and Manuel (2)

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma / Daytona Beach, Florida. Photographed in Tampa, FL

Brett is a previous project participant. You can view her first shoot, Miami - November 2014 here and her second shoot, Orlando - February 2016 here.

Brett shares -

"I have never liked my body and underwent weight loss surgery in October 2015 to become healthier, I still struggle with my body image as I have loose skin that is uncomfortable. However, in becoming a parent I do not want to pass along the hang ups I have about my body onto my children so I do not speak negatively about my body in front of them and therefore I find myself doing it less and less.

I have done two previous shoots where I shared my postpartum journey with mental health so I will pick up where I left off. In the summer of 2016 I started seeing a psychiatrist and a therapist to help me with my anxiety and it has greatly improved my life. I feel empowered because I can cope with my anxiety so much better.

Shortly after Blanca was born I knew that I needed to go back on antidepressants which I had been off of for years so I went to my O.B. and after Manuel was born I went back on them as I was off of them while pregnant but I had full blown PPD and my anxiety was through the roof.. I kept taking my antidepressants but I needed therapy and it took me almost a year to go. People in my family tried to get me to go sooner but I kept thinking I was fine and it was normal to feel like I was going to jump out of my skin as a mother of two young children, I wish I had taken their advice sooner.

I love this project it is an amazing lesson is no judgement. I have been judged my entire life for my body and mental health and I want to show my children that is ok to have difference and that we should embrace one another no matter those differences."