Christina Shaw (34) and Vera (15 months)
Buffalo, NY
Christina shares -
“{I’ve had} two miscarriages - one before my daughter was born and one after. Both were around the 6 week mark so we hadn't shared with many people we were pregnant, but there is a feeling of excitement to find out you are expecting and then the sadness of when you start bleeding and realizing that you may not be any longer.
Before I was pregnant I always struggled with feeling that my body wasn't good enough or in shape enough - even when looking back I was in great shape! When I became pregnant I gained a lot of weight (almost 65 lbs) and yet, during the pregnancy I felt very confident and happy in my skin. It was a new feeling for me and there was this realization that how I felt about my body would transcend into motherhood and how I teach my children to feel about their bodies. I carried as much love as I could for myself during pregnancy and especially after when I was recovering from a cesarean. After the cesarean I was kind and patient with my new body and slowly, the gained weight came off and I was left with my new postpartum body, which I am learning to care for in a whole new way. I want to set the example for my daughter that your body is to be loved and cared for, no matter your shape or size.
My postpartum journey was more than I expected it to be. Before we became pregnant I questioned wanting to have children but from the moment we became pregnant, (and then having a miscarriage), I knew it was something I wanted and would nurture if it happened. After my cesarean I did all I could to care for myself. I was kind with the words I used toward myself. I was patient with learning the new ropes of motherhood. I took time to enjoy the quiet little moments, especially breast feeding which stopped me in my tracks and forced me to be more present than I ever had.
Something about celebrating ALL bodies and especially the 4th trimester resonates with me on a deeper level and I want to encourage others to love themselves just as they are.
You are enough. I am enough. We are all enough.”