Daava Mills-Chavez (44) and Ileana (7)
Photographed in Portland, OR
Daava shares -
"I haven't had any losses. My pregnancy was pretty uneventful. Labor was eventful but short at 6.5 hours. I hemorrhaged, and my blood pressure plummeted. I am grateful for the nurses who took care of me postpartum; they truly are angels.
I've struggled with how my body has looked after giving birth. Weight is now at the forefront of my mind. However, in a goal to lose some inches, my daughter saw was I was doing and started checking in and asking me if I shouldn't be eating this or that. I don't want her to have body issues, or see my body as having issues, as she may grow up to look like me. I want her to accept herself for who she is and what she looks like. So pass a cookie, and let's play, or cuddle.
I am excited help show that normal bodies are a range of bodies. After all, my body did something truly amazing.
Don't be too hard on yourself. And don't get caught up in what's "best" because that is personal to everyone. Everyone deserves encouragement for their parenting and birthing styles.