Liberty Pfeil (28 - she/her), Robert (57 - he/him), and Leyawiin (21 mo)
Austin, TX
Liberty shares -
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I waited 3 years to try for a baby, and then tried for a year before taking a break and promptly getting pregnant with our surprise baby. Pregnancy was AMAZING for me, emotionally and body image wise; I loved how I looked. I felt like this powerful fertility goddess with all the power in the universe in me.
I had a positive homebirthing experience, and sometimes I'm still in awe of what my body did. I LOVE what my body did.
Parenthood-especially as the nursing parent-has been slightly less empowering. Some days I hate my lopsided breasts and want the old ones back; other days I absolutely adore and admire them, especially since Leya is still nursing at 21 months. I've always had stretch marks, so the new ones never bother me.
What was your postpartum experience?
Postpartum has been SO different than pregnancy was; I didn't think it would be a piece of cake, but I wasn't expecting the mood swings, the frustration.
Before I knew it, I was flying off the handle, getting angry at little things, and crying all the damn time. Since this didn't happen until after my child’s first birthday-and shortly after the death of my beloved cat-I rationalized that it COULDN'T be PPD; it had to just be temporary, right?
And then I learned that PPD technically encompasses the first TWO YEARS after you give birth. And while some things shifted into place and suddenly made sense, I also felt a modicum of shame. I had a perfect pregnancy, an uneventful and empowering labor, and a supportive family; how could I have PPD?
What is your truth?
I am soft, and strong, and both of those things can coexist in the same space without shame.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
Pregnant bodies were hidden from me as a child. In my mothers subsequent pregnancies, in my extended family, and in media. This project has fascinated and moved me for years, as I moved towards my own body positivity.
Robert shares -
“I am co-parenting one child with my partner and her other partners. I lost my wife of 15 years to lung cancer 5 years ago. In the time since, I've become polyamorous, and am now partners with two wonderful women -- one of them being Libby, the gestational mother of Leya.
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I think it has given me a better body image. Leya loves climbing all over me and thinks my body is the greatest jungle gym and snuggle spot ever.
What is your truth?
I never had children before partly because I was afraid I'd end up being my own father - who wasn't very good at being a dad. In the 8 months I've been in Leya's life, I've discovered that I am not bound by my own upbringing. You can be the parent you want to be. It may take work, but it's entirely possible.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I'm here to support my partner and to share my joy in sharing my life with her and her child.