Sadie Briggs (42 - she/her) and Simone Rose (11 mo)
New Orleans, LA
“There is a Portuguese word, saudade, not directly translatable into English. If you research it, the word is loosely defined as the presence of absence. It is a longing or a nostalgia for something or someone (that possibly never was.)
Prior to meeting my husband and becoming pregnant with Simone, I had surrendered to the likelihood that I may not be a mother, at least not following the traditional path that I had day-dreamt as a younger version of myself. There was a secret grief that poked me in the side every now and again. My daughter, Simone Rose, was born in November of 2018. She is joy embodied. Simone is the absolute best plot twist I could have never written. My saudade dissipated.
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Prior to my pregnancy, I was in the best shape I had been in years. These days my clothes fit a bit differently, my waist is a little bigger and my tummy a little looser. But, hey, I grew a baby. I grew a baby.
What was your postpartum experience?
I recently came to the realization that I can love my daughter immensely and still feel tired, overwhelmed and a little bit lonely all at the same time. The feelings of love for her and nostalgia for the simpler days are not mutually exclusive.
The life change of motherhood was a welcome and long-awaited adjustment for me. At the same time, I do miss the leisure of unplanned weekends, of reading a book in a coffee shop, sleeping in late, DIY projects, and even such tedious tasks as picking thyme. Some of these luxuries are just on hold for awhile, not gone forever.
What is your truth?
Motherhood is hard. We all hear this and think we know it – and then we do it. And we’re like, ohhhhhh yeah, I see now. This little human, she needs ALL OF ME. And now I get to give to her, ALL OF ME. Every day, I try to remind myself to lovingly embrace this exhaustive task of selflessness as the opportunity that it is.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
Since having my daughter, I have felt a need to connect with other mothers/caregivers. There’s something precious about feeling understood. The “motherhood club” is such an accepting and supportive collective.
Participation in this project undoubtedly requires a touch of vulnerability. As a new mom, I have a naive tendency to try to have everything under control. I can’t imagine better practice in letting go, than being photographed undressed.”