Alexis Kearney Hillyard (38 - she/her) Alexis is currently 40 weeks pregnant. Due at any time.
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Treaty 6 Territory {Virtual FaceTime session}
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I am pregnant right now, and honestly it's made my body image feel SO GOOOOOOD to me! I love that my body is a miracle that can make a BABY! I love the way it feels and moves and looks in the mirror - my baby bump is a huge source of pride and joy! in fact I feel sad for folks around me who are pregnant and say things like omg I am as big as a house, it's so hard to hide, I look so fat etc.... I don't know how to comprehend these remarks even though of course they are valid for where those folks are at. Being pregnant has made me realize that I needed to surrender to my body and my baby's growth and support it with love and care versus fight it.
What is your truth that you'd pass along to your former self?
You are strong, you can do this, you were born to be pregnant and grow this beautiful human in your uterus!
How has your (pregnancy/birth/postpartum/parenting) been affected by COVID-19?
Covid-19 has added a lot of uncertainty and unease to my third trimester of pregnancy. I am not going out anymore as my baby is coming any day now, but when I did I didn't trust anyone - it was so hard - they would come so close and not be wearing masks and many times I'd have to ask for more space and then I would get eye-rolls. it was HORRIBLE. But I thought we were all in this together? Aren't we all supposed to be keeping each other safe? So that's been really hard - isolating, missing friends, and also knowing many of my friends are feeling depressed and alone.
Luckily the fact that it's spring and we have a baby coming has helped me to feel very joyful - way more than I would have been had I not been pregnant. for doctors apt, I can't bring my partner in anymore, I have to go alone, so that feels a bit vulnerable. more vulnerable in general is probably the best sentiment that I am feeling as a 9-month pregnant human smack dab in the middle of a pandemic. thank god we are planning on a home birth, so we can control who is in our space. we will go to hospital f needed of course. but it's also been extremely hard navigating family requests to come see the baby after they are born, and knowing that we. are going to have to put up some hard boundaries around that for baby's health. it's an awful thing to have to navigate when all you want is everyone around you!
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I DEFINITELY believe there's a need for MORE representations of disabled pregnant humans in the media and I feel LUCKY to be able to be a part of that!
Alexis is also the creator of Stump Kitchen.