Nicole McCrimmon (28 - she/her) with her husband, and kids Dawson (6) and Dash (2)
Prince George’s County, MD {Virtual FaceTime Session}
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Parenting has impacted my body image in a bunch of different ways over the last 6 years. I’ve never been a “skinny” girl but I remember looking at my tummy after having my first son and being shocked at my new body. It’s only been over the last year or so that I’ve truly come to appreciate the fact that my body has birthed two perfect babies, as I prepare to give birth to my third, and that I should be proud of every twist and turn because of that alone.
What was your postpartum experience?
With my first, I don’t remember most of my postpartum experience other than joy. I didn’t develop any complications, everything seemingly went back to normal after birth. With my 2nd though, I developed pretty severe post part I’m depression and anxiety that I am still learning to adapt to. I developed new triggers and things that never bothered me before suddenly do. I’m leaning how to balance it all still, nearly 3 years later.
What is your truth that you'd pass along to your former self, or a new parent?
Perfection doesn’t exist. There is no roadmap that everyone follows when it comes to parenting. Some days you won’t feel like you did so great, and that’s ok. Make sure that you’re spending just as much time taking care of yourself as your kids.
How has your (pregnancy/birth/postpartum/parenting) been affected by COVID-19?
This pregnancy has been my most boring. I worked throughout my other two pregnancies, so it’s strange now to be at home with two kids while also pregnant. I looked forward to going around town and taking pictures documenting what I believe will be my last baby, but because of COVID-19, I’m pretty much confined to the house. I was also looking forward to using a doula during my birth this time around, and sad that I won’t be able to do so.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
One thing that I’ve noticed is that there is so much media about pregnancy as it pertains to white, skinny women only. I’m very big into the importance of representation and to be candid, it pisses me off that Black and/or plus sized women are rarely ever represented when it comes to stunning images of pregnancy.