Aisha Chappell (39 - she/her), Colin (2), and Noah (7 mo)
Harlem, NYC {Virtual photoshoot captured via CLOS}
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
I have always been very active and have been focused on feeling and looking physically fit. Honestly, I looked forward to being pregnant as a way to give myself permission to not be so focused on how my body looked. I was still very active during my first pregnancy but I felt such a relief that my body was supposed to be curvy and big and eating was even more pleasurable. After my first son, I knew I wanted to have another baby so I decided I wasn't going to focus on getting back in shape. I like working out for lots of reasons because it made me look, feel, and be strong. After giving birth, I didn't need that validation as much anymore. I made a whole human, and birthed him that is strength!
What was your postpartum experience?
I have the very good fortune of having a partner who believes in the tradition of the first 40 days. Meaning for the first 40 days after birth my only jobs are healing and bonding with our new babe. With our second son, this was a little bit harder and I wish I had been more intentional about how this would look as a family of four to ensure everyone's needs were met. I struggled at times to be present for both my sons and feel like I could find time for my healing body. We were able to get LOTS of help and I so appreciate the outpouring of love my family received.
What is your truth that you'd pass along to your former self, or a new parent?
1. Take time to prepare not just for being pregnant, giving birth, but also becoming a parent. Those are three very distinctly different phases that all deserve loving attention. 2. Your kids will make you a better human if you let them.
How has your (pregnancy/birth/postpartum/parenting) been affected by COVID-19?
I was 3 months pregnant in March 2020 and we all got COVID - my husband, myself, and my now two-year-old son. It was one of the hardest things I have experienced. Trying to take care of each other, myself, and my unborn son with the utter exhaustion of COVID, no childcare, and working full time remotely was incredibly difficult. At the time doctors were saying that there weren't many if any cases of COVID in pregnant women that had negative effects on the baby. I took solace in that and I also hoped it would pass some immunity to my baby boy. We were really fortunate to have mild cases and to have friends who supported us by bringing meals/food. It was really stressful to not be able to leave and get food, and knowing I needed to feed our toddler and the little one I was growing.
Once we were symptom-free it was such a relief to not be constantly worried about getting it. We were still respectful and responsible when outside but we felt comfortable being outside, seeing our neighbors outside, and for Colin to be able to still play like a kid (with fewer interactions.) My family who lives in NYC also all got COVID too in March and all survived. So we actually were able to see each other and get support throughout my pregnancy which again was such a blessing.
As for the birth, the initial plan was to do a hospital birth but now hearing more about people’s experiences given COVID (wearing masks during labor, limited # of support) I am so happy we had a home birth. The birth of Noah was incredible. Having him at home meant very little was impacted by COVID. My family in Michigan and North Carolina couldn't be here and that was tough. But again, we got a ton of support from family and friends who live here and my cousin who had COVID and gifted us with a week of support when Noah was about 1 month.