Mori Anderson (29 - she/her). Mother to Taurrean (10), Aubrey (5), and Carson Riley (who was lost during an ectopic pregnancy)
Ann Arbor, MI
Mori is a previous project participant. You can view her original photo and story from 2015 here.
“At the age of 18, I experienced pregnancy and a great deal of lost all in a very short but impactful time. I lost my first child during an ectopic pregnancy, which seem to have gone by very fast! I was torn on my decision to keep my child or not...I was young, a freshmen at College, I didn't have a job, no plan and only the support of my mom and aunts. I learned of my pregnancy during a routine OB appt to start birth control (being that I had just told my mom I was sexually active). Still torn, I thought of abortion, though I really wanted to keep my baby. We went to visit the abortion clinic soon after learning the news. After paperwork and an ultrasound, there was no baby to be found! Blood tests were positive, I had the symptoms but was left with a blank screen and a hard decision to make. After I arrived back to campus with my mind made up to keep my baby (though my mother and grand mother were under the impression I was catching the Greyhound back over the weekend to go through with the abortion) I suffered terrible cramping and bleeding! My RA was convinced something was really wrong and called an ambulance on campus and I was rushed to have surgery because my baby was growing inside of my left fallopian tube. Not only did I lose my baby but I lost my left fallopian tube. I was confused, hurt, full of regret and left feeling everything but whole.”
How has parenthood impacted your body image?
Whew! Where do I begin? With the dimples in my butt? Stretch marks across my stomach, thighs and knees! Parenthood has impacted my body in the best way. During my pregnancy with my son, not so much because I was younger, didn't gain much. Carrying my daughter was the total opposite, I was gaining so much weight per week (due to my kidney disease) I put on a strict diet. I was full of water weight and just felt huge due to my small frame. I didn't know much I weighed until after we discharged and I glanced at my paperwork because I was getting on the scale backwards. Looking back, it was pretty silly. My body has overcome so much. I am so proud of it, so happy it is mine to honor!
What was your postpartum experience?
I am still adjusting to being a parent and dealing with postpartum and my children aren't babies, shoot they aren't even toddlers. But my journey through motherhood hasn't been the easiest for myself (personally) just because of the healing process and journey I am on (for myself) when it comes to my own relationship with my mother. I was sad or should I say depressed after having both of my children. I don't really know why I felt that way after having my son, but I remember feeling scared and missing the help of the nurses at the hospital. I felt so alone at home. After having Aubrey, I remember and know exactly how and why I felt so down. I wasn't able to return back to work right away, I had used most of my savings up to keep afloat with bills before her arrival. My body wasn't the same and TJ (Taurrean) was getting ready for kindergarten. I felt like I didn't have a really good grip on life. Things were moving pretty fast! I was stuck at home with a baby all day and I just didn't feel like I was in control of life. I wasn't able to shake this feeling until I got back in the workforce. I didn't feel complete staying at home, only working part time jobs and collecting disability. But now that I've been back to work for 3 years, I am almost determined to stay at home with my children and homeschool them both.
What is your truth?
My truth is never be afraid to be human in front of your children. Never be afraid to apologize to your children and honor yourself.
Why did you choose to participate in this movement and share your story?
I was able to share my story 5 years ago and I wanted to pick up where we left off!