Body positivity doesn?t come naturally to a lot of women. Whether it?s because of the images we?ve long been fed through advertising and social media, or personal hang ups carried over from childhood and puberty, looking confidently into the camera lens can be terrifying?especially after pregnancy. But something is changing. Amidst the filtered-to-perfection photos, a new reality is emerging. Today’s Parent investigated this trend in our May/June 2019 print issue. Thanks to hashtags like #this_is_postpartum and #everywomanisanangel, inspiring images like the ones below are making their way into Instagram feeds?and we?re here for it.
1. “My stomach is still flowered with stretch marks and extra skin. Just perfect for curious little hands to tug and pull.”
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Here I am, nearly nine months later. The twins have officially been in my arms a whole three days longer then I was able to carry them in my belly. My stomach is still flowered with stretch marks and extra skin. Just perfect for curious little hands to tug and pull. Some days I struggle to look in the mirror and show my body the appreciation and love it deserves. Those thoughts are almost immediately followed up with feelings of guilt for ever shaming this body which has done so much. I was able to carry twins for 38 weeks despite friends, family and even doctors telling me I would be lucky to make it past 32-34 weeks with my frame. This bo...