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Have you ever looked in the mirror and not really recognized the person staring back at you? For some reason my brain persistently holds onto this view of myself as a scrawny little size 3 teenager with absolutely zero curves. I look NOTHING like that now. I still get super frustrated some days when I put on something that would have looked awesome on me in my 20’s and it totally makes me look frumpy. Every now and then I see a picture of myself and think “who on earth is that middle aged chubby lady?” I’ll admit to having a great love for my waist cincher to help me fit everything in a little better as I work on learning to just love my body the way it is.
When I first saw this family photo it was a small thumbnail in our gallery of birth photography images, and I loved it. It was a lovely real life moment of our family. Something I’ve never had captured before. Even though the moment is so beautiful I almost didn’t share it with anyone.
When I made the image large the first thing I thought was “wow, I look fat! No makeup, messy hair, and I’m in my pajamas. I don’t think everyone needs to see me that way.” I even considered for a moment whether I could possibly liquefy myself a bit smaller in Photoshop. Then I stopped. “What on earth is wrong with me?!?! This is less than 24 hours after giving birth to my eighth child. I can’t believe that I am being so hard on myself! I’m Super Womb-an.”
I now believe that this image is even more beautiful because of my appearance. This is a body that has carried and fed eight little humans. This is a body that has given birth naturally eight times. This is a body that has been pregnant, nursing, or both for the last nine years. This is the body that allows me to read, play, and laugh with my children. This is the body that cooks, cleans, teaches, and so much more. This is the body that my husband loves. Most importantly my body is an amazing temple of God and I need to show it more respect.
I am beautiful. My body is amazing. I will share this image with pride knowing that it is a truly beautiful moment that my children and their children can treasure for generations. Hey this little girl was well worth the stretch marks and extra fluff!
Mom’s please love yourselves. Love your bodies for the amazing things that they do. Don’t hide from the camera or hide away the photos because you are ashamed. There is no shame in motherhood. You are beautiful even with 20 extra pounds, no make-up and messy hair. Motherhood is beautiful in every shape and size. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to celebrate it. Show your children the beauty that created them. Give them something to treasure for the rest of their lives. Exist in photographs, it is the best gift you can give after giving them life.
Have you ever had a photo of yourself that you judged too harshly? What amazing things has your mom body done? I’d love to see your favorite documentary images of yourself. Come join the in the Muchness Mama’s Facebook group and let’s share!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful photo! I definitely didn’t notice any of the things you pointed out when I looked at this picture, just saw what looked like a loving family admiring their new addition 🙂
Yes, I know this feeling. We had a hospital room maternity shoot with photos I love and treasure– except the ones of me. No make-up, bloated face.. I argued about being in the pictures and the photographer said “Trust me, you’ll want them.” She was right, I wish I had more even though I still think I look terrible.
Love this post! This is something I struggle with so it was nice to read this! 🙂