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90 Brutally Honest Photos Of Post-Baby Bodies, That Women Are Sharing To Reveal The Truth No One Talks About
When a celebrity appears in the media soon after she's had a new baby, you'll probably hear quite a few questions about what she's doing to "bounce back." But the answers about their body transformations might not be 100% honest. That's when the Instagram account called @takebackpostpartum steps in. It spreads body positivity, encouraging new moms to embrace their postpartum stretch marks and other pregnancy battle scars.
January Harshe is the woman behind the postpartum body project. "I said, ladies, if you want to make a change, we have to do it ourselves," the mother of six told TODAY. "There was a big response. Women said, 'Let's show what this is like'….What I've learned is that every woman struggles with pregnancy and even postpartum depression one way or another. Every woman struggles differently. I'm trying to show all the variations of normal for postpartum and motherhood."
Scroll down to meet the moms proudly showing off their postpartum bellies and battle scars in these before and after pregnancy photos!
More info: harshe.blog | Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Dian Ella Lillie 7 years ago
You belly, and breasts, and leg are each a badge of your courage and success. What matters is not that they conform to a cosmetic ideal of what is desirable, but that they have brought you to a place of happiness and acheivement - and you are there, with bells on!
d r e a m w o r l d 7 years ago
A smokin' hot badass, I see? As a lesbian, I can proudly say I want this woman in my arms...
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#2
JillVille 7 years ago
I just cried for this woman. I felt that pain and hopelessness too. I am 20 years from there now, it was a struggle, my husband didn't understand at all and just got mad when I'd get irrationally emotional. Ladies, it does get better. Sometimes it just takes awhile. (((HUGS)))
Eva Paul 7 years ago
Thank you for sharing this I was think8ng I am alone and everybody will hate me for having depression. People have treated me worse because of it and I only sink deeper and deeper sometimes my brain won't let me function with all the negative feedback I receive and which I live in. I felt like giving up but knowing I am not the only one and that there is hope makes me feel like this will pass we will live on to a better day.
CelSlade 7 years ago
Hang in there - you are not alone and it will pass. It is difficult to see the positive when your brain is in depression as it's wired to only notice negativity, but with support, medical help and time it does get better. Allow yourself the same grace and patience to recover that you would show to someone you loved. I suffered with depression for 25y (because it was undiagnosed for a very long time) and nearly gave up more times than I can count. Sometimes you literally live from breath to breath. But you keep on breathing and one day you find that you can actually see beyond that next exhalation to tomorrow, next week, even years in the future. Just keep on breathing.
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Shari Conley 7 years ago
I am with you. I feel this photo and know From the outside I appeared the same way, just no pics because I was alone most of time. You are wonderful and brave to expose such a real and true emotional moment. This is truth captured in a snap of a camera.
Amanda Raynes 7 years ago
I have been there too. Begging God take me out of my misery and no longer feeling human. But it does get better. And you will feel proud of how you made in through in time. It is fine to reach out also. Most moms have been through this and will understand your pain without judgement. Love.
Susann Campbell 7 years ago
You poor thing. And the baby needs you and you are sad. Thank you for feeding your baby. I hope you feel better now.
#3
Julie Pedersen Witt 7 years ago
Fabulous photo! I'm so glad that woman asked to take your picture.
Dian Ella Lillie 7 years ago
That woman was wise beyond most people's understanding. What an incredible gift to give someone.
jenn pongracz 4 years ago
I have to ask was this at the Aldi in hixson TN? (Chattanooga) I believe I was standing next to you bagging up my groceries. I can’t remember if I had my kids with me or I was by myself. I have 4 kids of my own.... 9yr, 7yr, 3yr and a 2yr old. I’m a single mom.
#4
SweetMamaP 7 years ago
Momma is totally killing it. I could barely wrap and wear the one little peanut that I had ;)
Monica Hatton 1 year ago
You have a beautiful smile! I can feel/see your aura online! Bless you, and your beautiful children.
#5
Hans 7 years ago
The last line is quite clever actually. Babys indeed demonstrate that you as parents are the world to them, and harvesting a little love for yourself is the least you can do!
Susanne Pachtmann 7 years ago
As always an absolutely awesome comment in "Hans quality"! ❤️
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kat newt shulder 7 years ago
this is cool, but i have trypophobia, so it horrifies me. good job mom though
John L 7 years ago
Definitely a body deprived of zinc and other vitamins. In the 1980s I read an article in Muscle & Fitness where a body builder did a study on zinc and stretch marks on lifters right above their armpits, from doing squats. He stated that the answer was "chelated" zinc deficiency. One of my design clients became pregnant and I told her about this. Before she delivered, she looked like she has swallowed a watermelon. After she was up and about, I asked her about her stretch marks. She gave me a thumbs up, and said, "Not a single one." If you don't want stretch marks, then promote skin elasticity by fortifying yourself with zinc and other vitamins.
Kevin Donegan 7 years ago
The juxtaposition of brand new baby skin and the skin of her mother. A dose of reality.
Kim Priemus 7 years ago
Those aren't stretch marks, those are tiger stripes. And you've earned every sinhle one of them! Wear them with pride!
Stacey Pearce 7 years ago
Beautiful words and so true. All should love their bodies for the amazing things they can do.
#6
Pat Stubbs 7 years ago
I had the opposite happen. ..became hypothyroid after having my last child at the age of 45. Could not lose a pound and was extremely tired with so many aches and pains. At the age of 60 it turned into thyroid cancer. As women we need to not put ourselves in last place as far as our health.
Elisa Ramos 7 years ago
Same as you, after having my girl, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto disease, can't loose weight and have all those side effects like eternal fatigue, pain in my joints, muscles, dry skin and hair, many episodes of several allergic reactions leads me on er... too many stuff, not only PPD and stretch makes, also endometriosis, cysts, even my lashes falling down... side effects of pregnancy are weird, huh?
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kate h 7 years ago
I had hyperthyroidism too. Lost weight, hand tremors, sudden exhaustion. If you get this, DO NOT drink the radioactive stuff that kills your thyroid...you'll end up hypothyroid. I took medication, Propylthiouracil (PTU), instead. I got regular blood tests to see how I was doing. Eventually my dose was lowered, then later, I went off of it completely. I am in total remission with normal T3 and T4, and NOT hypothyroid like you will be if you drink the poison. The radioactive iodine is the first choice in the USA, last choice everywhere else.
William Brown 1 year ago
Today there are more options than we had 30 yrs ago. I had the Thallium injection to slow it down and was fine for two months, even put a bit of weight back on, then it started again. When the doctors told me it was eating the marrow in my bones after i lost 65 lbs, they hit it again and i take pills for my hypo, but am still here with my grandchildren!
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Gabriela Stanciu 7 years ago
I had the same problem . After long stres of nearly 5 years I finally started to gain weight before pregnancy 60 kg during pregnancy 60 kg after pregnancy 45 kg and now 55 kg my daughter is 10 yo. Good luck to you my dear. Stress less. Love yourself and the rest will come.
Jacqueline Rodgers 7 years ago
my niece had this after her first child... they gave her a medicine to kickstart her thryoid and it worked. It did not happen after the 2nd baby. Stay strong you will get through this. hugs
Rob Chapman 7 years ago
While it's more common for women to have hyperthyroidism, it can happen to men. Trust me, I know. 4 years ago I started losing weight, and couldn't stop. I'm in my 40's and suddenly found myself fitting into clothes that I would have worn when I was a scrawny teenager. My ribs were just like yours. I was frequently shaking ( like I was on a nonstop adrenaline rush) and developed a bulge in my neck. After multiple trips to the ER due to a rapid, irregular heart rate, I was diagnosed with Grave's disease. Not fun at all.
Stephanie Clark 7 years ago
I have gone 15 years with a unbalanced thyroid condition. Finally while pregnant with my second baby I was sent to a specialist. I do not have Graves. Mine is allergy induced and partially caused by glutton intolerance. I had no idea. To have your thyroid checked you have to ask and insist the test be done. It's a none fasting blood test but is not part of your regular work up. Even while pregnant. Get it checked. It's more serious and more common then many people realize.
#7
Ntosh 7 years ago
Wow, with my first baby, the amount of blood that came out about 30 minutes or so after birth freaked me out. I actually thought something was wrong, I literally thought I was going to die due to internal bleeding. I called the nurses and the doctor. I was panicking. I had no idea that there would be that much. These are one of the things people don't tell you about.
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Sherry Jadrnak 7 years ago
But those mesh panties were so comfortable! Especially when you've had a C-section. 😊
GIANNA 7 years ago
Scratch my post, I didn't realize the mom is the one posting this.... Still.... Why would u??
Honesty Olishia 7 years ago
Everyone has different ways of dealing with c**p. I guess she's just not self conscious. I would never post this picture, I'd be too embarrassed, but to each their own I guess?
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Monica Hatton 1 year ago
I love, love, love this picture! I was awakened in my hospital bed by a nun/nurse (in full black habit) changing my pad hours after giving birth. Gives me a chuckle now but 54 years ago I was totally freaked out!
Linda McClay 7 years ago
I wish these diapers existed back after my kids. Anything to make those first days easier.
Alycia Whaley 7 years ago
I did the stupid mesh underwear and pad ONCE, and said screw it. They shift and too and are absolutely ridiculous. I then sent my mom out for adult diapers.
#8
Mae 7 years ago
I'm going to get a lot of hate for this but I don't like stretch marks, and I don't know if I could live with a body with stretch marks. People are going to say "but babies are the most beautiful thing in the world and you'll cherish the stretch marks that came with it" but I'm almost 100% sure it wouldn't be the case. And no I'm not a teenager who "hasn't made up their mind", I'm on my 30s
Okido 1 year ago
Not everyone gets stretchmarks. I’m skinny, had two quite large baby boys, but didn’t get any stretchmarks. I’m 53 now (boys are 16 an 17,5 years old) and my belly doesn’t look any different than when I was young. But if I had stretchmarks I don’t think they would’ve bothered me.
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ShneeksDawn 7 years ago
It’s as if her scars are these magnificent drapes unveiling this beautiful art.
Maria Lövgren 7 years ago
Love it! And I don't really even like tattoos that much, even if I can respect the work and thought behind it. This one was just wonderful.
Kym Walters 7 years ago
Beautiful, but I don't understand why you would want to cover your cesarean scar?
#9
Kim Priemus 7 years ago
Those aren't stretch marks, those are tiger stripes. And you've earned every sinhle one of them! Wear them with pride!
#10
Ilona Z 7 years ago
Oh. My. Good. I'm pregnant now and this could be the lastury thing i should see. I'm pretty scared... But still I hope motherhood worth it all..
Gabby D 7 years ago
It will be, it really will. But should you start feeling these negative things, remember: it's an illness, it isn't reality even if it feels like it. Don't hold yourself up to the standards others claim to live by - trust me, they're lying a lot! If you start feeling negative things seek support, no one will think badly of you, in fact you'd be admired for recognising you need help and, again, postpartum depression is an illness! An illness that can be cured. It is common, it is recognised, it is understood. People will want to help you. You got this. You're doing great.
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Cristina Loayza 6 years ago
I read all this and realise that I never saw my mother go through this.... she bore 5 children, no c-sections, gained only the amount of weight on the baby, gave birth and proceeded to use her normal clothes a week after delivery. Her body was truly gifted... oh, and no time for post partum depression as we are all two years apart from each other... Kudos to her. BUT when my younger sister had one baby, she was all about fussing, complaining, pains, etc. so we were all kinda confused .... it took quite a while to realise and understand that all women are different... but it was a pretty high ceiling my mom made for us.
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BusLady 7 years ago
Martin: the child may have Down Syndrome. How dare you call him fugly.
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#15
Stephanie Hutner 7 years ago
Is this what always happens to a woman's body after they have a baby? I'm honestly asking. I don't have kids yet.
Patricia Barrett 7 years ago
Not everyone. I honestly, hand on my heart, don't have a single stretch mark, not on my legs,, bum or tum. Yet my daughter carried much heavier than me, and she has a few. It's down to lots of factors, DNA, skin type, size of baby etc.
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Ana-Marija Tomic McAlindon 7 years ago
Hi Stephanie, I have 2 kids and never got any stretch marks. It doesn’t happen always. I don’t know the reason why some women get a lot, some little and some none. No idea
Stephanie Hutner 7 years ago
Thank you! What about the loose skin? Does that always happen?
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Christine Hutchins 7 years ago
I honestly don't know who wouldn't think there would be changes...this too shall pass, but not the stretch marks
Gabrielle M. 7 years ago
I so wish all of this stuff was around when I had my children....sigh
#16
Rachael Sanman 7 years ago
I don't know what it is exactly about this photo... It is simple & elegant. She is stunning.
Jillian Shreves 7 years ago
Ugh but she's so perfect! I think the woman with all the stretch marks, no makeup,scars, and practically dying inside from postpartum are my favorite. It's great she came out of pregnancy looking like a freaking unicorn with an inspirational message. But I salute the mom's whose battle scars run deep.
Amina Hays 7 years ago
Just because she isn't covered with stretch marks or so depressed she wants to die, doesn't mean she's less than. How do you even know whether or not she had postpartum depression? You don't. Never make assumptions. She's just as strong as any other woman who's given birth. To suggest otherwise is incredibly rude and insulting. Or perhaps it's simply because you're jealous because you don't look "like a freaking unicorn.
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Kerri Russ 7 years ago
This message is so uplifting and real. Thank you for sharing this... I'm 18 years post partum but I could have written this myself. Thank you!
Gypsy Snow 7 years ago
This woman is more gorgeous postpartum than like 85% of women in the world together. Just gorgeous.
#17
Lylah Mcfadden 2 years ago
oh lord im adopting or doing surrogate. i do not want to go thru this when im an adult. 16.
#18
Cathryn Cash 7 years ago
Why the hell did I have to confirm I was 18 to see this? Our world is f****d up! I can see graphic violence, updating headlines about paedophiles, ridiculously overly sexual adverts which I don't want to see, but I can't see a baby having its dinner?!
BusLady 7 years ago
So much agree. This is what a woman's body is for, not posing in skimpy bikinis.
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ptm45 7 years ago
what's graphic about this? a woman feeding a baby in the tub? that's graphic? i thought i'd be seeing a C-section with all guts out. this is nothing.
BusLady 7 years ago
ptm45: Now I'm trying to get that image out of my mind! LMAO
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Gerry Higgins 7 years ago
Sill that breast feeding is "adult content". What a world we live in.
Nicole Grung 7 years ago
That's one of the most beautiful pics iv ever seen so natural nd peaceful
Liana Seath 7 years ago
If you are offended by images as natural as this, then you yourself have deeper issues that need addressed!
Rebecca Dill 7 years ago
What the f**k. I had to confirm I was over 18 to see this, but everybody at one point in their life will see a nipple or boob either bcuz you have them or are a husband, child o and everybody has had milk from them so its not really a big surprise. But you are beautiful and you do u girl.
#19
Lucida 7 years ago
I like this text, it's honest. These bellys are not beautiful, but they are real. I'm pregnant with my first and none of my friends have got bellys looking like these after their childbirth's so I did not think it was this common and now I'm scared I will look like this. If I will look like this, I will also have trouble letting my husband touch and a look at my belly. But just as she writes in the last sentence, one should be thankful for ones mommy body.
Shelly Binkley 7 years ago
Your hubby loves you and baby and him touching your belly makes him connect as well. It’s a beautiful thing for you all!
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Windkissed 7 years ago
I tandemed also! But oldest was 2! I finally weaned her at 2 1/2.... funny, I couldn’t tell you WHY, it was just time. Unfortunately I had to wean my baby at 1 year - broke my heart! But I had to finally begin antidepressants. My postpartum depression turned into clinical depression. One of the saddest times of my life turning that little baby away!!! To this day I feel it affected her, at 24, she’s overwhelmed by emotional & psychological issues. Who knows.... I just do my best to be there now for her.
#23
BusLady 7 years ago
Right after my first child was born, I was very swollen and bloated. TBH, I still looked pregnant. I was in public, and my MIL was holding my son. A stranger asked how old he was. Then she turned to me and asked when MY baby was due. I still laugh about it to this day.
Ruth Beaty 7 years ago
I had someone ask me that after number four, the answer was "nine months ago", lol. I did gain a little weight with that baby because it was too hot to move around very much when I was pregnant.
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Amina Hays 7 years ago
The uterus is the size of a small pear but when it's housed a baby it obviously gets a lot bigger to accommodate. That's quite a size difference so it'll take as long as it takes to shrink back. Everyone is different.
Jessica Jones 7 years ago
It takes some women a while for their uterus to shrink back down, especially after a second or 3rd pregnancy. There’s tissue and organs that need to fall back into place. Medications cause bloating and swelling. Hormones are a b***h and mess with your body. The line (I never got it) but can take months to disappear.
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#28
Lucida 7 years ago
I don't get these pictures of the placenta. For me, it just looks disgusting. I know, it's natural and all that and I think the placenta is a really cool and amazing thing. I mean, we pregnant women start growing a hole new organ! How cool isn't that!? But I still don't see the point in showing it of. It's a beautiful thing that enables new life, but it's in no way beautiful to look at. I mean, pooping is also natural and it's amazing how are bodies function, but we don't want to see a picture of a women with a big s**t in her lap, do we?
Christiane Henriksen 7 years ago
For me it looks like the true tree of life. Not disgusting in my eyes, but im not really botherd by poop either.
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Candace Wiggins 7 years ago
I appreciate this photo. I've had three kids but didn't know what a real placenta looked like.
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Biana Weatherford 7 years ago
OH. MY. HEAVENS. That's so perfect. Chubby babies are the absolute best thing. Their moms too!
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Jason Forton 6 years ago
You look very sexy here in this pic and happy.. don't change a thing about you
#34
Kerri Russ 7 years ago
The Mom Body is so soft and reassuring and appears much more healthy. Both versions of you are gorgeous and that baby... beautiful! Congrats!
William Brown 1 year ago
Two 'killer smiles' where before there was one. Still a lovely person and wow, baby some cute there!
#35
BusLady 7 years ago
She looks like she's in great shape. I never got the loose skin or stretch marks. I wonder if it's bc I had cesarean deliveries?
Bron 7 years ago
Probably not (those things happens through pregnancy, not afterwards). Were you an older first time mum? I've had 4 babies, smallest was 8lb3, I'm tiny (5ft and about 100lb) and not a single stretch mark. Loose skin, yes, a little, but not too bad. I had my first at 30 and I have read that if you're older, the stretch marks are less likely to happen.
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BusLady 7 years ago
I suppose the medical term would be prolapse? I hope that she is ok. Would this indicate a medical problem?
#39
BusLady 7 years ago
These celebrity moms are set up as an example of what we "should" look like postpartum. It disgusts me. How many of us have a nutritionist, personal trainer, a gym room in our home, and access to tummy tuck surgery? And how many of us have lots of idle time bc we are "between projects" and have a full time nanny to care for the baby?
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BusLady 7 years ago
The baby is so pink! There was anther article on BP that talked about the differences in newborn's color. It can vary. Both my children had yellow tones bc they were anemic. (bc of my 0 negative blood type)
Amy Pollard 7 years ago
I wonder if they had delayed cord clamping? The difference in my first who was clamped and cut straight after birth to my third who didn't have it clamped or cut for nearly an hour after birth. Wait for white and give the baby all their blood
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BusLady 7 years ago
CMEO. This is my story. Having a cesarean did make me feel like a failure.
Lilly 7 years ago
YOU CREATED A LIFE! please don't feel like a failure--you gave birth to a miracle & no matter what anyone says, it doesn't matter HOW you gave birth!
Load More Replies... Sheila Weila 7 years ago
Everyone in my family has c-sections (except for those who died in childbirth). I was afraid to get pregnant. I have 2 beautiful boys now.
Sheila Weila 7 years ago
Your scar looks great! My incision got infected, and when it healed, there was no fat under the scar, but lots of fat above and below.
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Sheila Weila 7 years ago
My first was a piranha. I had to use nipple shields & trembled in pain for a minute each feeding. Later, it was a delight, almost like sex.
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BusLady 7 years ago
Much better than mine, as well. My children were born in the day when cesarean incisions were made vertical, from navel to pubic hair. But I'm proud of my scar, for what it represents.
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Sharon Byrd 7 years ago
S**t. Still got my pooch 30 years later! Lol. Sigh, I guess it ain't going anywhere
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Sheila Weila 7 years ago
Totally not fair! I'm 24 years postpartum, and I'm still trying to find my abs.
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Ruth Elliott 7 years ago
Uhuh, this lovely lady has never had a baby. She promotes body confidence on Instagram.
Dalia Nikolaus 7 years ago
I look similar and not curve at all and have son. You can't say that I have baby at all, but have. That why we dont know are she have baby at all.
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What do you think ?
Mindy Keys 7 years ago
They should show these in schools to promote birth control. I'm an adult and it's terrifying me!
Crazy Dog Lady 7 years ago
I wish I could be proud of my post-babies (3!) belly. I'm trying but it is not easy.
Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
That’s not an a*****e comment. More people should realize it’s a choice and not a requirement.
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Sarah Hartness 7 years ago
All mother's should be proud. As a woman whom can't seem to have babies, I get to deal with stretch marks from growing too fast during puberty. All these pictures show are battle wounds from a wonderful miracle!
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
We all have our own crosses to bear. The trade off of receiving the marvelous gift of a life comes with many different hardships and one is losing the perfect body you may have had before becoming pregnant. It's one of those things we are not really warned about so these stories may be a good way to high light the realities of motherhood. I chose not to have children but not because of what it might do to my body but the responsibilities of raising a child was not in my genes. I never had that "I have to have a baby!" thing that some women go through, but I understand and admire those who do and do their best to be the best mother they can be!
Mindy Keys 7 years ago
They should show these in schools to promote birth control. I'm an adult and it's terrifying me!
Crazy Dog Lady 7 years ago
I wish I could be proud of my post-babies (3!) belly. I'm trying but it is not easy.
Meowton Mewsk 7 years ago
That’s not an a*****e comment. More people should realize it’s a choice and not a requirement.
Load More Replies... Sarah Hartness 7 years ago
All mother's should be proud. As a woman whom can't seem to have babies, I get to deal with stretch marks from growing too fast during puberty. All these pictures show are battle wounds from a wonderful miracle!
FuzzyWuzzy 7 years ago
We all have our own crosses to bear. The trade off of receiving the marvelous gift of a life comes with many different hardships and one is losing the perfect body you may have had before becoming pregnant. It's one of those things we are not really warned about so these stories may be a good way to high light the realities of motherhood. I chose not to have children but not because of what it might do to my body but the responsibilities of raising a child was not in my genes. I never had that "I have to have a baby!" thing that some women go through, but I understand and admire those who do and do their best to be the best mother they can be!
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