I wasn’t prepared for this.

I wasn’t prepared for how my body would change during pregnancy. I knew I would grow and gain weight but I never thought of all the other ways my body would change to create such a tiny human. I thought I would be one of the “lucky” ones and my body would stretch and grow without leaving any trace. I was prepared to see the numbers on the scale grow larger with each passing month. But i wasn’t prepared for the stretch marks that would branch out across my thighs, butt, hips, stomach, arms, and chest. I wasn’t prepared for the way my breasts would change throughout pregnancy and I certainly wasn’t prepared for the aches and pains I feel every day due to so much extra weight. I have never been proud of my body or the way I looked or how much I weighed and I strongly remember looking down at my stomach pre pregnancy and agonizing over the way it looked and how “fat” I thought I was. I wasn’t prepared to miss my old body or the way it used to look.

I never thought I would have the strength or courage to post such a vulnerable photo of myself. Some might say that its just a picture of my stomach or it’s no different than a bikini pic. But sitting here, posting a part of myself that I am currently most insecure about, that has endured so many changes, somehow makes me love myself just a little bit more.

I love my baby, and by loving her I am slowly learning to love myself. This journey has been one of a kind and I wouldn’t change a thing. I will gladly accept every stretch mark, every dark spot, the leaky breasts, and the swollen limbs if it means I get to have you ❤️

Here is a picture pre pregnancy for reference 🤷🏼‍♀️