Wordless Wednesday: My Shape
Aug
5th
I’m planning to submit a post to The Shape of a Mother. This is a photo of my postpartum belly with my abs completely pulled in. I have stretch marks and scars from an old navel ring hole and three cases of PUPPPS. This photo is washed out so we’re planning to reshoot. There’s only so much I can do with our $100 Digimax.
EDIT: Here is my entry on The Shape of a Mother.
Kitty | Coupon Divas August 5, 2009 at 9:20 am
I have had 4 kids and while I can say it gets flatter, unfortunately that’s the wear and tear of motherhood. You are brave for taking the picture! I could never do it. But in the end look what you end up with, beautiful healthy children.
Bridgette August 5, 2009 at 9:30 am
I recognize that image…I feel the same way.
Amanda August 5, 2009 at 9:41 am
You’re brave for posting that photo. That’s about what my belly looks like almost 3 years post partum.
The Shopping Mama August 5, 2009 at 9:56 am
I agree you’re brave for sharing your photo. I think the photo is beautiful, though, and doesn’t need a reshoot!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy August 5, 2009 at 11:47 am
You are so much braver than I! I think the photo looks great! I would submit it as is.
Lisa August 5, 2009 at 12:46 pm
That is awesome that you are going to submit your picture! You have a lot of guts I could never do it! Hope You Have a GREAT DAY
Beth August 5, 2009 at 1:17 pm
Kudos to you, Mine looks almost exactly the same…and its been 2 years since I had a baby!
Baba August 5, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Yes, you are very brave. No re-shoot needed. I love it!
Susan August 5, 2009 at 4:41 pm
I commend you and your openness with your body and our true reality (as opposed to TV reality)
Kelly W August 5, 2009 at 8:31 pm
wow. you are a brave soul. That is what us mothers should call a battle scar and be proud of it but I would be very uncomfortable to show mine
trisha August 5, 2009 at 9:15 pm
its a perfect portrait of a sacrifice of a mother!
trisha
momdot
Marianna @ Green Mama's Pad August 5, 2009 at 9:54 pm
very brave mama! I wish mine looked that good after 3 (currently on #4)
Staci A August 6, 2009 at 1:50 am
You are very brave! 5 years after having my son, I’m still getting used to my stretch marks and momma belly.
elaina August 6, 2009 at 12:19 pm
I love that you did this.
Edilyn December 7, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m just curious, have you used the palmers cocoa butter cream product? I was told by a friend about the palmers settlement i just want other people to know that if they had problems when using the products they can file a claim at https://www.palmerssettlement.com/
Tanisha December 18, 2009 at 12:23 am
I feel so ashamed. I hear and see women all the time saying that their tummy got like this after their 2nd, 3rd, or even 4th birth. My tummy looks way worse than that and I have only had one child. He was only 7lbs 7oz. I have used every thing I could get my hands on. Absolutely nothing worked. The sacrifices we make.
Lizzie December 18, 2009 at 8:21 am
Tanisha–don’t be ashamed! My tummy looked like this after my first, too.
Kelly February 16, 2010 at 11:24 am
I’m having serious emotional issues with my upcoming vacation (in August) and seeing this makes me feel good. I have tons of moms my age who are unmarked whatsoever and it makes me feel like some disgusting monster. Seeing u post this almost makes me want to cry with joy. I’m feeling completely wrong about my body, I should embrace the battle scars of motherhood and put that bikini on if I want to wear it and flaunt what my kids gave me. Thank you.
Karla May 28, 2010 at 12:18 pm
Lizzie June 4, 2010 at 2:03 pm
Karla, thank you. I’m glad I could help.
It’s a good feeling knowing that we aren’t alone.
Michelle December 4, 2010 at 5:34 pm
This is exactly what I looked like after my first baby as well. I am so happy that you posted this! I was beginning to think that I am the only woman with a belly like mine. I have had a few more children since then, and my belly is back to small and flat by now. However, the thinner I get, the more wobbly and wrinkly my skin gets. I don’t even see it anymore most of the time. It’s just who I am and a testament to the self-sacrifice required of mothers. I applaud and thank you for posting your photo. There are lots of us out there with the same issue. Presumably most women cover theirs up all the time, but why should we? I will wear my bikini and let everyone know how proud I am to be a mom!
sauntia April 11, 2011 at 11:05 am
NOW THIS IS WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT!!!!! i get so tired of women showing off flat stomachs after child birth. My stomach looks Exactly like yours. I finally feel like I am not alone, but truly your belly is beautiful. In-brace it and if you want to change it do it. I am still working on mines. It takes time and patient. Be happy with your self and keeping trying, eat right, exercise when you are not tired and get sleep. It will come off TRUST ME! I had three kids back to back. It takes time, but while you are waiting for your stomach to go down, be happy with yourself, it makes a difference. I REALLY LOVE THIS PHOTO. You are truly connecting with many women. THANK YOU
Lizzie April 12, 2011 at 4:29 pm
Thank you so much for your kind comments! Though it’s been a long time since this photo, my skin condition remains the same. I’ve lost all the baby fat, but it still looks like a terrain map.
Ruthie September 18, 2011 at 7:36 am
i am looking for ways on how to lessen the stretchmarks and how to flatten my tummy back after almost four years of giving birth and i come across your photo, and i realized, hey am not the only one who has problems and we are all blessed to have wonderful kids in spite of having those ugly marks..cheers to all the lovely mommies here! mwuah!
Tammy Allen December 29, 2011 at 9:52 pm
Love it! My stomach has a TON of scars. I feel like it’s the battle scar of having beautiful children & wear it proudly. Well, most of the time. Kuddos to you! We Moms can all relate. (:
Alisha October 28, 2012 at 5:37 am
I saw Karla’s post above and were in the same boat ! I’m 23 and just had my first baby !!! This pic is awesome and I don’t feel alone anymore!