Advertisement

Mum praised for powerful post-baby photo

Captured just hours after childbirth, an Aussie mum-of-three shared a photo of her post-labour belly in a gesture she hopes will help other mothers know they’re not alone in the postpartum journey.

On Instagram, Elise Raquel spoke candidly about the “pain” and “flood of emotions” she felt following the birth of her daughter, Willa.

Though she couldn’t have been happier with the arrival of her third child, Raquel said, “It’s a strange feeling to look down and still see a bump, even though you’re holding your baby in your arms. It’s not easy to go home with a baby and still have to wear maternity clothes.”

Elise initially thought she would just 'bounce back'. Photo: Instagram/@Belleverdiglionephotography and @Raislingyoungloves
Elise initially thought she would just 'bounce back'. Photo: Instagram/@Belleverdiglionephotography and @Raislingyoungloves

During her first pregnancy, Raquel said, she was certain she would just “bounce back.” But in the post, she admits that’s not what happened at all.

“I didn’t, I never have in fact. With each baby, I’ve gained a few more kilos and a few more stretch marks,” she said.

Point being: That’s OK! Regaining confidence after childbirth is no easy process.

As women, we are endlessly bombarded with messages about how we’re supposed to look. It’s important to remind ourselves that bodies are meant to change, especially after something as significant as childbirth.

RELATED: Why Biggest Loser's Tiffiny Hall won't do a 'post-baby' shoot
RELATED: Mum’s amazing post-baby weight loss makeover

“I am beyond proud of what this body has given and sacralised. I am thankful that my body is able to carry and birth babies naturally,” her post concludes.

“I am NOT ashamed of my (many) new stripes and my postpartum body. And neither should you! Let’s celebrate postpartum bodies, in all their glory. The female body is incredible and I am so proud of what mine has done!”

Since posting the image in July, it has been shared among other mums, with many reaching out to support Elise and share their own post-birth images.

Elise shared another photo in a new post. Photo: Instagram/@Belleverdiglionephotography and @Raislingyoungloves
Elise shared another photo in a new post. Photo: Instagram/@Belleverdiglionephotography and @Raislingyoungloves

However, in a new post today the mum says she also had people question her choice to share such a personal image.

“No one told me the reality of the fourth trimester. I had no idea you could still look so pregnant even after giving birth. Everyone told me I was young, I would bounce straight back, and I believed them,” she wrote.

“I posted that photo because I wish someone had posted a photo just like mine when I was pregnant. I wish that someone had told me what realistically might happen to my body and to my mind.

“I want other mums also walking in my shoes to know that they're not alone.”

Want more celebrity, entertainment and lifestyle news? Follow Be on Facebook,Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram.