Let’s kick off the week by taking a look at Motherhood Maternity’s latest campaign: Real Moms. Real Stories. Real Life. It may sound a little strange to say, “real moms”, because what is a fake mom? I’m talking no prosthetic bellies or models with kids they never met before. Our “models” are actually pregnant, the babies and kids belong to them, and we, as a company are influenced primarily by real women wearing our clothes.
To honor National Breastfeeding Month, we sat down with new families, friends, and co-workers – even a pregnant model (who has since given birth), to start a conversation on breastfeeding, pumping, and using formula.
These are their successes and struggles that begin and end with the boob.
I’ll start. The thing no one tells you is how connected your emotions are to nursing. Who knew breasts hold that much power? Okay, we all knew – but did you know that once your milk supply dwindles you feel tired – like first trimester, ran 9 miles, worked a double shift, haven’t slept in a week, hit by a train tired… Honestly, I think my body is trying to navigate its way back to before the baby was in the belly and it is on complete overdrive.
I also, selfishly (vainly), don’t want to gain weight. This is a topic that we all as smart, strong, worthy women try to glance right over. However, it is known that breastfeeding helps you lose weight or at the very least burn calories. I am ashamed to admit it, but I can already see myself stressing out about what I eat once my milk completely dries up. Being pregnant already is emotional, but the changes in your physical form can be shocking, even if you have done it before. I do not want to feel this way, but I do – and that’s okay.
I gained 60 pounds with my first daughter Val and did not lose it all by the time I was pregnant again with Roni. I did have Polyhydramnios the first time (excess of amniotic fluid) which caused some of the weight gain, but let’s be frank, it was the ice cream.
This past pregnancy I gained 40 pounds, but I have since lost 50, leaving me 10 above my pre-pregnant weight. I despise math, yet I can rattle these stats off effortlessly. This is where my underlying issues lie: My relationship with food and the numbers on the scale. I am working to work through caring so much. I have 2 daughters and I need to let it go. Give me some time and until then I will pump until I pump air. This is my truth.
Throughout the month and starting this Thursday the women featured in the images on this post (that’s me rocking our new All Boobs Are Good Boobs tee) will be telling their stories through episodic videos. Make sure you check them out! We also interviewed two women for our sister store, A Pea in the Pod. These are their stories:
I met Narelle when her daughter Frankie was 4 months old and I was 8 months pregnant. She was in our studio shooting for a real moms wear-to-work campaign. She has 3 children and is currently nursing 2 at the same time! She said the last thing she wants to do is pump at the end of the day after nursing 2 babies. She told us, “Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you; it’s exhausting. And to sit there and be hooked up to a machine is… well I gave up on it at some point.” This is her truth.
Lauren is a friend of one of our copywriters; she has a toddler and is pregnant now! At first, she was shy and self-conscious about breastfeeding in public. But juggling the covers and the wraps and the shawls became an ordeal for her. So, she decided feeding her baby without covering up was more natural and best for her and her son. One day at work, she was in the bathroom pumping when an electrician walked in. She was mortified; he was mortified. She will never pump in a public place again. This is her truth.
Make sure you head over the Motherhood.com on Thursday to watch the full video featuring these fabulous women discussing Breastfeeding: The Good, The Bad & The Bizarre.
Oh, and tell us your stories @motherhoodmaternity #mymomtruths
‘Til next time!
Daina
