Australian mum, Elise Raquel, has shed some light on her postpartum experience.
The mum-of-three has felt all three pregnancies had left her in a different position, nonetheless, the sentiment was still the same.
Postpartum was her most raw and vulnerable state, which after the birth of her first child she found difficult to understand.
"With my first I was adamant I would just 'bounce back'. Everyone would say 'you're young, you'll loose the baby weight in no time'! But you know what, I didn't, I never have in fact."
"With each baby I've gained a few more kilos and a few more stretch marks."
Elise once felt when she had encompassed this postpartum 'state' there was a great need to cover up; she didn't want to view her body, so why would anyone else want to see her?
"It's taken me three babies, but I've finally realised this postpartum body isn't something to hide! I am beyond proud for what this body has given and sacrificed."
Following the birth of her youngest daughter, Willa, Elise requested a photo be taken just mere hours after the delivery: "I asked Bellever to take this photo, just hours after giving birth to Willa, in my rawest and most vulnerable state."
"I was in pain and I was overcome by a flood of emotions. Elated to have welcomed our beautiful girl and so empowered and proud of what my body and I had just done!"
Elise confided it was still a very strange feeling to look down upon her bump though her baby was in her arms, even the third time around.
"It's not easy to go home with a baby and still have to wear maternity clothes."
But the main reason she wanted the picture, was so the mum-of-three, could celebrate all that she had brought to the world and the incredible work her body went through to bring new life.
"I am NOT ashamed of my new stripes [...] 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!"
