Anyone who has given birth will know only too well that you are far from being ‘photo shoot-ready’ in the hours after. Between the exhaustion of labour to the changes in your body – not to mention getting used to having a little one to look after – your joy is tinged with a feeling that you’ve been through hell.
This is something that new mum Erica Andrews wanted to convey in her first ‘postpartum selfie’, which has made a huge impact on mothers all around the world.
Now viral, with over 30,000 shares and 155,000 likes, Erica’s picture gives a raw insight into what a new mum’s life and body can look like just hours after giving birth – adult nappies and all.
"This is what 24 hours postpartum looks like. Baby in sling. Skin to skin. Adult diapers. And a rosy glow. My body feels...
Posted by Sakura Bloom on Tuesday, January 19, 2016
“This is what 24 hours postpartum looks like. Baby in sling. Skin to skin. Adult diapers. And a rosy glow. My body feels like it ran a marathon and my heart is wide open from yesterday’s travels,” she wrote.
She also captured the mixed emotions that many new mums experience, adding: “The emptiness in my womb brings a heavy feeling crashing into reality, but then this new little life whimpers, searching for the breast with soft rooting, and I feel whole again.”
As you can imagine, the sincerity and openness of Erica’s post has touched hearts and minds around the world, and women have been praising her in the comment section.
We are sure you will agree that this is truly inspiring. We’re wishing Erica all the best with the exciting journey ahead.
