Mum Posts Inspiring Post-Baby Body Instagram Selfie Encouraging Others To 'Embrace Imperfection' | HuffPost Life

'It bares the marks of my sweet babies.'

By

Life editor at HuffPost UK

A mum who had three children in four years has posted body positive selfies of her stomach to encourage other mothers to "embrace their imperfections".

Marissa Fearon, 27, from Canada, shared a transformation photo, showing how her body has changed but her stomach has stayed the same.

And that's okay.

"33 weeks separate these photos, eight months of sweating, cursing, jumping, squatting, lunging, stepping, pressing and just moving in general," she wrote on Instagram.

"I am a different person now, I am stronger, I am healthier, I am happier for my kids, I am embracing my imperfections."

Fearon, who shares her fitness journey on Instagram under 'Babies And Pushups' said it took her a long time to realise her stomach wouldn't be the same after giving birth to three kids.

"Realising that my stomach will never look like some of the girls that inspired me to start training has probably been the hardest part of this journey," she wrote on another selfie of her stomach.

"I still struggle with the fact that after three kids in four years it will never ever look the way sometimes I wish it would. I will always have loose skin.

"It will probably always be a 10 shades lighter because even though I am more comfortable in my own skin than I ever have been, I still get self conscious baring it for the world to see.

"It will always be marked.

"But it bares the marks of my sweet babies. My sweet babies that grew inside of it.

"I am proud of this stomach, even if it less than perfect. Perfect is boring anyways."

Those who follow Fearon's journey have called her an inspiration for mums.

"You truly are an inspiration Marissa," one mother wrote. "I had my second child in two years this week and I'm following your journey to encourage me to do the same."

Another commented: "You seriously look fabulous, thank you for motivating me to get off my arse and be proud of my body."

Pregnancy worries and words of comfort

I have no morning sickness! Is that bad news?(01 of10)

You might have read things about how morning sickness signifies a healthy level of pregnancy hormones – but not having morning sickness does not mean you're lacking! Although many women suffer with it (and 'suffer' really is the word), many other women do not. Some women have it one pregnancy, but not in another. Attend all your usual checks and count yourself as one of the lucky ones! (credit:Alamy )

I drank before I knew I was pregnant, I might have harmed the baby(02 of10)

This happens to many, many expectant mums, and it's unlikely to be a cause for concern at all. Mention it to your GP/midwife, and just keep off the booze now, until you can enjoy a celebratory glass of fizz when your bundle arrives. (credit:Alamy )

I'll lose the baby(03 of10)

It's estimated about one in five pregnancies ends in early miscarriage, and it's thought most of those occur simply because the foetus wasn't developing properly. It does happen, but don't let it rule your thoughts because the vast majority of pregnancies do succeed. Try not to worry and remember that once you're into the second trimester, the chances of miscarriage is dramatically reduced. (credit:Alamy )

My baby might not be 'perfect'(04 of10)

It's estimated that one in 16 babies in the UK is born with a birth defect – but this figure refers to all birth defects, and many are mild and can be treated. So it's likely your baby won't have a birth defect, and even if they do, they will be perfect in their own way – remember support is available for every eventuality. Take your folic acid and attend your antenatal screening appointments. (credit:Alamy )

I won't make it to the hospital on time(05 of10)

You might have read terrifying stories about pregnant women giving birth in car parks and taxis – but these stories make it to the news because they are extraordinary, in the literal sense of the word! It very rarely happens, and most women get plenty of warning that labour is beginning. So plan well, and all is very likely to be fine. (credit:Alamy )

I might have to have a c-section(06 of10)

If you do end up needing a c-section, you might feel disappointed – but believe us, in the moment the only thing you'll really care about is the safe delivery of your baby. It won't be the end of the world and you won't care a jot when your baby is in your arms. (credit:Alamy )

I won't be able to cope during labour(07 of10)

There is just no telling how labour will be for you, so don't worry about it now. Make your birth plan, discuss it with your partner and midwife, and go with the flow on the day (it's okay to change your mind!). There will be lots and lots of help and support at your disposal. Not to mention drugs, should you need them. (credit:Alamy )

Labour will humiliating (will I poo on the bed?!)(08 of10)

You've heard about that then? It can happen, but the doctors and midwives have seen it all – they have experienced every possible scenario. They won't be worrying about things like that, so neither should you. (credit:Alamy )

I don't know how to be a mum(09 of10)

No-one does until they become one! Every new mum feels like they're winging it in the early days. As your baby grows and you get to know them, you'll learn. Trust in the fact that just about every mother has gone through it… and survived. (credit:Alamy )

I'm worried about gaining all that weight(10 of10)

You will put on weight, yes – but it's normal and nothing to be afraid of! Much weight gain is actually down to the baby, the placenta, extra blood in your system and the retention of water. Pregnancy changes your body in myriad ways – just enjoy it, and let your body just do its thing at this special time. Remember, there's no need to 'eat for two'… but eat what you need and don't count calories. (credit:Alamy )

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