We adore a good self-portrait, and these breathtaking photographs demonstrating the variety and beauty of “stretches” are breathtaking. Stretch markings reveal a narrative. Although they are not unique to mothers, they have become synonymous with pregnancy and postpartum. Previously dreaded and concealed, they are now celebrated. extend marks are a physical reminder of the extraordinary ways in which our bodies change, develop, and literally extend to accommodate life. They represent the highest form of affection.

The following women are at the vanguard of a movement to normalize and celebrate all postpartum body types. These mothers are sharing their motherhood experiences online to empower other women and shatter the stereotype of what a woman “should” appear like, photo by photo. Equally gorgeous, their captions express their own thoughts and unvarnished emotions, revealing how their perceptions of and appreciation for their bodies have evolved.

Being a mother to two 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren is an extraordinary blessing, for which I appreciate my body daily. As I once again transition to motherhood, this time as a mother of two, thank you for allowing me to be present with my 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren and set aside my artistic pursuits. Illustrations by Morgan-Roberts

This week, I received the kindest remarks about how seeing me feel confident in my body, stretch marks and all, inspired other women to do the same. – Kam Explains Everything

I am a firm believer that the standard for how postpartum bodies should appear must be broken. After giving 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to Rhys, I had a difficult time embracing my appearance. I was covered in stretch marks on my midriff and quadriceps. Because of postpartum hair loss and incessant bundling, my hair was a frizzy disaster. No matter how much I exercised or how healthily I ate, I was unable to eliminate my excessive amount of sagging skin. I was so desperate for a change that I dyed my hair black with bottle dye. Heaven only knows what I was thinking.

Due to the state of my stomach, the 16-year-old version of myself would be horrified at the idea of sharing this image. I am now proud of my pregnancy marks and sagging skin. I have the privilege of witnessing the maturation of two extraordinary human beings that I’ve raised. Sure, I’ll attempt to lose some of this weight, resume exercise, and consume a healthy diet while snacking on junk food. This time, however, I do not mind revealing myself to you. – Raising Rhys

I recall taking this photograph and thinking that I would never post it online. Now, it is one of my fondest photos from my twins’ pregnancy. I observe the pandemonium of life with an infant. I see the story of growing three people on my extremely enormous midsection. I observe happiness on both of our features. I can still hear the music that was being played while we were dancing. In addition to the aroma of dinner preparing in the oven. I recall this moment with such clarity. A moment that I feared I would forget, preserved in time. – K. Bailey Kelly

Since I can remember, I’ve yearned to purchase smaller-sized clothing, including trousers, dresses, and crop tops. When I agreed to coach nearly three years ago, I was in such a mental abyss. Instead of tearing myself apart for what I wasn’t, I yearned for the sensation of being consumed with ALL of me. I never in my wildest fantasies envisaged that I would feel so accepting of my postpartum body as I do right now.

I am over 30 pounds heavier and have dozens of tiger ᵴtriƥes on my torso, but despite these extreme physical changes, I have never felt more confident. – Catherine Cote

These photographs were captured just hours before a woman gave 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 in order to illustrate the fortitude and power of the female body. – Prescila Furtado

My sons do not see the wounds from the two operations I underwent to assist them enter the world. In addition, they cannot see the stretch marks required to keep them safe within me. They observe their mother’s expanding stomach transforming into a basketball. As they observe their infant brother’s growing movements, they chuckle with delight. I dislike the scarring and stretch marks, but I am grateful to have given 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 to four 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥ren within three years. How astonishing is that? – Thérèse

Soucre: lahvns.com