Here’s a special shout out to all the mommas with stretch marks/tiger stripes/maternal stripes!

I’m not going to lie. I was heartbroken when my first lines appeared 28 weeks into my pregnancy. I hid them for years! I have been self-conscious about it and was scared about what other people would think. Oh and that person who pretended to rub my tummy and said to me, “Erase! Erase!”, DID NOT help with my insecurities either. Nor did that friend who said to me at the beach one time, “Yuck, ayoko magka stretch marks!” (True story!) 😥

Fast forward to today… There is a sense of confidence and calm that comes with being in your 40s. It took me twenty years to accept my stretch marks. I’ve come to realize that I have nothing to be embarrassed about. They may not be pretty (even ugly or disgusting to some) but these stripes are proof of my amazing journey into motherhood. Any judgement passed by another person is not my issue, it’s theirs.

This Mother’s Day, I’m thankful for this body that was strong enough to carry a healthy baby girl to full term. I carried my Mikaela for nine whole months and gave birth to her. I have earned every single mom stripe you see here including the c-section scar below them.

Just like other moms who showed their stripes before me, what I hope to accomplish is for other mothers to see that they are not alone and that their bodies are beautiful. Maybe the next time you look in the mirror,  you won’t see those stretch marks as flaws or as unattractive… own them, babe, because you’ve earned them.

Your body will never be the same —Yes. But that’s okay. Everyone has scars (physical or emotional). I hope someday you’ll learn to embrace, love and accept yours.

Happy Mother’s Day to all moms — the true warriors and miracle workers who grew beautiful babies in their just as beautiful bodies.

Have you ever been on the receiving end of nasty comments or any type of body shaming?  How did you deal with it?

Would love to hear from you! Let me know in the comments.