Dear Postpartum Body—Despite Everything, I Still Love You

“Dear Postpartum Body,

I’m sorry I tuck you into high-waisted leggings so no one sees the excess skin that held my beautiful babies.

I’m sorry I feel like you’re not good enough to be looked at, let alone touched, by your husband.

I’m sorry I take for granted the things you do for me, the way you carry me, the way you carried my babies and the food you supplied for both of them.

I’m sorry for hating the way my hips grew in order to bring two children into this world.

I’m sorry for not speaking kinder to you and getting frustrated when I think you let me down.

Postpartum body, I’m sorry for a lot of things.

But, despite everything, I still love you.

I love that you carried two healthy babies.

I love that you pushed me through labor and delivery.

I love that you provide comfort for cuddles.

I love that you pick me up on days I have no energy.

I love that no matter what gets thrown your way, you keep going.

Postpartum body, I love you.

Every piece of loose skin, cellulite, stretch mark and fat.

Because you, you gave them life and you gave me them.”

This story was submitted to Love What Matters by Kelsey Willey from St. Louis, MO. You can follow her journey on Instagram and her website. Submit your own story here, and be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.

Read more from Kelsey here:

‘The way you look at me, with those big blue eyes, I just know we already have a bond that will never be broken.’: Mom pens touching open letter to newborn daughter

Dear 20-Year-Old Me, If Only You Could See What’s Waiting For You

Read more stories like this here:

The Time Has Come To Normalize The Mom Bod

We Talk A Lot About The Postpartum Body—But There’s Something Missing From The Conversation

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