Postpartum Affirmation:
I give myself the grace to do what I can, when I can.
I choose to be present over perfect –
realizing that my presence has more influence than my perfection.
The morning after Zennon’s birth, we were all in a blissful bubble resting in bed together. Some visitors had come by the evening before and brought us food and well wishes, and then left for the weekend to give us space as a new family of 4.
When my friend, and fellow photographer, Alyssa of Alyssa Kellert Photo + Film arrived, our 2.5 year old was running around in his Wednesday undies. I was in my glorious mesh panties nursing Zennon, skin to skin, and my husband was making breakfast and fresh coffee.
Zenn’s birth was precipitous, as was his brother’s, and he had arrived unassisted at home in under 25 minutes. We both carried a little physical trauma away from it, him with his swollen face and head, and me with a second degree tear.
Sitting was extremely uncomfortable for me, and for about a week following his birth I moved my tender and raw body slowly and intentionally. (As much as possible with a 2.5 year old as well…) But we were well taken care of with home visits from Tanya and Kristi of Grow Midwifery!
These images that Alyssa documented really captured our first morning with Zennon so authentically. Slow, curious, blissful. Our older son was so enamoured by his baby brother, and inquisitive about everything. It was such a joy getting to know Zennon together.
Being that this was my third, and likely last postpartum experience, I felt like I knew what my mind and body needed. Rest, hydration, and nourishment were top priorities and I am eternally grateful to our family for their support in all areas. And asking for help was easier this time – I understood there was no shame in not being able to do it all. (A hard lesson learned after my second son.)
Every birth and postpartum experience is vastly different. I honour every sacred journey, and think every birthing person and family story is worth celebrating. Thank you for reading my story.
I will be forever grateful to Alyssa for capturing this magical morning for us, preserving these sweet sweet memories. Writing this 10 months later, I am reminded at just how quickly life changes.
The days are long and the years are short rings truer than ever as we approach this dude’s first birthday in a month and a half. What a ride it’s been.
If you’d like to explore more of Alyssa’s amazing work, you can check her out at: www.alyssakellert.com
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