Celebrating "The Shape of a Mother"

The post-pregnancy body shouldn't be one of society's "biggest secrets."

That's the concept behind "The Shape of a Mother" website I recently came across that encourages women of all ages, shapes and sizes to share images of their bodies. As noted on the homepage, the site does contain nudity and is not considered safe for work.

I absolutely love the concept behind this site, started by a mom of two who wants her children to grow up with a "balanced view of what women look like." 

"... All we see of the female body is that which is airbrushed and perfect, and if we look any different, we hide it from the light of day in fear of being seen," she writes.

"That makes me want to cry. Sure we all talk about the sagging boobs and other parts, but no one ever sees them. Or if they do, it's in comical form, mocking the beauty that created and nourished our children."

Stories accompany many of the images submitted, as mothers explain how pregnancy changed both them and their bodies. 

"At times, it’s hard for me to see the beauty in a body that appears to have aged significantly in a few short months," writes a 22-year-old mom of a 4-month old.

Another mom writes that after she discovered the site, she started to see her own body in a new light, "to remember what it's like to look in a mirror and smile, and to feel confident once again."