“I didn’t plan a c-section. I didn’t want a c-section… but my body didn’t fail”

Powerful photographs of a mom who has been by means of a number of surgical procedures for aggressive endometriosis and three c-sections to carry her treasured bubs in her arms are delivering an necessary message to all ladies who’ve walked an analogous path.

US photographer Natalie McCain photographed and interviewed mum Jacqueline for her Honest Body Project, within the hope that it could encourage mums who really feel they’re in some way lower than as a result of they missed out on a vaginal delivery that their physique has simply accomplished one thing miraculous.

“Your body didn’t fail”

Natalie first photographed Jacqueline in 2015 and has simply printed the newest photographs she has taken of the mum-of-three after her third c-section along with her new child bub.

“These were taken the night before her staples were removed. Her body didn’t fail. Your body didn’t fail. I hope these images touch the hearts of those who struggle after giving birth via c-section,” writes Natalie on her web site.

Natalie, a mum of two herself, was moved by how Jacqueline celebrated her scars and didn’t view them as a mark of failure, one thing that many different mums she has met categorical feeling.

Jacqueline, whose children are aged 2, 1 and fewer than per week previous, shares her story under. 

Diagnosed with aggressive endometriosis

“When I was 24, doctors found that my left ovary was extremely enlarged. This led to months of tests, doctors, oncologists and surgery. I have a family history of ovarian cancer and they couldn’t tell exactly what it was, or why it was growing so fast. My surgery ruled out cancer and I was diagnosed with aggressive endometriosis. I have a scar from my belly button to my pelvic bone, one less tube and ovary, and what tissue the doctors couldn’t get out.” 

“We decided to beat the clock and try for kids”

“My boyfriend (now husband) and I were told that if we planned kids it might be hard, if at all possible, and with as advanced as my endometriosis was, I may be faced with losing my other ovary or need a hysterectomy one day. A year later, and just before my wedding we decided to beat the clock and try for kids. We decided on four kids, as the endometriosis is there like a ticking time bomb, and I don’t want to have any regrets.”

A 4 yr journey to motherhood

“It took 4 years to get our oldest daughter, and after five days in labor we wound up with a c-section. I hear a lot of talk from other moms about wishing our bodies didn’t fail. How a “traditional” delivery would have been higher, and questioning how we wound up right here. I can inform you I didn’t plan on a c-section. I didn’t desire a c-section… however my physique didn’t fail.”

Where two scars meet

“This body that has seen surgeries, tumors, three c-sections, and incredible loss didn’t fail me one bit. My baby is alive, I’m alive, and no scar or procedure will take that away from me. The scar that almost determined my future, dead ends at the scar that gave me my future.”

A mum and photographer on a mission

Jacqueline isn’t the one unbelievable mum that Natalie McCain has photographed. In truth, it’s a common gig for Natalie, who began the Honest Body Project to assist ladies study to like and have fun their our bodies after childbirth.

“I photograph these amazing women, and have them write to me to tell me their stories. I ask them to speak from the heart, no limitations. The raw stories they provide are the backbone of this project. The portraits show their joy, their beauty, their imperfections, and their love for their children. Paired with their stories, it paints a beautiful, honest picture of motherhood,” she writes.

You can view extra of her highly effective work on her web site or buy her guide, The Honest Body Project: Real Stories and Untouched Portraits of Women & Motherhood on Amazon.

These photographs and interview have been republished with permission. 

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