Even though gaining weight is a natural part of pregnancy, that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.

What IS easy is being misled by photos of beautiful women modeling maternity clothes or celebrities who seem to expand only in the belly.

The truth is, pregnancy weight gain looks different for everyone.

Some gain a lot, some gain a little, some feel it all over and some feel it is specific places.

For whatever reason, my body decides that it’s needs BOOTY and HIPS to carry a life. It’s like the minute I get that double pink line *boom* my body starts changing.

A lot of people warned me about the misery of being pregnant during the hot summer months, but so far, I’m finding it much more comfortable than my winter pregnancy. Primarily because I get to wear less clothing, loose comfy clothing and most importantly….maxi dresses.

Pregnant or not you can find me in a maxi dress most days. Call it a “signature style” or call it an extreme desire to be comfortable, I hope the trend never dies.

When Pink Blush Maternity asked me to try out a few of their pieces I couldn’t turn them down. Since I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy, I chose a few pieces that are pregnancy AND nursing friendly (dressing for breastfeeding takes more planning that I ever imagined). I love knowing that I can wear these dresses through the fall while I’m still in that awkward postpartum body phase and attempting to discreetly nurse a newborn all over town.

I love them both, but when I wear the coral dress (pictured above) I get SO many compliments. It’s almost comical. It does have a really flattering cut and makes me feel very feminine which is nice as my body feels more and more like that of a whale. 🙂

Looking back on this pregnancy, I’d say I struggled the most with my body image in the early days. Within the first few months my body changed in significant ways. That initial change was hard because there wasn’t much to show for it as far as a baby bump goes. As I got bigger and further along, I was able to embrace my changing body with more ease and acceptance.

When it comes to body image and pregnancy finding clothes that make me feel comfortable and beautiful really helps. For example, I bought a pair of super cute maternity cut-offs and have worn them exactly ONE time because they just don’t make me feel good and they ride up in all the wrong places.

It’s interesting to be at the end of this pregnancy, trying to embrace my body as it is right now and also preparing for yet another season of change that will soon begin.

I plan on sharing very openly and honestly about my postpartum journey because I am so passionate about us women coming together to share our REAL stories.

I may not have the same reach that US Magazine does when they talk about how celebrities magically “get their bodies back” within a few weeks but that won’t stop me from trying to spread an authentic message of grace, body acceptance, health, wellness and balance on my postpartum journey. I hope you’ll join me in this mission. Together we can make a change.

xo,