Maggies’s maternity photoshoot made her feel empowered and helped her reconnect with her body during her pregnancy. Oftentimes, we only express the joys of pregnancy, but Maggie is honest and vulnerable in speaking about her pregnancy. It didn’t unfold in the way she had expected. She didn’t experience an overwhelming feeling of joy when she found out she was pregnant. She was in shock and needed time to process her new reality. Maggie experienced many symptoms of pregnancy that left her feeling out of control and disconnected from her body. As a dancer, this was a new feeling for her. Capturing this moment with maternity portraits is exactly what Maggie needed to feel in tune with her changing body.
A transformative and magical experience
"I met my husband on the first day of undergrad and we became fast friends. During our final year of college, he shared he had feelings for me and I told him I looked at him only as a close friend. We decided to give our friendship some space and after a year I contacted him because I missed him and who I was when I was with him. He said he wanted to reconnect too, but asked me to try one date first. I agreed, thinking it would be a fun dinner and then we could be friends again. He drove four hours to take me out to dinner and thirty minutes from my apartment his car caught on fire. He was okay, but the car was ruined. He ended up staying with me for a week and that was it! We have been together for eleven years and married for almost six. We always wanted to have a family, but we were unsure if we would carry our own. Becoming pregnant was a monumental decision for us and we are excited about this adventure!
For me, pregnancy was not anything like I imagined or planned it to be from the very beginning. Nonetheless, it has been a transformative and magical experience. My husband and I found out we were pregnant on our 5th wedding anniversary. I had imagined us being filled with hyper excitement, jumping up and down as you see in the movies. However, when I took the test I felt the need to sit in quiet reflection for hours. I was in shock with the enormity of it. I am a big planner and I thought it would take 6 months to a year to get pregnant. However, we got pregnant on our first try! I guess that's the first lesson of parenthood, nothing is going to go according to plan.
My husband and I agreed to take each pregnancy test together. We both worked during the day so we decided evening would be the best time, when we were calm after the day and ready for whatever news. However, after three inconclusive tests, I read that morning is the best time to take a test. I woke up at 5 am on our 5th wedding anniversary and couldn't resist. It was positive! I went back to bed and lay still until he woke up and I passed him the test. Another learning curve, even a faint line means you're positive!
There were many unexpected experiences about pregnancy. I got so sick. As a dancer, I have always felt very connected to my body. At first, pregnancy made me feel disconnected, my body was changing in ways I had no control over. I had expected my stomach to grow and I had read the books about what would happen, but the experience was very different. I had migraines, bloody noses, and my morning sickness lasted until week 35. As I progressed in my pregnancy I learned I needed to change my entire routine, I needed mindful time to connect with myself and my baby, I leaned on my mama friends heavily, and I had to embrace the discomfort as a transition period for something beautiful to come.
Pregnancy has taught me to give myself grace and given me permission to take ownership of my needs for the sake of our baby. The biggest joy of being pregnant is feeling our little one move!! It is so exciting. I love when other women connect with me and I am happy to have anyone touch my belly. It's amazing to wrap your head around another person growing inside of you. Pregnancy has brought us closer than ever through our long talks and ideas of who we want to be for our baby. We are more committed to sustainable living practices, I am thinking long-term, and I am taking ownership of life in new ways. I don't know if you are ever ready for life-changing moments, but I do trust my toolbox and embrace my future. I have a loving partner, a devoted family, and a strong community. I have a lot of love in my heart and I am smart. Whatever comes I trust my ability to navigate it. I am looking forward to being a student of my child and supporting their growth and experiences on our planet.
These pregnancy portraits were a gift from my mother. She shared it was something she wished she had captured and wanted to give me the opportunity. At first, I thought it might feel silly and I wasn't sure what to do with them when I had them. However, mother knows best. During our shoot, I found it empowering and an important part of celebrating this momentous occasion. I came out of the studio feeling like a new mom, strong in my maternity, and connected to my body. Ani made me feel so comfortable and let me tell you, standing naked in front of multiple fans during your last weeks of pregnancy feels incredible. These portraits made me feel beautiful during a time when I most often felt sick or uncomfortable. I want to share the realities of pregnancy with women, I believe there is so much we need to openly talk about to support one another. I look forward to having these portraits and remembering the transformation in all its glory and wonder."
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