Post Pregnancy Breasts

I know you've already "closed out," but I wanted to share my opinion since you didn't get too many replies from people who've had implants. I started out with a very nice 34B/C, and after breastfeeding 3 kids was left with less than an A (and what was left was saggy, saggy, saggy). I debated, but finally chose the implant route. I didn't want porn star boobs, but just wanted to go back to what I had! Actually, I didn't even mind the size that much, it was the sagginess. When I went in for the consult, I asked the doctor if he could just do a lift without implants, but he said that doing a lift only would remove skin which would leave me even SMALLER. So, I went for the boobs. I got the second-smallest ones they had. I was going to go for the smallest, but he talked me into stepping up -- which in retrospect I kind of regret, as I am very short with a petite frame. My breasts now are virtually the same as they were before I had kids (with the exception of the scars from the lift, which are kind of a bummer). In any case, I am VERY glad I did this -- it really does make a difference in how I feel about how I look. In a perfect world, I guess I wouldn't be vain and it wouldn't matter, but oh well. Of all people, you would have thought I'd be the LAST one to do this -- I am a feminist and was always very adamant that women should love their bodies the way they are and that however a body ends up after pregnancy is perfect. Funny how life experience can soften our attitudes! I still strongly support every woman's choice, and would never judge anyone else's post-pregnancy body, but this was the right choice for me.

Whenever I hear a man criticize a woman's choice to do this, I think this: If every time a man's wife had a child his penis got smaller and saggier, you can bet your bottom dollar that not only would a surgery be invented FAST, but there would be absolutely NO stigma in getting one -- as a matter of fact, it would probably be covered by insurance!!! And you know I'm right :)

Good luck, whatever you choose!

I understand how you feel--I had a baby at 44 (my only) and my body just isn't the same. I was feeling bad, particularly about my breasts, which are fairly saggy. Someone else here mentioned the website, Shape of a Mother, which was helpful, but another site that made me feel better was 007b.com. It's mainly a pro-breastfeeding site, but it has a "body-image" section with a picture gallery of normal breasts. Just seeing all the different shapes and sizes made me feel so much better--it was a reality check. Most women don't have perfect, perky breasts like the ones we see in movies. I'm not saying you shouldn't try to change your body if you're truly unhappy with it. Just give it some time and think about how realistic your expectations are about how your body should look.

There ought to be an entire web site on this subject...
When I got pregnant my midwife told me not to worry (about my body) it would go 'back the way it was'. For the most part this was true except for my breasts. When I bought nursing bras I was told to buy my pre-pregnancy size but my breasts got too large for them! It sort of freaked me out-going from an 'A' to at least a C!? I breastfed my daughter for 11 months and my former 'A's' are basically nothing. Not only do I not need a bra, none fit me! So far I have refused to shop for one in the juniors section but I think I may have to.
Personally I would never get implants-too unnatural (not to mention expensive) nature has made me small on top and I can live with it happily. It just takes time to first realize, and then accept, the change.

I've had 3 kiddos(now 10, 6 and 5) and am looking to have a lift and possibly a small implant (to fill them out a bit). If you are done having children, I say do whatever makes you happy. We only have one go around in this life, so enjoy it! If you want enormous breasts, go for it! If you want to flaunt your streatch marks and rock a push up bra, you go girl! Don't let anyone tell you what is right or wrong...you do what works for you and your family, always! PS- I had a girlfriend that had hers done and they looked fantastic and her self confidence sky-rocketed! We joked that those "friends" that judged her for it were just jealous they didn't have the you know whats to do it themselves! ; )

I just read your post and thought I would leave a comment. I have 2 kids that I had back to back. Before pregnancy I was convinced I had the perfect boobs.... pirky, size 36B/C, and "cute" nipples. After having kids my breasts weren't as full as before (I hate the word saggy), I had some stretch marks, and my nipples had gone from quarters to pepperonis!!! So, I went to a consultation with a plastic surgeon recently. I have decided to get implants put in (no lift, I don't need it)thru my nipples, and when this is done they will reduce the size of my nipples to pre-preggo size. I will be going in at the beginning of the year, and can't wait. Long story short, my advise is this: Do what makes you feel good about yourself. Trust me- plastic surgery will. Don't worry about what others think, it's you that matters. And after 5 1/2 years since my youngest child was born I still hate the boobs I have. It didn't get better on it's own, no matter how much I "worked out the muscles" at the gym. Good luck!!

I had my second son 7 years ago. Sucked the "life" right out of my boobs. I fretted for the longest time. I wore seroiusly padded bras and uplifts which worked nicely. Still I was faced with reality in the bedroom when I took it all off. My husband is loving and supportive and amazingly loves little boobs (or so he says). Either way, I knew in my heart I didn't want anything artificial in me. I don't care if it's saline, it's still not meant to be in you.

Now at my mature age of 38 I can actually wear (sometimes) a tight cami shirt with no bra, I'm slowly learning to love the me I am, and you should too! Big boobs don't make you, you make you! But you already know that. Just love yourself. :)

I can relate...I was a B cup before pregnancy, but after my son weaned at 14 months I'm now an A cup. I'm not sure how long you nursed, but if your son weaned recently your breasts will plump back up in some time. My lactation consultant told me that it takes a while for the fat to move back into your breasts. So be patient...and as hard as it was for me to get fitted for that A cup, I'm really glad I did. My boobs look great now!

The way you feel about your body changes after pregnancy is completely normal. It takes time to adjust to such dramatic changes. Check out the website below. This website is amazing & really shows you proof that you are not alone, that what you are going through is normal & it might help you to take to first steps of loving your new & beautiful mama body. This body nourished your baby. It is something that you can feel proud about. The "normal" for your body is different because it housed & fed a baby. You can know all of this is your head, but it can take a lot longer to feel happy with your new body. Have patience with yourself, forgive yourself for your imperfections. And know that you are beautiful. One day you might find that you believe yourself when you tell yourself that you are beautiful :)

http://theshapeofamother.com/ Amazingly helpful website

Good Luck to you

Number one thing I recommend to women considering implants is are you finished having children? I do not recommend implants if you're planning on expanding your family for a couple of reasons: it's not a good idea to nurse with implants and your breasts will stretch even bigger with the implants and milk coming in the second time, so there would be even more damage to your skin (stretching etc). Go see a board certified doc that has a great reputation in your area. If you can come to Portland,ME I HIGHLY recommend Verne Weisberg, MD on St. John Street ###-###-####). I have been going to him for over 10 years for various "improvements" including implants. I recommend going over the muscle for implants, especially since it sounds like you have some breast tissue remaining, but he would be the best judge of that at your consultation. Getting implants was the best thing I ever did for myself and I've had them for 5 years. Good luck! S.

What to do with your old bras:

I recently had breast reduction surgery, and went from a DD to a C cup. I had about 10 really nice, high-quality bras in great shape that just didn't fit anymore. I posted them for free on Craigslist, and within minutes had people lining up for them. I was glad they went to someone who needed them but couldn't afford new bras.

I just found this web site and read your question. I nursed two children and like the others found it very rewarding to nurture my children. I would suggest exercise to help strength your muscles, it will do wonders for your sagging breast. Also someone mentioned to be sure and wear a bra for support at all times, this is very important. The stretch marks will get lighter, they also have cream you can use to lighten them. I also read recently that when you put your bra on to lean over, take each breast and pull to the middle to make sure your breasts are completely inside the cup. This not only makes your breast look nice but it makes your bra much more comfortable. Don't believe the old saying about your breasts sagging when you get old. Just keep the muscles tight with exercise and always giving them the support of a bra during the day and it won't happen. I'm 59 and my breast don't sag. Also you might consider giving your bras to a crisis pregnancy center. Most of the girls who go there are short on funds and would probably really appreciate having them. Enjoy your amazing little boy. They grow up so fast. My children are 28 and 24 and I have two grandsons, 9 and 7. Have a blessed day.

Are you finished having babies? If so and you want surgery, go for it. Some proceedures will make it imposible to breast feed (when they have to reposition the nipples). But I'd wait until I had finished child bearing. In the mean time go to a really good intimate apparel store and get fitted for the bra that will give you what you want without surgery. If you are in the Brookline/Newton area, I suggest Lady Grace in Brookline on Beacon street. They do a lot for women who are post mastectomy, so two deflated boobs will be a piece of cake.
Oh, and welcome to the Mamma Club, membership requirements are bean bag boobies and no waist!
Apu

this is late i know but you are so lucky. when i got pregnant the first time i out grew my bras in 2 weeks and kept going i think i ended up a 40 something and after the baby they never went back in size then with my second pregnancy they did not grow but after they also never shrank

Hello Mumma J
So let's just say I had the same reaction. I went from a 34B pre pregnancy to a 38D at the end of it all and after my second pregnancy I was about the same size. I look down at my "saggy maggies" and just sigh! I have even gone to such extremes to get a consult with a breast augmentation surgeon and had she not told me that I would be able to lift my little one for quite some time, I would have gone through with it, but put it off till my little one is a bit older. I hate my breasts! My hubby is great about it though and just tells me he loves me for who I am but when I lay down in bed on my back, I swear they touch the sides of the bed because they are just so floppy and it's just a bunch of loose skin, no bounce to them what so ever unless I have a nice supportive bra on! ha-ha. I will get implants some day and not because of anyone else but myself. I hate the way my breast look now and I don't for see myself going through life with these "flap jacks" yes, as you can see I have given my now deflated, sagging, stretched out breasts many nick names! :) If you really want a chance/difference, I would highly suggest getting a consult with a surgeon to see if it's right for you.
Good luck,
J.

I have no advice for you, but I do have LOTS of sympathy! I'm in the same boat.

I just want to add, as some other posters have said, try going out and getting some really good bras. My boobs were big before babies, enormous while nursing and now, after baby #2, quite large again but not the same "perky" shape. I went out and bought new bras that were really supportive and looked good under my clothes and I could not believe how much better I felt. I practically skipped out of the store. So yeah, if you want to have the surgery someday, go for it, but a more immediate "fix" is a lot easier and cheaper. (And I know I don't wear the bras even when naked, but feeling better about the way I look when dressed has made me more ok with the way I look naked). And while my husband has always been very supportive and loving, I do sometimes wonder what he thinks. But then I try to remind myself that this body has helped make my husband a father two times over, and if he has a problem with it, HE can try having a baby!

Chalk it up to another badge of motherhood!

Hi...I am 39 and just had my first child 4 months ago..I have had breast implants since 2002...Try going from a 34 strong C to a 36E...I was able to nurse just fine, and just barely stopped nursing last week. My boobs have returned to exactly the same size as I was before. Because my original implants were done to look very natural and have never stood up by themselves...they are pretty much the same. Although I will say after I am finished having kids I will have them redone and most likely lifted...So I say when you are done having kids go for it. :)

i agree with Joanna S
flaunt your stretch marks... they are your battle wounds!!!!
best
i

I completely understand. I went form a 34B to a 36E! After my son was weened my boobs were the same way small & deflated. I sucked it up and went to get fitted for a bra and to my surprise I was still a 34B "They were just a different shape". By the time my son turned 2 my chest was pretty much back to it's normal shape....Not quite as nice but not too deflated either!

I wish! I went from a lovely 36D to a 40H (I never knew there ever was such a size)! I hope to someday go down to a 36 D again, smaller would be even better. The backache is so not worth having with bigger boobs.
Plus with all the surgery out there, I wouldn't want to risk having someone screw up especially with all the ridiculous amount of money they want just to make you look better/feel better.

E. P.

I can totally relate to what you are saying. I went from a respectable C cup to now what I call deflated C cups. It is just horrible...I feel like an old lady with saggy breasts! I just want them firm again, but since my last child is now 8 and after three children I know that is impossible! I am scared about surgery but because I am slightly vain I cant take it! Would love to know what you decide to do!!I look find in a great push up bra!!!

I guess we should just learn to love our new bodies!!

Keep me posted.
E.

If you are thinking about getting implants, I would suggest to get them when you are sure that you are done having children. It is difficult to nurse with implants and your breasts will change so much with another pregnancy/while nursing.

I understand your pain! I went from a 32DD before pregnancy to incredibly huge (no bras anywhere fit properly but the woman joked it'd have been an L or M if they existed).

Post pregnancy/nursing they deflated almost as quickly as they had inflated leaving large empty sacs... and now I am in struggling to fill a 32C ~ big difference from what I was used to prior to pregnancy (2 babies later, so far i've gone down 1 size with each baby).

I also don't want to be huge, but I would like to be able to fill my pre-pregnancy bras and shirts again.

I'm OK with all of the rest of the changes to my body. I look better with hips :). I just really want "real" breasts again rather than deflated, stretched out sacs.

I had considered surgery but I want a lot more children, so I may consider it once I have had all of my children and am no longer fertile (would not want to give birth & not be able to nurse). I am also looking into how they effect breast cancer screenings. Taking care of your body is most important ~ you'll need to look into all of the pros and cons. (and if you don't want to go for surgery they make inserts you can put in your bras & swim suits)

Hi, I completely understand what you are saying! I was a nice round 36B before I had my son, then I breast fed for 4 months and when that glorious D cup was gone I was left with pretty much nothing. My skin hangs down and is so sad it actually melts out of the bottom of support bras so that didnt help much. I am pregnant again so they are looking much happier these days but after this one I'm not sure what to do I would love to get a reasonable boob job, just to fill them back out and lift them out, and a friend of mine had one recently from Dr. Connors in worcester that look wonderful! But the price...she paid 7 grand! She loves them, they look great, her recovery was fast and easy, but I just dont have that kind of money to be stuffing my bra with haha. I don't know, good luck though! I know I am not looking forward to going back to being saggy again!

i know this is over and closed out but i had to respond too! been there - done that and HATED my chest. i am taller and leaner and had 32Ds ( great gene's!!) - but yes after kids they deflated. i would not wear a bikini or barely let me husband see or even touch them. my friends called their own - like ketchup in a ziploc bag. ok not that bad but left me very self conscious and sad about them for the first time in my life. i got my body back each time after pregnancy but not the boobs! i am not a person who previously would have ever thought of plastic surgery either. knowing i was not having anymore kids ( have 3) along with my husbands encouragment i had implants 1.5 years ago - i call it the re-inflation b/c basically he just filled back up what was already there. one thing though - i didn;t see anyone mention how painful it was BUT i would do it again in a heartbeat! some i have heard have no pain others had a ton so i figured somewhere in the middle but i would rather recover from another c-section's pain. it was crazy - BUT with that said i would do it again - and i would recommend it to everyone. do it to make YOU happy again! good luck!

I am not post pregnancy yet, but I have been self consious about my breasts since I was 17 years old. Pre gregnancy I was a 30 H, and I am up to an L cup now. I have been dreaming of a reduction for years!!! I know this is a little bit opposite of your situation, but the end point is, go for it if you feel that surgery is right for you. Not every problem can be fixed by excersise and the right bra.

I will say however, if you plan on having more children, wait until you are finished!! I have been living with back pain for years, but I am afraid of anesthesia and I don't what to have 2 procedures when one will do the job. If you have your boobs done and then get pregnant again, your shape will change again as well and you may end up back where you started. I can't say I am enjoying the wait, but I really think that doing it once and doing it right is a healthier approach when it comes to elective surgery.

If you are finished having children, don't let any one else tell you what to do - do what is right for you (not your husband/relatives/friends). You have to live in your body, and if it isn't working our for you, there is no shame in making that change.

Good luck!

I totally feel for you, I thought about surgery too after three children, I barely fill an A cup :( but I have begun a new exercise regiment and I do feel better about myself, just 8 weeks in. I still may one day have the surgery, but for now, I'm happy with the changes I've seen through exercise. Best of luck, remember this decision should be yours, for you! M

You have to do what is right for you! Here is my story:

I have always been what you might call "overly gifted" in the boob department. Before my children I was a full DD - DDD. When I had my boys my breasts got huge, and did not go back down! By the time it was all said and done I was filling out a 38G, and they hung down almost to my bellie button! I got a breast reduction with a lift (no implants). It was the best thing I have ever done. For me the issue was pain, in my shoulders, back, and even head aches all caused by the weight of the breasts. Based on the differences between a simple implant and the surgery I had, I would not be afraid of recovery. It was a while before I could lift my children, but recovery was not that bad. Of coarse there are always risks with any procedure, so you have to be sure the benefits would out weigh the risks for you.

Like the others said, those stretch marks are your badge... but I know they are daunting. They will fade with time though, I promise, and please please don't go through surgery! Surgery is a big big deal and we make too light of it in our society.

Some upper body strength development can do a lot for lift. Work yourself up to doing military pushups... really! Start with pushups on your knees, and only one or two if that is all you can do, then do a few more, then up to your toes. If you do it everyday or at least every other day, within a few months you'll build the muscles above your breasts and lift them (and you will feel a lot better yourself).
If you are already the muscle beach momma, then my last suggestion is to get the right bra. It is amazing what the *right* bra can do for the ladies. My favorite place ever is Lady Grace... they are online, but there is even a store on Beacon Street, Coolidge Corner, Brookline. Don't be daunted by the old-lady appearance, these women know their stuff and they'll find the right bra for you to make you look like you had the surgery (I think they even carry those gel thingies!). Ask for Simone, she's the nicest.

I know this is very late but I too was very deflated after having 2 babies and I had always previously considered having implants from not really having any breast to begin with. Anyway, I got silicone breast implants in April and it was a great decision for me - they have been great I only got 300cc which made me a large B since I was basically starting out with nothing - it has made it so much easier to shop for shirts, swimsuits ect. The surgery was no big deal - I went in at 7am and was going home by 9am - the sugery I think was only like 30 minutes and you are not asleep for long at all. Anyway, don't let people tell you that you shouldn't do it because they don't know what it is like to not have breasts - I considerate it corrective surgery. Anyway, just wanted you to know that the surgery really was no big deal and it is something that I made a big deal out of for years and I should have done it along time ago.

Awww, don't feel you have to have major surgery!

Wear those stretch marks, sister! They're a badge of honor!

(I'll tell you the truth, I'd gnaw off my own leg and sell it to a hobo if I could get little boobies *paranoid expression*)

I, too, was shocked at how much they changed. Went from 34B to A. I don't know your situation, but I nursed my son for about the first year. So at the very least, I'm proud of what they helped accomplish! And with a good underwire bra, no one else can really tell the difference.
Good luck!

Can I ever relate! I went from 34B or 36B to huge! Those bras are long gone (our son is now 11) so I don't remember the size but they were WAY bigger than large grapefruits at their height. More like canteloupe!

In good underwire bras, I look fine these days. But when it's nightime, I think of the old "Do your ears hang low..." song from my childhood with a few changes..."Do-oo your-rr BOOBS hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie 'em in a knot, can you tie 'em in a bow? Can you throw them over your shoulder like a continental soldier? Do your boobs hang low?!"

Just remember the grass may be always greener on the other side. I just had a friend who had a breast reduction because it has caused years of back pain and feeling self-conscious on the other end of the bra spectrum. I'm currently a 36DD and would die for smaller breasts that others have. Some of it is due to weight gain but not all.

Do what you feel best doing. But it is very expensive and you need to ask yourself if it's really worth it. For some it is, for others it's not. The stretch marks WILL fade through time.

Funny that you should ask this question! I am actually going in for Surgery on Wednesday, 1) to replace an existing implant that is 22 years old 2) to get a little "lift" as well. I have (1) implant as I really only developed on one side, so at age 18, I had my left breast was a large C and my right breast was a small A. They were different sizes AND shapes, so I had the augmentation on one and reconstruction (lift) on the other.

I have recently noticed that the implant side is looking a lot smaller, hence the reason to replace it. The first thing that the doctor asked me was, "Are you going to have any more kids?" If you are planning on having more kids, most everyone (including doctors) would suggest that you wait until you are done having them.

As for being afraid of the surgery, I will admit that 22 years ago... it hurt like hell. I had the implant over the muscle, but the stretching to put the implant killed. I was laid up for 4 days. 2 years later when I had the reconstruction, I was at a party the following day with out ever taking (1) pain killer. Also, the surgery it self has changed so much now too!

I just hope that it wont be that bad on Wednesday!

Good luck

You are not alone, sister! My boobs went from C to E cups during pregancy alone. They got so huge after my milk came in, it was like carrying around bowling balls in my shirt. I just weaned my 14 mo. old & now they look like long, stretched out tube socks with an inch or two of dirt in them swinging back & forth when I bend over naked. I won't even get started on how they look when I'm laying down! You're not alone by any means! BUT, I wouldn't trade perky boobs for the experience of feeding my baby for anything in the world, and I have no desire to go under the knife either, so I just get good bras and try to make the best of it. At most, I've thought of getting a lift and a reduction, but I'm too much of a wuss. My C-Section was bad enough. And, I've got a scar from an appendectomy too. Anymore surgical scars and I'm scared I'll start to look like Frankenstein's Bride.

Good luck coming to terms and/or finding a solution!

R.

Same thing happened to me, although I didn't go to quite a DD. I have to say that I did not fit into my B bra last year (the culprit of this breast rise and fall is now 5), but now I do again. You have to remember that your body produced an amazing being. Whatever happened to your body happened because it had to adjust to this life you were bringing into the world. My advice, don't change yourself. You are young. Let your body do what it is going to do. Make yourself happy in all parts of your life and the size of your breasts will not matter one little bit. When you feel that you are not "normal" look into the eyes of that 14 month old amazing little boy and thank God that you were able to bring him into your life. He doesn't care what your boobs look like!!!!

Well look at it this way... At least your are not humungus and saggy LOL I went from a 36C to a 42F! I can only buy mine at Fredericks and they are 24 on sale.. I wish mine werent so big... I had another baby 6 months ago and they got smaller! then came back! grrr. LOL but now they are worse that before. I keep all my old bras in my drawer LOL

Hi! I hear ya sister!! I am in the same boat as you. I went from having a normal set of size B, to huge ones while nursing and now unfortunately I am an A, actually I had to buy a bra that was a N/A (nearly A). I almost cried in the dressing room. I have had two kids and was thinking about a third, but I think my boobs will be al but gone after that, so I have decided to stick with just two. I have thought very seriously about getting implants by the time I am forty. It is not vanity, just for self-esteem. It is a personal decision and if it is going to make you feel better than go for it!!! I keep joking that my daughter will be able to use my bras as her training bras when she is a teenager!! K.:)

I know you already had plenty of responses but I feel your pain. I have three children and after each child (nursing) I got smaller and smaller. By the time I was done nursing my third child my chest was just a bunch of sagging skin. I wouldn't even show my husband for 4 months. Then after serious talking to my husband we decided on implants. I to was scared to death of surgery and going under but it was nothing and I'm very happy. I'm a 34 C now and it just fills in all the lose skin and looks soooo natural. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I've had my implants for 7 months now. Good luck and hope this helps!
C.

I would suggest doing some exercises to firm up the muscle underneath the breasts. Mine are definitely smaller and saggier than they were pre-baby but I've noticed that since doing some exercises they are a bit higher, at least. Firming up in general will make you feel better. Get a tan on your chest too, even if it's fake with the tanning lotions. It made me feel better!

Also - wear a bra as much as possible. As tempting as it may be to get comfy and take it off around the house, it'll just make the sagginess worse. Supportive bras for day and night also make a big difference, as others have said.

Anything you want to get rid of but not throw it away... Check out earth911.com. Just enter what you have - bras and location. Good luck;)

My question is this....how long did everyone breastfeed that say they have sagging breasts? My son is 10 months and my breasts seem to be back to their "normal" pre-prego size but no sagging. I hope they stay this way. I am planning to breastfeed until he is one.

Here's the way this little breasted momma looks at it... you can always fake having bigger boobs, you can't do the opposite. My husband and I joke about me getting implants, but neither of us is serious. My little (now) A cups nourished and nurtured my son for 11 months, and that, after all, is their intended purpose. I try to look at the positives... they never get in the way, small shirts always fit, they don't cause back issues... and padded bras make them look great! Even sports bras have cup molds, so I don't look completely flat when I go to the gym. Of course, you can and will do what's best for you and your self confidence, but surgical implants sure are more expensive than a few good bras!
Goodluck!

Oh I definitely feel the same way about my breasts now! They went from perky 32Bs to giant 32DDs to sad, deflated, SQUISHY, strech marked, "old lady" boobs. I can't stand it! I wear the Victoria's Secret Miracle Bra, which provides truly miraculous lift and shape. They also make Miracle Bra bathing suits. The thing is that I never want to take the bra off when i am intimate with my husband...or ever really because I hate the way my breasts look and feel. Soooo, my advice is: if you can afford it go for the surgery!!! Just remember to do your research and find a great surgeon. Believe me, if I had the money I would do it in a heart beat!! Some people will say that breasts are not sexual objects, blahblahblah, but the truth is post-baby breasts change the way clothes drape on you and they are downright uncomfortable. I completely understand your desire to just look normal again! Good luck!

I see there is a bunch of advice, but without reading through them all to see if someone else recommended this... there is an awesome website out there called theshapeofamother.com. Women post photos of themselves before, during and after pregnancy, there is a blog and more. Check it out. You'll "see" you aren't alone. It is refreshing to know what real women look like instead of all the doctored photos in magazines.