Christina Temitope, a native of New Jersey, delivered a heartfelt message to fellow mothers, encouraging them to embrace the changes their bodies undergo during pregnancy.
At 38 weeks pregnant with her first child, Christina Temitope Abiola found herself feeling somewhat discontented. Pregnancy had adorned her belly with numerous deep stretch marks, dampening her enthusiasm for capturing the moment. To assist other mothers facing a similar predicament, she shared her experience on social media.
“Insecurity can be a treacherous barrier that prevents us from reaching our true potential. When the time came for my maternity photoshoot, I was gripped with fear. In fact, I was so fearful that I postponed it until I was already 38 weeks pregnant! But time was slipping away, and I desired to preserve these precious memories,” she expressed candidly on Instagram.
Initially, Christina had even arranged for the photographer to digitally erase her stretch marks using Photoshop. However, upon reconsideration, she gained a fresh perspective.
“However, the edited images looked unnatural. That’s when I decided it wasn’t necessary. I have grappled with accepting these marks because I believed I was the only one facing such an excessive amount. My entire belly was adorned with them, leading me to question if I had done something wrong. I worried about their persistence after giving birth and how long it would take for them to fade. But thanks to the unwavering support and love from friends and family, I now feel secure. I prefer to call them beauty marks, for they represent the beautiful life I have brought into this world. Honestly, I would endure it all again for her,” she added.
Not surprisingly, the photoshoot turned out to be stunning. In fact, it went viral just before Abiola and her partner, Lamar Grant, joyously welcomed their baby girl, Aniyah, into their lives.
Aniyah Oluwanifemi Grant, Christina’s first child with her husband, was born on the 24th of October.
“Today, we bestowed a name upon our baby girl! Welcome, Aniyah Oluwanifemi Grant, to our family! The level of excitement we feel is indescribable. I have had the privilege of having a child with the man of my dreams – a man who loves me unconditionally, adores me, cares for me, and prioritizes our relationship,” she shared with immense joy.
Loving your body during the pre-and postpartum period isn’t always an easy task. However, as Christina rightfully stated, “We must evolve and adapt to new circumstances as intended by God. Motherhood was chosen for me by Him, and now is my time! I view this new journey as a divine blessing, adding to the multitude of purposes I already embody. I am a force to be reckoned with, and being a mother will not only transform my life but also enrich it with unimaginable wonders!”
These photographs convey a powerful message to mothers everywhere, particularly those struggling to love their postpartum bodies. The images have since gone viral, accompanied by an outpouring of hundreds of comments from women, filled with love and support.
