Image of mum's postpartum body 19 years later is incredibly powerful

A Chicago mother-of-two has posted an inspiring photo of her postpartum body online.

Sabrina Ewell gained weight with each of her pregnancies and went on to suffer with body image issues following the birth of her sons.

But after years of learning to embrace her body, the yoga instructor has finally found the confidence she was craving through self-love.

And now she wants to help others who are suffering with a low self-esteem.

Taking to Instagram, the mum-of-two uploaded a powerful image of her midsection – 19 years after giving birth – visibly shows the marks left behind by the trials of motherhood.  

Sharing the post with her followers, Sabrina wrote: “I thought this was baggage for so many years.”

“Contemplated tummy tucks numerous times. Had people give me home remedies to ‘fix’ it that never worked.”

 

Deep breath… So this is me… in all my 19 year postpartum glory… I thought this was baggage for so many years. Contemplated tummy tucks numerous times. Had people give me home remedies to "fix" it that never worked. Felt ashamed because I didn't look like societal norms… But I've been on a journey of self-discovery for the last 2 years, and the universe has lined me up with thoughts, circumstances, and people that have allowed me to connect with my authentic self. I no longer look to societal norms to define who the fuck I am. I am unapologetically me in my bikinis as I do handstands on the beach because I'm the shit. Fuck your photoshopped imagery because your bullshit no longer applies to me. #Repost @expressionsuntold___ with @repostapp ・・・ Why be ashamed? A life grew inside of you that gives humanity hope of change. You felt things that I as a man will never understand. Even when you first held your baby girl or boy it was nothing similar to when they lay in their father's hands. Your body changed and so did you. It became a look into the past of what you went through. You grew mentally and emotionally and your spirit was taken to places you didn't think it would ever go. Your breasts may sit differently. Your ass may not be as thick as it once was. But why should it be when you gave so much of yourself to help all of us. A sacrifice of sorts if you choose to see it that way. But to me your body now is exactly how it's supposed to be. So don't be ashamed. Don't hide your changes from the world that you and your sisters helped create. Be proud of your story. Be proud of your lines. Be proud of who you've chosen to be.. . . Muse: @sereneradianceyoga Photo by @expressionsuntold___ #sereneradianceyoga #blackgirlmagic #notashamed #motherhood #stretchmarks #society #selfhatred #selflove #blessed #tigerstripes #badgeofhonor #postpartum #postpartumbody #pregnancy

A post shared by Serene Radiance Yoga (@sereneradianceyoga) on Mar 30, 2017 at 5:30am PDT

Photographer Aaron Turner captured the image following a photoshoot with the yoga teacher, and posted it to his own Instagram with an inspiring caption.

"Your body changed and so did you. It became a look into the past of what you went through. You grew mentally and emotionally and your spirit was taken to places you didn't think it would ever go."

Applauding the sacrifice women make during pregnancy, the photographer urged women to be proud of their story.

“Why be ashamed? A life grew inside of you that gives humanity hope of change.”

We have to say, we're totally with Aaron on this one.