Spit-up On My Shoulder

Thank you to Melissa Patrice Anderson for allowing me to post her beautiful essay of self-love. It originally appeared on Mother’s Day in the Sacramento Bee.

SHE LOVES HER POSTPARTUM BODY

by Melissa Patrice Anderson

The story of Anya’s pregnancy is written here. My belly button, new and different, remembers her relentless growth. The flesh apron at my waist traces the sanctuary my body created for her. My hips, widened by the months of pregnancy and the force of childbirth, reflect her passage into our lives. Anya marked my body. She left her shape inside me. My pregnancy has ended, but the story of this pregnancy is written here, an indelible mark, a tribute to the time we shared in this body. I love my postpartum body.

You may email Melissa at: melissapatrice@yahoo.com