Photo: The Life After Birth Project
Jillian Harrisis sharing one of her most intimate memories as a mom as part of a new collaboration aiming to bring awareness to the struggles — and precious moments — that come with life after giving birth.
The Bachelorettealum, 39, lent a photo taken just after the birth of her first child to theLife After Birth Project gallery, now open at 27 Greene St. in New York City.
In the snap, a topless Harris stands with her back to the camera beside her fiancéJustin Pasutto, who is holding their then-newborn sonLeo George, who’s now 3. Harris, who appears to be wearing postpartum mesh underwear, gazes lovingly at her family in the photo, which was taken in 2016.
“I look back at this picture and remember it being one of the best moments of my life,” she recalledin an accompanying caption. “I’ve never felt so content with my body, my relationship with Justin, and my life.”
Jillian Harris/Instagram
The same couldn’t quite be said for the birth of her daughterAnniein October 2018. In her message, Harris explained that delivery was significantly more difficult the second time around.
“Fast forward a few yearsand my pregnancy with Anniecouldn’t have been more different,” she said. “I had debilitating exhaustion, feelings of depression and a lack of interest in almost everything. I just wanted the pregnancy to be over.”
TheLove It or List It, Toohost shared that she did not experience postpartum depression or anxiety with either of her children, but she knows that parenthood is a series of ups and downs.
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Harris previously admitted to having feelings of depression during the first trimester of her pregnancy with Annie in April 2018, telling theTodayshow she felt exhausted, sick and unhappy in the early months.
“My pregnancy with Leo was a breeze. Women would say, ‘How do you feel?’ And I would say, ‘I feel wonderful!’ And they would say, ‘Oh my gosh, you’re so lucky.’ And I would think, ‘What’s the alternative?’ And now I know,” she said. “I was just so physically ill and my body felt like it was shutting down. Iwasn’t able to do anything I usually do.”
The three companies sought out submissions from women that depicted life postpartum, and selected snapshots from more than 250 women, including celebrities likeChristy Turlington BurnsandAmy Schumer.
source: people.com
