Navigating Body Image During Pregnancy

If you’ve ever stood in the mirror and thought, I don’t recognise myself—you’re not alone.

You don’t have to love every second.

There’s a lot of pressure to embrace every change with glowing gratitude. But you’re still human. It’s okay if you’re not in love with the stretch marks, the swelling, or the tired eyes. It’s okay if the clothes don’t fit and the compliments feel weird and the mirror feels like a stranger some days.

This isn’t about toxic positivity. This is about acknowledging the full experience—the beauty and the hard bits.

You’re allowed to take up space.

Pregnancy asks so much of you—physically, emotionally, spiritually. And as your body expands, so does everything else. You take up more space, and sometimes that feels uncomfortable in a world that teaches women to shrink.

But here’s the truth: you deserve to take up space.

This is why maternity photography matters.

Not just for the photos you’ll hang on your walls. But for the quiet moment when you see yourself and go, Oh wow… that’s me.

You. Powerful, soft, tired, glowing, cracked wide open with love. This is the season your body carried a new soul. That’s not something to hide—it’s something to honour.

You’re not alone.

Every mama I photograph brings something different to the session. Some come bursting with excitement. Others are holding anxiety or grief or stories they don’t know how to say out loud.

Wherever you’re at—I see you. And I’ll meet you there.

If you're unsure about being in front of the camera, know this: you are worth remembering exactly as you are, right now. Not the version you think you should be. The version you are today.

You are beautiful. Full stop.

With love,
Madison x