Cherry | Art of Motherhood

I launched the ‘Art of Motherhood’ Campaign with the mission to empower and inspire confidence in women by showcasing their true self, strength, beauty and to celebrate their pregnancy with a Maternity Body & Soul photoshoot. I want to help shift perspectives about pregnancy and show that EVERY pregnant body is exquisite… EVERY body is a work of art. But most importantly, no two pregnancies are the same, and there is so much diversity in how we all experience pregnancy, from how we feel, to how we look - the transformation we go through emotionally, mentally and physically. This season is worth documenting and celebrating.

So I’d love for you to follow along, read the stories of these incredible women and be inspired.

Meet Cherry

Cherry came in for her Body & Soul photoshoot to celebrate her twin pregnancy. This blog was written after Cherry’s boys Arlo and Finn were born.

“Pregnancy (and motherhood) is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. Unfortunately, it is also the hardest gift to receive for some.

My partner and myself underwent ICSI (a slightly more complex for of IVF) as I have stage 4 Endomotrosis and a history of infertility.

We were incredibly lucky to become pregnant 1st transfer with our identical twins, Arlo and Finn.

My pregnancy was filled with complications leading to an extended period of bedrest. But rest I did as I knew the health of my babies came before anything else.

Now, looking back 10 month on, it is all a blur and the pain and anxiety of it all has faded as I have received the only gift I have ever wanted.”

On if she felt supported during her pregnancy, Cherry says “Pregnancy was tough. I am not going to lie. The leadup to pregnancy was especially tough. My partner was not allowed to be present at the transfer of the fertilised egg, so basically wasn't there for conception (we laugh about it now but it was hard).

Waiting for the phone call for results of the pregnancy test was hard. It felt like weeks passed in a matter of 2 days that we had to wait. I still remember that feeling of absolute disbelief and numbness nearly when were told it was positive. That feeling stayed with me for a long period. I was always hopeful but I think mentally I was in such shock that I may actually get to have my babies.

I was diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum, so was sick mostly all day.

Early on I had a very large bleed and was rushed to hospital with a haematoma. Covid restrictions meant my partner Brad was not allowed into emergency and we separately crying our hearts out, thinking the worst. Finally the ultrasound confirmed the boys were both safe, there little hearts beating away perfectly. I couldn't even breath through tears to tell him it was ok over the phone.

During my pregnancy I had great support from my family and friends. Visits, presents, messages etc but no one overstepped and didn't give me space when I needed it. My partner is incredible, and now he is an incredible father too.

The medical system as a whole were generally good though Covid made everything very difficult. I don't agree with how I was treated in some regards but I don't hold a grudge. It was a hard and uncertain world for everyone.”

Cherry’s form of self care during her pregnancy was to rest, nap when needed, drink plenty of water and not to over commit to anything or anyone.

A little about Cherry’s birth story:

“As I went into labour early, medically there were a few things that needed to happen for the health of my babies and myself. Those were fulfilled with Brad and my consent and understanding. I felt like I had power in my birth and postpartum wishes were respected.

We got to know the team that delivered and cared for us in the special care nursery for 2 weeks, I have love and respect for those individuals.”

In describing her photoshoot experience Cherry says “It was 10/10.” In the lead up Cherry felt nervous but comfortable within herself. After her photoshoot she felt “empowered and beautiful. This was a once in a lifetime experience for me.”

For anyone considering a Body & Soul Maternity photoshoot Cherry’s advice is “Do it! What do you have to lose?”

Cherry, thanks for sharing about your journey and experience, enjoy your beautiful family!

Interested in your own Maternity Body & Soul Boudoir photoshoot experience? Get in touch here.