A young mum has opened up on her Instagram account about the struggles of adapting to motherhood.
Alexandra Kilmurray, from Florida, shared the admission alongside a photo of herself in a cropped top next to her 5-month-old son Anthony. Her stretch marks are clearly visible in the photo.
She said: "Well, I know a lot of you guys are probably thinking 'why would she post this picture', but, it took me 18 months to get here, 18 months to not cry when I look in the mirror, 18 months to finally feel beautiful in my own skin again!
"No one warns you about the dark sides of motherhood and pregnancy... no one gives you a heads up on how much you change physically and mentally after you become a mother. It's been a long and hard postpartum ride for me.. 18 months after my first son and 5 months after my second son I feel like I can finally see the light and it genuinely feels amazing.
"Cheers to you mamas who are battling postpartum depression and still getting up everyday for your children! Cheers to you mamas who still cry about the marks on your skin from birthing your perfect babies! Cheer to motherhood, cheers to knowing that this too shall pass! And things will get better."
The mum-of-two's post has received over 180 comments praising her bravery and honesty, and has inspired many others to share their own stories. Mrskatl said: "After 4 babies my tummy looks like a deflated tyre. 2 X C sections and 2 x natural. And you know what if I didn't have this mummy tummy I wouldn't of laughed nor loved so much over the past 35 years. And now my little granddaughter nestles on nannys funny tummy and loves it there."
Mr.silva777 said: "Females should never feel bad about the scars. Scars are there to remind us what we did..."
H3ndee said: "Our mummy tummies mirror each other. I have thought about a tummy tuck a thousand times but it took years of overcoming low self esteem learning a new role in life. 13 years and 3 beautiful children for all of those silver branches to grow. Each one I earned as did you what a lovely family you have mamma. ❤️ beautiful lady and perfectly imperfect. Xx"
Alexandra's husband, Bryan, shared the photo on his Facebook page with the caption: "I am so proud to say that you are my wife. Your courage inspires me as I'm sure it does many others. I've never felt what you felt or physically been through what you have been through.
"I have however watched you stand tall and be the most amazing mother to our boys. I have seen you do the impossible and survive the unimaginable. I love you dearly. God put a little extra in the mold when he made you."
The two married just over a month ago, and have two sons, Bryan and Anthony, together.
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