MY STRETCH MARKS ARE TIGER STRIPES
Katie tang, 33, runs a restaurant with her husband Bon, 33, in Cambridge. they have a son called Kobe. she says:
BON and I have always been into exercise. In fact, I first told him I was pregnant in the gym.
We used to work out together with friends at lunchtime — I did my pregnancy test in the gym toilet. I came out, gave him a nod and joined him on the next step machine. We wanted to keep it a secret, as it was still early days. At the end of the day we gave each other a celebration hug.
Over the years, my relationship with my body has been up and down. I like my legs, but I always felt my tummy was a problem — I love sugary things. I’m quite short, at 5ft 2in, and have a big chest, so I made an effort to keep to a size 8.
When I was pregnant, it was a lovely change to see my tummy sticking out as a sign I was growing a baby.
Kobe’s birth was quick and natural, and I only needed a few stitches.
It was only when Bon could bottle-feed Kobe at about two- and- a- half months that I really looked at myself in the mirror.
I noticed how many stretch marks I had under my belly.
But I wasn’t upset. I remember another mum online describe them as tiger stripes, so I am proud of my stretch marks, too.
My body has become a bit more square, possibly from my ribs and abs opening to accommodate my bump. I now also have muscles in my arms from lifting Kobe so much. I want to get fit again to be a healthy mum.
Even over the past year, there’s been a shift in the way new mums think of themselves. On social media, I follow those who are honest about their bodies rather than the ones always posting postpartum fitness routines.
I thought Millie’s picture was wonderful. I loved seeing how she’s gone from big bump to an amazing little human being in her arms in under a year. Now Kobe is becoming so much fun and interactive, that’s how I feel. Some stretch marks are a small price to pay.