Emily Houlston, 19, became a mother to twin boys - Arthur and Finley - on Halloween 2017.
Five months after their birth, Emily shared a photo of her caesarean scar to her Instagram page alongside a candid post, which she gave New Idea permission to share.
"This quite a personal post but I am now 4 months postpartum and beginning to embrace what my body has become, I’ve housed two beautiful babies for 36 weeks and breastfed for 5 weeks," the mum wrote.
"My pregnancy wasn’t exactly an easy ride these boys wanted to come out early and I was hospitalised a few times because of dehydration and early contractions."
"Our bodies go through a lot, a lot of change and your body is put through an enormous amount and I am so proud of myself that I carried such beautiful children and gave them food, warmth and most importantly all the love that I never thought I had," the young mum, from the UK, went on.
"With a scar that I will have for the rest of my life is a tiny sacrifice for a lifetime of beautiful memories with my family.
"Your stretch marks DO NOT define you, your scar DOES NOT define you, your flab DOES NOT define you.
"You are incredible, you are a mother and you are the light of your babies’ eyes.
"I wanted to share this to show the reality of our bodies and that it’s okay not to be perfect because in their eyes you are exactly that."
Emily’s post resonated with mothers everywhere – with many saying they had struggled to come to terms with their own post-baby bodies.
"I’ve been having some mixed feelings towards my postpartum body, but you are right. And I hope I can take your positivity and confidence," one woman wrote.
"I *LOVE* this beautiful message! Congrats on your beautiful bundles, and huge props for sharing and empowering others. As a Mum of multiples myself - this message came right at a much-needed moment!" another commented.
"I was affected by how ppl think of me. But now, you just reminded me of how beautiful the scar and the stretchmarks are.
"Only brave women have them. And more than anything, it's a proof of unconditional love. Thank you," another shared.
We think this calls for a shout out to mums everywhere.
This article originally appeared on New Idea
