Ashley Graham is one of the most relatable models and public figures out there. After becoming the first-ever plus-size model to be featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated, she has made it her mission to spread the body positivity message. And since Graham is keeping it real in every aspect of her life, she also held nothing back throughout her pregnancies, showing what it really takes to be a mom.
Being a mom to a boy and 2 twins, Graham is spreading a message that every mom has a right to choose whether breastfeeding is right for them, regardless of society’s expectations.
In a recent interview, Graham got candid about the consequences of being pregnant that every woman goes through but prefers to not be too vocal about. The model said she also considered keeping some things to herself, admitting, “Especially with how your body is changing when you’re pregnant, and stretchmarks, and the saggy skin, formula, breastfeeding. Cause there’s also this whole thing with people telling you how to feed your child.”
Ashley proceeded to explain her experience with breastfeeding: “With my first kid, I was like, ’I can only breastfeed! This is the right way!’ Then I had the twins, and I was like, ’I’m not doing this. This is not working here. Both of you want both of these? This is a lot of work.’ So I stopped breastfeeding when they were 5 months, and I gave them the best formula that I could find… And these little guys are so strong and so happy.”
Ultimately, Graham believes it’s up to every mom to decide between formula or breastfeeding based on their personal experience. She drove her point home, saying, “I don’t think we should be telling people how we should be feeding our kids.”
The model then became even more relatable, sharing her physical struggles after giving birth. She said, “Your body just fills up with nutrition, and the baby sucks it out of you. And then the baby comes out and all of a sudden you’re just fully depleted of everything, so your hair falls out, you get acne, I mean, the weight doesn’t come off.”
Graham explained her candidness, saying, “I like to represent myself as someone who’s just happy with who I am. And I had a journey, like, it is a journey, body confidence, being okay with who you are is a journey… I don’t ever want to lie.” And we’re all grateful for the model sharing her experiences with us, as it makes mothers around the world feel seen and heard.
Preview photo credit ashleygraham / Instagram, ashleygraham / Instagram
Pregnant and Forced to Kneel on a Flight, The Shocking Reason Why
Kayla, still grieving her grandmother, was headed home after the funeral, unaware of the chaos that awaited her during the flight. Mistaken for someone else, she had to rely on her instincts to get through the unexpected trouble.
Feeling drained from the funeral and her pregnancy, Kayla just wanted to be in her own bed. The emotional farewell to her grandmother, who had always supported her, weighed heavily on her.
While packing, her mother expressed concern about her leaving so soon. Kayla reassured her that she needed to return to work and her husband, Colin, who struggled without her. Her parents planned to stay a few more days to sort out her grandmother’s affairs, but Kayla wished her grandmother could have met her unborn baby.
Navigating the busy airport, Kayla hated flying, but it was preferable to a long drive. After boarding, she settled in, eager for the journey home. As the flight took off, Kayla sensed someone staring at her. A man a few rows back caught her eye, making her uneasy, but she dismissed it as someone judging her for traveling while pregnant.
Moments into the flight, a stern flight attendant approached her and asked her to follow her to the back. Confused, Kayla complied. Suddenly, the attendant ordered her to kneel, and the man who had been watching her approached, accusing her of theft.
Kayla insisted she hadn’t stolen anything and was returning from her grandmother’s funeral. The man showed her pictures of a woman who looked like her but had distinct tattoos that Kayla didn’t have. Just as she was starting to panic about her baby, the man began to reconsider.
In a moment of desperation, Kayla placed his hand on her belly to prove she was pregnant. Relieved but still embarrassed, he apologized, explaining he thought she was a thief he was pursuing.
However, the situation escalated when the flight attendant revealed a gun and ordered them both to comply. In a surge of instinct to protect her baby, Kayla kicked the attendant, causing her to drop the gun. The man tackled her, revealing that she was the real thief.
Once they landed, police were waiting. Detective Connor, who had been tracking the thief, apologized for mistaking Kayla for the criminal. Despite the ordeal, Kayla felt a strange sense of relief. As she stepped out of the airport and saw Colin waiting with flowers, she felt at peace.
Colin embraced her, glad to have her back. On the drive home, Kayla recounted the harrowing flight. Concerned for her well-being, Colin asked if she needed a doctor, but she reassured him that she was fine. As he placed his hands on her belly, they shared a moment of happiness, looking forward to their future together.
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