Fans of Love In My Language, Words From A Wanderer, and Neo Soul know that poet Alex Elle spits that truth. Her writing is infused with life lessons that explore self-love and self-care, so it’s no wonder she took time on International Women’s Day (Mar. 8) to address snapback culture. Alex gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, her second child, six weeks ago and posted a pictures of her real mommy curves along with this message:

“Today is #internationalwomensday, and I am feeling so proud to be a woman and a mother of girls. Yesterday marked six weeks postpartum and more than ever I feel at home in my body. It has carried me far and wide, grew my children healthy and happy, and has kept me standing on solid ground despite some of the abuse I’ve put it through. I could not be more grateful. This body has held me through depression, self-harm, negative self-talk, and everything else in between that could've broken me. I am honored to be [still] blooming today and unfolding in the midst of mess and mud. Healing is never linear, but it happens when we are willing to break open and do the work.

"So today, I give thanks to my body. I am proud of every stretch mark and scar. Every dimple, roll, and imperfection. Without its strength, I wouldn't be here. To all my fellow women, Happy International Women's Day. Love on yourself. Appreciate your journey and bodies. Keep blooming. You are enough. You're worthy, deserving, and capable of moving through this world as you are.”

See her post below:

We applaud Alex for being so brave and, like we said previously, real, about what most moms experience after giving birth. Celebrity snapbacks, while impressive, are just one version of what a mother’s body looks like after pregnancy. Most of the time stretch marks, scars and a little extra “cushion for the pushin’” is what new and expectant moms experience.

For body positve images of women showcasing stretch marks, scars and more, check out this Instagram page curated by Alex and photographer Erika Layne: @loveyourlines. There's plenty of Black girl magic there, too!