4TH Trimester Bodies Project is Coming to New Orleans

When my son passed away in 2014, it was the single most devastating experience of my life. My world as I knew it changed. In a moment, I had lost my belief in the promise of life, my innocence of what constituted motherhood, and some relationships. The most unexpected loss that occurred was the relationship that I had with my body.

As most mothers who have lost a pregnancy or infant shortly after birth can attest, I felt an intense conviction that my body had failed at the one thing it was supposed to do naturally – stay pregnant and give birth to a healthy, full term baby.

It took a long time, therapy, and self care to understand that what happened to my baby was not my fault. After all, if I could have done anything to save him, I would have. And that assurance, confidence, and peace is exactly what I see when I look at the beautiful photos and storytelling of the 4TH Trimester Bodies Project

Women of all colors, shapes, and sizes bare their inner beauty and babes as a form of radical self love. Our bodies are not only beautiful, but our bodies are strong and they’re ours! Our only bodies! We should learn to love them just as they are and practice gratitude for their divine nature of giving and sustaining life–to us and our children, those we hold in our arms and the ones we hold in our hearts.

4TH Trimester Bodies

According to its mission, “4th Trimester Bodies Project is a documentary and movement dedicated to educating, embracing and empowering humans through photographs and storytelling.”

This gathering will be hosted by Saul’s Light Foundation and the New Orleans Breastfeeding Center. It will be a chance for us to connect with each other as humans in a positive light and converse about our relationships with our bodies, communities, families, and themselves.

In honor of October being Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, there will be a special morning session held for those mothers who carry their children in the hearts and another open session in the afternoon for those who carry their children in their arms.

Prepare for a body liberating, queer affirming, anti-racist, and inclusive experience. All are welcome and we invite you to join us!

For information on the project & to register, please visit 4th Trimester Bodies Project

To get updates on the tour’s stop in New Orleans, follow Saul’s Light & 4th Tri Bodies on Instagram.

About Kimberly Novod

Kimberly is an educator, doula, and health advocate. She is the founder of Saul’s Light Foundation, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to supporting neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and bereaved families in New Orleans. In 2014, Ms. Novod’s son, Saul, passed away a result of complications from his premature birth. His legacy is the inspiration for the Saul’s Light. 

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