Mum of triplets celebrates her post-baby body after being congratulated on 'baby bump'

A mum of triplets has shown off her post-baby stomach on Instagram to 'celebrate' her scars.

Desiree Fortin, who is mum to Jax, Sawyer and Charlize, wrote an accompanying blog post for the striking image, explaining that she'd recently been congratulated on her 'baby bump' on more than one occasion, despite not being pregnant.

'I do have a little left over postpartum pooch, but I have always felt amazing and proud of my body after having my triplets; what I went through to bring them into this world, and the scars that represent my story,' she explained.

'However, to be honest, when I was congratulated on my pregnancy, I didn't even know how to respond.'

'I was challenged to really think about my body. Was I really proud of the wounds left behind on my stomach after carrying and delivering my triplets? Was I really beautiful? Do I really appreciate the fact that these scars represent the miracle of life? Did I truly understand the value of my hope wounds?'

Desiree, who documented her struggle with infertility on her blog, Our Journey to Parenthood, continued: 'Despite, my "baby bump," when I look into the mirror, I see so much more beauty than I ever seen before because my hope wound, which are with me forever, have far greater meaning to me than I ever knew they would. Even though I may have a little extra pooch and lots of tiger stripes, I longed for wounds like these.'

She added that initially, the post-partum period had been a battle for her, as the exhaustion of caring for three newborns turned into anxiety and depression, but says that when she looks at herself now, she sees 'a beautiful loving Mama trying to do all she can to provide the greatest love and care for her miracles.'

She concluded the emotional post by recalling a recent moment when her daughter began playing with her belly, causing them both to burst into laughter.

'The more I thought about my postpartum "baby bump," my little pooch, my saggy muffin top, the wrinkles and the scars; the more I couldn't stop thinking about my hope triplets. I would choose my hope wounds over and over again,' she said. 'I wouldn't trade my story for anything.'

'I never imagined I would be so perfectly content as I shared in joy with my baby girl as she played with my flabby belly. As I was challenged and inspired to really relish and embrace my hope wounds, I learned that I absolutely love who I am.'

'I love my wounds, and I love the life that I have been given. I am so proud of my body and the representation it has of my journey.'