--- title: The 4th Trimester Bodies Project date: 2026-03-30T13:33:00-04:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-4th-trimester-bodies-project" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# The 4th Trimester Bodies Project Finding support after giving birth can be difficult for people with marginalized identities. After a traumatic birth experience, ash luna struggled to find support as a nonbinary parent of a child with a disability. So they set out to create their own community. This effort transformed into the 4th Trimester Bodies Project. In this presentation, luna discusses the creation of the 4th Trimester Bodies Project and what we can learn from the stories shared there. What began as a photo and an invitation for others to share their stories turned into a project with 4,000 families and 2,000 interviews. The project offered a feminist, intersectional, and reproductive justice lens to birthing experiences. After discussing why they started the project, ash luna devotes time to addressing the themes that came up in the interviews. She worked with Rachel Newhouse on data analysis. The stories of birthing people highlighted the importance of partnership and support. They also reflected on how giving birth changed their bodies and how they adapted. Birthing people emphasized the importance of health care providers honoring their agency. Importantly, they shared their stories with ash luna with the hopes that it could help others. > On June 9, 2013 just four and a half months after Nova came home from the NICU, I captured this photograph of us in my studio and posted it online. I very vulnerably asked others to join me, to allow me to photograph their bodies, their babies, their stories. I invited them to share those true stories with me and ultimately, with the world with an initial goal of one hundred photographs and stories, which would become a gallery show. I began photographing friends and then friends of friends and then somehow six weeks later, Huffington Post caught wind of what I was working on, and I woke up the following day with over 6,000 emails in my inbox from parents all over the world asking how they could participate. [Watch the video ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMxqunlu1b4) SOURCE: Center for Bioethics and Humanities at University of Colorado Anschutz • AUTHOR: Ash Luna • LAST UPDATED: December 6, 2021 ![A screenshot from the presentation that includes the torso of ash luna breastfeeding her baby](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAASCAIAAAC1qksFAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAABGUlEQVQ4jY1Uy7bEIAyKqf//w7XJXWTKcPFxhoXHVoVCUtt932bWCLZBZkZERDzPE4R8UTy1uSatNd/RHWRqFGAV83rsfIw/YUnNEAfYVgyZWZMua1hYsiOiSqlGFuCoi6pHBPKSHEWAc4cGTAg78HWATbMJjuV5McYQB8Xo7hg/AsWI6s0O5s8fY0AgIpCPu2emu0NPHUBv50BMsECxi6F/Arv0a1JpsECBMwB1RJSPDl7ptqVMCSzblDuFqTqXd8c+y8wQu2BzeT5jtw13DMZvm8rbHSlfMgK89xdYcvcupEsZYUSno21EgNHl/CEB/n1w3qiEa4EfHRj9qAwWuK5rK3B2cEiJBWb5T5F/wVxbd8dFaWZSXuAPviXaEl2b2OAAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor) - [ body & mind postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/body-mind-postpartum) - [non-binary](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/non-binary) - [stories & conversations](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/stories-conversations) - [postpartum](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/postpartum) - [breastfeeding](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/breastfeeding) - [chestfeeding](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/chestfeeding) - [artistic expression](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/artistic-expression) - [gender expansive](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/gender-expansive) - [disability](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/disability) - [discrimination](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/discrimination) - [health disparities](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/health-disparities) - [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Becoming Pregnant as a Nonbinary Person EH discusses their experience of approaching pregnancy and parenthood as a non-binary person, noting how isolating it can feel at times. ![Elise](data:image/png;base64,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) EH discusses their experience of approaching pregnancy and parenthood as a non-binary person, noting how isolating it can feel at times.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-becoming-pregnant-as-a-nonbinary-person) [ResourcesRead ## Trans and Pregnant: How to Find Competent, Gender-Affirming Healthcare A guide for trans and nonbinary people to find perinatal and birthing care that is gender-affirming. ![Trans and Pregnant How to Find Competent Gender Affirming Healthcare scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A guide for trans and nonbinary people to find perinatal and birthing care that is gender-affirming.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/trans-and-pregnant-how-to-find-competent-gender-affirming-healthcare) [ResourcesLook ## Raw, Award-Winning Birth and Postpartum Photos Beautiful, raw, and inclusive depictions of birth, from photographs selected by Everyday Birth Magazine. ![rebekah-vos-GoabH6sEXek-1024x678](data:image/png;base64,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) Beautiful, raw, and inclusive depictions of birth, from photographs selected by Everyday Birth Magazine.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/raw-award-winning-birth-and-postpartum-photos) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Wishing I Knew More About the Postpartum Process MS talks about a few things she wishes she had known before giving birth, such as the physical intensity of labor and bleeding afterwards. ![MS](data:image/png;base64,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) MS talks about a few things she wishes she had known before giving birth, such as the physical intensity of labor and bleeding afterwards.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-wishing-i-knew-more-about-the-postpartum-process) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [ResourcesRead ## Ten Things Every LGBT Older Adult Should Know about Heart Disease This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults. ![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-11674389](data:image/png;base64,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) This factsheet provides tips for maintaining heart health, with a particular focus on LGBT older adults.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/10-things-lgbt-heart-disease) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Difficult Menstrual Cycles CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager. ![Menstruation](data:image/png;base64,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) CB shares her story of experiencing difficult menstrual cycles as a teenager.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-menstruation-cb)