omuch over the past four years, it no longer belonged to me, instead I had become a vessel for bearing and nurturing children.

Diana with her sons. Image supplied.

I was given champagne, which I would never turn down. I was told that my hair colour was straight from the catwalk (huh?), and that it was ‘natural’ for them to put more makeup on me than usual as the camera needs it.

I actually felt great.

It had been a long time since I had given myself some attention and the women that were doing my hair and makeup were so positive, by the time I walked into the studio I felt like a goddess.

The photographer was warm and comforting. She told me she wouldn’t do anything I didn’t feel OK with, and that I looked amazing.

I had three looks - casual, professional and sensual, which she said would be for my husband. I corrected her and told her that no, that would actually be for me.

I went through a lot of different emotions during the shoot. I felt nervous, excited, proud, then almost dirty and degraded. The sensual shoot should have been empowering, but it just wasn’t. It was anything but natural. I was on top of some porn like animal fur, leaning forward with my breasts pointed to the camera.

Even as I remember it now, some three years later, I cringe.

When's it all OK to start exercising and having sex after child birth? We ask an expert, on our pregnancy podcast. Post continues.

Image supplied.