Ok, here’s the deal. Society sucks. Dealing with the pressures of maintaining “the perfect body” after having just given birth is absolutely ridiculous. I bring this topic up because I remember exactly what it was like going through this after having my first kid. I was scrolling through my Instagram and all I saw were these mothers with perfect bodies, and I felt awful. I wanted to get back to that physique, and found it near impossible.
I soon snapped out of that mindset and started to think a little more rationally about everything. So it’s time we’re honest with ourselves…
Our bodies change. And that’s okay.
Think about it this way. You just pushed a human being out of your body. That’s tough (and that’s putting it lightly too).
Your body is exhausted, your mind is exhausted, your stress levels are off the roof, your hormones are out of whack. Needless to say, your body is simply recovering, and recovery always takes time. So stop putting pressure on yourself. Your body is bound to change and that’s okay. Embrace being a mother, embrace your body, do what you need to do to stay healthy, and eventually your body will recover.
Embrace Your Body
One of the biggest challenges that moms face is the pressure to bounce back to their pre-baby body after giving birth. This pressure is often fueled by unrealistic standards and expectations set by celebrities who flaunt their fit and toned bodies months after having a child. However, it's important to remember that these celebrities often have teams of nannies, trainers, and nutritionists helping them along the way.
You are just one person! And you CAN go back to your pre-pregnancy body if that is what you want, you CAN. But it will take time, and that’s ok. While eating well and staying active are important, it's also important to recognize that the pressure to "bounce back" can be detrimental to our mindset and well-being as new moms. For some moms, the pressure to achieve a certain body type may make them self-critical and distract them from enjoying the precious moments with their newborn. We don’t want that.
Warrior’s Scars
I love my mom scars. It’s a reminder of the incredible experience that I went through during pregnancy, and giving birth to my beautiful children.
It's perfectly normal to wish that you didn't have stretch marks or scars, but it's also okay to accept them as part of you; as part of your journey! They are a beautiful reminder of the amazing thing your body has just done. A mother's body is a source of strength and resilience. It has the ability to grow and nurture new life, and that is something truly special.
In a world that can be too focused on thinness and perfection, let's celebrate and appreciate the beauty of the mom body at any size. Let’s empower each other to love and appreciate one another, and all that our body’s are capable of; to find joy in the incredible journey that is motherhood.
So let's celebrate the mom body in all its shapes and sizes, and remember that confidence and self-acceptance are the true keys to happiness.
Dr. Mallory Blair is the co-founder and CEO of 2x4 Nutrition. She has a Ph.D. in analytical chemistry, a master’s degree in bio analytical chemistry, and over a decade of experience in researching and manufacturing Liposomal supplements.