As a mother of two, my body has undergone numerous changes. I have a C-section scar and my breasts are fuller than I remember. My abs have been missing in action since 2002, and I sport stretch marks on my thighs, waist, and surprisingly, even under my arms. My thighs resemble tree trunks, and let’s not even discuss the size of my backside. Right now, I carry an extra 20 pounds, still hoping to shed the baby weight. Yes, my children are now 10 and 12, but a girl can dream, right?
No amount of airbrushing, spray tanning, or body contouring could replicate the washboard abs I had at 20. These days, my bras could likely support a steel mill, and my underwear rivals the most robust corsets of the 1800s. The terms “lacy” and “sexy” have been replaced with “supportive” and “durable.” I’ve nearly given up hope of fitting into anything I wore Before Children (B.C.).
Yet, despite all of this, I confidently wear a bikini.
After my son was born, I embarked on the typical quest to find the “perfect mom-body bathing suit.” I scoured stores for a black suit that offered padding, coverage, and support for my chest while making me appear 30 pounds lighter. It had to include ruching—I didn’t even know what that was, but I was convinced I needed it to hide any signs of motherhood and imperfections.
The ideal suit had to feature a skirt to cover up my semi-regular bikini waxing and include extra fabric to conceal my ever-erect breastfeeding nipples. By the time I found a suit that matched my criteria, I looked like an elderly Amish grandmother.
However, I’ve realized I’m no longer willing to waste precious time agonizing over what I “should” wear to the pool. All that searching, trying on, and returning was simply not worth it. I love bikinis, and I wear them proudly—and you should too.
My body has housed two humans for a combined 20 months. I’ve completed six marathons and nursed two babies with breasts that expanded tremendously. My husband lavishes me with affection, and frankly, at 40, I’m over caring about societal expectations.
I refuse to cover up my stretch marks or hide my soft abdomen. If someone happens to notice my nipples, they’re likely spending too much time scrutinizing my body.
We’re constantly exposed to messages that promote positive body image while simultaneously being bombarded with images of airbrushed celebrities in tiny swimsuits. As summer approaches, our feeds fill with tips to look our best and ads for swimsuits that promise miraculous results.
Let’s change this narrative. Why can’t we agree to wear what makes us comfortable at the pool and enjoy ourselves? I’m far more impressed by the woman confidently strutting to the snack bar in a bikini, despite her imperfect body, than by someone with flawless abs. The women who embrace their bodies as they are, flaws and all, are the ones I want to share space with. I salute them in solidarity, proclaiming, “This is me, take it or leave it.”
So, if you need me, I’ll be applying sunscreen to my fair skin as I settle into my beach chair, watching my kids play in the pool. And by the way, if you’re curious about what ruching is, don’t tell me—I’m perfectly content in my sunny spot.
For more insights on motherhood and home insemination, you can check out our post on artificial insemination kits. And if you’re interested in boosting fertility, this resource may provide valuable information. For anyone seeking further guidance on pregnancy and home insemination, Healthline offers excellent resources.
Summary
Embracing our bodies, despite their imperfections, is essential for self-acceptance. Mothers should feel free to wear what makes them comfortable, including bikinis, without succumbing to societal pressures. Confidence in our natural forms, stretch marks and all, is what truly matters.
Keyphrase: Body Positivity in Bikinis
Tags: [“home insemination kit” “home insemination syringe” “self insemination”]