You’ve brought a child into this world. Maybe it’s your first, or maybe you’ve had a few. Perhaps, like me, you’ve welcomed several little ones into your life, or you’re caring for a child you didn’t carry yourself. Some of you might even be grieving a loss.
When you first became pregnant, you might have had that enviable flat stomach — the kind that seems to belong on a magazine cover. You could probably look straight down and see everything without even bending. But let’s be honest: that flat stomach is likely gone for good. Short of surgery, it’s time to accept this reality.
Let it go, friends. As we say in the South, “let go and let God.” Whether you attribute it to divine intervention, the universe, or basic human biology, it’s clear that pregnancy changes a woman’s body. After stretching to accommodate a growing baby, there’s no reason for your body to revert to its pre-pregnancy state. You’re perfectly fine just as you are. Your body now reflects your journey as a mother.
Even if you shed every ounce of baby weight and get back to your high school size, your stomach probably won’t look the same. It might pooch, sag, or develop those little wrinkly folds (I have a few of those myself). It’s time to accept this truth.
Sure, surgical options exist, and if that’s your choice, go for it. But many of us don’t have the time, money, or desire for such procedures. We look like what we are: mothers.
It’s time to normalize our bodies. Let’s celebrate the VBO (Visible Belly Outline). Let’s embrace those soft, squishy bellies. They’re a badge of honor. Stop pretending you should look any different. When you catch yourself thinking, “If only my belly looked…” just shut that down. Your body is remarkable.
The beauty industry thrives on making you feel inadequate, convincing you that you need shapewear to achieve a flat stomach. I wore my fair share, sweating through thick layers in summer and dealing with all the discomfort that came with it. Why? Because I feared judgment. But here’s the truth: everyone knows you don’t have a flat stomach.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, you’re part of a community that understands the reality of post-baby bodies. Remember that baby you carried? Think about how big they were and how they rearranged your insides for months. The world knows that.
Once you ditch the shapewear, you’re left with the same stomach you started with. Are you really going to sleep in that uncomfortable contraption? I hope not. You deserve comfort.
The tabloids might tell you to “lose the mummy tummy,” but that’s just nonsense driven by unrealistic beauty standards. Moms have tummies, and that’s perfectly normal.
A flat stomach would be nice — just like owning a unicorn would be cool. But neither is essential for leading a fulfilling life. Make peace with your belly. Accept that it may never be the same. Appreciate it for what it is now. You don’t have to wear crop tops (unless you want to), but you can let go of the shame.
You can look like a mom, and that’s more than okay. Moms are incredible. So are all shapes and sizes of bellies.
If you’re interested in more insights about pregnancy and home insemination, check out our other blog post here. For additional information, visit Make a Mom for expert advice. And don’t forget to explore Women’s Health for great resources on infertility and family planning.