By: Jenna Matthews
Updated: Oct. 6, 2023
Dear World,
Allow me to introduce the reality of the postpartum body.
Here it stands, a genuine representation of what many women experience after giving birth. I’m here to challenge some prevalent misconceptions:
Myth of the “Snap Back”
First off, the idea that you will simply “snap back” to your pre-baby shape within a week is a myth. We are constantly bombarded by images of celebrities who seem to rebound effortlessly, which cultivates a false belief that we should all do the same. When we don’t, it often leads to feelings of inadequacy.
The Reality of Change
Many of us entered motherhood without a clear understanding of how our bodies would change. We find ourselves caught between the desire to reclaim our former selves and the acceptance that our bodies have transformed. We weren’t ready to discover that our stomachs wouldn’t shrink back overnight, our breasts would leak unexpectedly, and our bodies would bear the marks of childbirth.
Societal Pressures
Society has imposed shame on us for these natural changes—the body that nurtured and brought forth a new life. Instead of being taught to accept and celebrate our postpartum forms, we are pressured to alter them as quickly as possible. We hear: “It’s okay, you’ll lose the baby weight” or “Have you considered this diet or workout plan?” or “Look at this celebrity; she looks amazing just weeks after giving birth!”
The constant messaging suggests that we must change, that who we are at this moment isn’t sufficient. We are in one of the most vulnerable states of our lives, juggling the demands of a newborn, sleep deprivation, and hormonal fluctuations, all while facing unrealistic expectations about our appearances.
Choosing Acceptance
What if we choose not to rush into losing weight? What if we simply want to take a moment to breathe, to sit on the couch with snacks and enjoy this new phase of life?
There may come a time when I look in the mirror and desire a change, but if that happens, it will be my choice—not a response to societal pressures dictating that I must transform into a supermodel overnight.
Embracing Our Bodies
The postpartum period is already filled with immense pressure. The last thing we need is additional expectations about how we “should” look. We should feel free to embrace our bodies as they are, and everyone else should respect that. After all, we’ve just brought a new life into the world and are doing our best to keep that little one alive on little to no rest.
So, world, let’s give postpartum moms a break. What you witness is the genuine experience of motherhood, not some unrealistic ideal. Please, allow us the grace to navigate our new reality at our own pace.
From a weary but proud mom of two,
Jenna Matthews
For further insights into postpartum experiences and parenting, check out this article on pregnancy, which is an excellent resource. Also, if you’re considering home insemination, you might find this cryobaby kit intriguing.
In summary, the postpartum journey is uniquely challenging and deserves understanding and acceptance rather than judgment. Women should be encouraged to embrace their new bodies and prioritize self-care, rather than conforming to unrealistic standards.