In a world where societal standards often dictate how we should look, one mother is bravely showcasing her postpartum body and challenging the norms. Meet Jessica Lee from Portland, Oregon—a passionate photographer and mom of three—who recently turned the lens on herself to address an essential issue: the importance of embracing our bodies after childbirth, regardless of societal expectations.
Jessica’s candid Instagram post starts with a bold statement: “This is what 70 lbs overweight looks like.” She goes on to say, “This is what happens when you breastfeed exclusively and still gain weight.” It’s time to debunk the myth that breastfeeding automatically leads to weight loss—can we please let that idea die? Her youngest child is only six months old, demanding much of her time and energy, leaving little room for self-care. “This is what a working mom looks like—no makeup, no time for myself. But this is also what my happiness looks like,” she writes.
Her honesty resonates with moms everywhere, emphasizing an important message: It’s possible to embrace your new role as a mother while also being at peace with your body, even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold. “What my body looks like doesn’t dictate my happiness or my achievements. My body is just a temporary vessel for my life, which is truly beautiful,” Jessica shares.
Our physical appearance doesn’t always reflect our internal experiences. Having a postpartum body, dealing with breastfeeding hunger, and juggling the demands of motherhood—these realities are not failures; they’re simply part of the journey. “Sharing such a vulnerable image was difficult,” Jessica admits. “In our culture, gaining weight can often feel like a public shame, as if your body has betrayed you.”
With five pregnancies under her belt, including two through surrogacy, Jessica recalls a time when she maintained a “healthy” weight prior to this last pregnancy. “Some weeks, I’m eating kale salads; other weeks, I’m indulging in snacks and feeling good about it,” she reflects. With her busy work schedule, she prefers to spend her free moments with her children rather than investing hours in the gym.
“My body is my home. Just like my home, it changes with the seasons of my life,” Jessica asserts. “Sometimes it’s tidy, sometimes it’s chaotic, and sometimes it’s a little of both.” Life’s seasons significantly impact our bodies, encompassing everything from mental health struggles to personal relationships, pregnancy, and loss.
Jessica emphasizes the need for self-compassion and the importance of nurturing a positive inner dialogue. “The way we treat ourselves has a profound impact on our everyday lives,” she states. “Accepting that our bodies are imperfect is a critical step towards healing the self-hate many of us have carried for years.” She believes that every woman, regardless of size, has battled body image issues at some point and that sharing authentic experiences helps foster kindness toward ourselves.
“We’re all in this together, and together we can support one another in our healing journeys,” she concludes, leaving us with a powerful reminder: “It’s perfectly fine if someone finds me unattractive. I’m not here to cater to anyone’s idea of beauty. I am worth so much more—and so are you.”
For more insights on motherhood and body positivity, visit Modern Family Blog, and explore additional resources like March of Dimes for pregnancy guidance. If you want to boost fertility for future family planning, consider checking out Make a Mom.
Summary
Jessica Lee, a mom and photographer, openly shares her postpartum body on social media, challenging societal standards of beauty. Her vulnerable post emphasizes that a woman’s worth isn’t defined by her appearance but by her happiness and experiences. Amid the pressures of motherhood, she advocates for self-love and acceptance, reminding us that we are all deserving of grace and kindness.