What postpartum bodies REALLY look like: Women share photos of their stretch marks, stomachs and hyper-pigmented skin to break the stigma faced by new mothers.
Women should celebrate having a postpartum belly, with all the scars and stretchmarks. They are war scars, and one should be proud of them. It’s a typical side effect of the abdominal muscles of a woman expanding out as the baby develops inside her.
Here are 14 moms who shared the beauty of their postpartum journey with us:
#1 “This was five days postpartum with my fourth baby in six years. Jaundice forced me to take my infant back to the hospital, and I despised my body for failing him. I wasn’t making milk, my emotions were all over the place, and I was crying ALL THE TIME.”
Thankfully, I felt better quickly. My baby returned home and I regained control of my body and my emotions. I’m so grateful for what my body has done for my children, and although it does not look the way it used to, I love it more than ever before.
#2 “Just know that you are Wonder Woman. Don’t let anyone else make you feel any bit different.”
#3 When I was younger, I’d look at my mom’s belly full of stretch marks — and wonder why it’d gotten like that.
“I didn’t yet realize all the time, sacrifice, and strength it must have taken for her to endure a healthy pregnancy, followed by a cancerous molar pregnancy, followed by a ‘miracle’ pregnancy. I wasn’t yet aware that for her, those marks stood in for her two gifts—her children. It wasn’t until recently, after giving birth to my own two children, that I noticed how similar my tummy looks to hers. It is covered in stretch marks that commemorate two of the most wonderful times of my life.”
#4 This was three days after giving birth, after an induced, 38-hour labor and an unexpected C-section.
“It was like nothing I’ve experienced before. I was feeling good and confident for a while until the REAL pain hit. There was a nice big ‘X’ on my back from the tape over the epidural port! Although the months that followed weren’t enjoyable, my kid is now over a year old and is the BEST.!”
#5 “I Felt Nervous Yet Empowered To Share With The World A Part Of Myself That I Had Hidden From Lovers In My Lifetime”
“This picture of my stomach went viral almost 3 years ago. I felt anxious but yet empowered to reveal to the world a side of myself that I had spent my entire life keeping hidden from lovers. I was finally letting myself to occupy space and exist as is. What a lovely present to offer.”
#6 “To any other moms struggling to accept their postpartum bodies, don’t let societal norms define you. They aren’t items that most people can physically acquire naturally. Take pleasure in accepting every aspect of your individual beauty.”
#7 The Internet Will Make Us Believe That Women Give Birth And Instantly Jump Back Into Their Old Jeans
“The internet will make us believe that women give birth and instantly jump back into their old jeans. The truth is, this is what postpartum looks like for most women. Uterine contractions, a bloated belly, and hyperpigmentation can be seen two weeks after giving birth. I tell you what. Mama, you are still gorgeous. You’ll eventually be able to wear the black lace underwear. Just remember that you are Wonder Woman for the time being. Do not allow anyone to make you feel any different.”
#8 Postpartum Is Framed In Terms Of Losing Baby Weight And ‘Bouncing Back.’
Imperfections make the world fun! If everything was Barbie doll perfect, wouldn’t we get bored? How else would we show what life has put us through?
So whether it’s regrettable tattoos, scars, surgeries, facial hair, or a postpartum tummy, honestly….who gives a shit? Be good to each other. Learn from mistakes- yours and others. Help those in need and let’s stop dwelling on who looks like what.
#9 “I may be a little softer but ultimately I am stronger. This body, me, I may not be the same but if she can find so much comfort and safety in this body, I will as well.”
#10 5 Weeks Postpartum
“After 5 weeks, I still look 4 months pregnant and I’m still a bit sore from 2 ecv’s and an emergency C-section. I have been eating well and will be starting physio soon once I get the all clear from the GP.”
Everyone recovers from their individual birth experience differently, but the most important thing is the adorable little face we get to name our own. Women are incredible.
