Photo credit: @thefamilythree (left); @jessica.louise (top middle); @katiebelle (bottom middle); @sarahnaturalmama (top right); @vanessagrand (bottom right)
I won’t sugarcoat it: The first time I saw my postpartum body a few days after my first child arrived, I was taken aback. My belly sagged low, nearly brushing my thighs. The stretch marks were just as vivid and angry as they had been while my baby was still growing inside me. And that cottage cheese (ahem, cellulite) that decided to settle on my thighs during pregnancy? It was still hanging around.
To put it simply, I was shocked. Shocked because I half-bought into the idea—promoted by countless magazines and celebrity blogs—that it was possible to “bounce back” within mere days of giving birth. Shocked because I didn’t know how long this postpartum appearance would linger. And shocked because there was already so much about being a new mom that felt out of my control, and I didn’t need another worry added to the list.
Back then—over a decade ago—there was no trend of sharing postpartum photos on social media. While we often criticize social media for the pressures it places on new moms, there is something incredibly empowering about sharing unfiltered, honest images of new motherhood. It can remind us that we are not alone and that our experiences are valid.
That’s why I was overjoyed to discover the #Embracing_Postpartum movement on Instagram. This campaign, initiated by Marie Thompson, a photographer and mother of three, invites mothers to share authentic postpartum images and celebrate their remarkable bodies. The concept is straightforward: post a truthful picture of your body after childbirth and honor the incredible journey of motherhood.
Marie’s call to action was exemplified in her empowering Instagram post, where she joyfully showcased her postpartum body. In her message, she expressed the importance of embracing body changes as part of her journey as a mother.
“Accepting these changes hasn’t been easy, but it has been transformative,” Marie shared. “Looking in the mirror without shying away is liberating. The excess skin, the stretch marks, and other changes are part of who I am, and I’m ready to celebrate this journey of motherhood!”
Unsurprisingly, Marie’s hashtag gained traction, with countless mothers joining in to share their own beautiful truths about postpartum bodies. The raw and heartfelt nature of their posts was incredibly moving, showcasing the beauty and strength inherent in motherhood.
For instance, @lisa_brown shared a touching photo of her postpartum belly, accompanied by her children who lovingly embraced it. “My body isn’t perfect like a magazine cover,” she wrote. “When I look in the mirror, I see a mom—and there’s no greater honor or blessing than that.”
Many women emphasized that their transformed bodies tell a story—one of gestation and childbirth. “These marks are reminders of the 40 weeks I carried my child,” wrote @susan_grand. “They symbolize the sleepless nights and the love I pour into my family.”
Others candidly discussed their struggles with body image after giving birth. “Dear Stretch Marks,” wrote @thefamilythree, addressing her insecurities. “You remind me of the struggles I faced, but also of the joy my children bring. You are a testament to my journey, and I choose to see you as my ‘hope marks’.”
For many moms, sharing their postpartum photos, despite fear or hesitation, became a powerful act of self-acceptance. It’s about living life fully, embracing every moment with their children, and yes, wearing that bikini if they choose, no matter the insecurities.
Ultimately, what matters most is that when we cuddle our little ones, they see us as perfect, just as we are. Because in their eyes, our softness and imperfections make for the best snuggles.
For more insights on the journey to motherhood, check out this guide on home insemination kits and learn from the experts at Cryobaby, who provide valuable resources on the topic. Additionally, this excellent article on in vitro fertilization offers further knowledge on pregnancy and related processes.
In summary, the #Embracing_Postpartum movement encourages mothers to celebrate their bodies and the incredible journey of motherhood, embracing every flaw and imperfection along the way.
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