Photo credits: @thefortintrio (left); @_jennifermartin (top middle); @lauragreen (bottom middle); @michellamoore (top right); @cathylopez (bottom right)
I must admit, the first moment I laid eyes on my postpartum body just days after my first child’s birth, I was overwhelmed. My stomach hung low, nearly brushing against my thighs, while my stretch marks glowed red and angry, just as they had during pregnancy. The cellulite that had taken residence on my thighs remained stubbornly intact.
In short, I was horrified. I bought into the pervasive belief, echoed in countless magazines and celebrity gossip, that one could achieve a “bounce back” mere days after giving birth. I was terrified about how long this postpartum phase would last and felt the weight of uncertainty, especially with so many aspects of new motherhood already beyond my control.
A decade ago, the idea of sharing postpartum images on social media was virtually nonexistent. Although it’s easy to criticize social media for the pressures it can impose on new mothers, it has also provided a platform for sharing genuine, unfiltered depictions of motherhood. This connection reminds us that we are not alone, nor should we feel ashamed of our experiences.
This brings me to the #celebrating_my_postpartum movement that recently gained momentum on Instagram. Initiated by a talented photographer and mother named Sarah Thompson, this campaign encourages women to post honest photos of their postpartum bodies, celebrating the incredible journey of motherhood.
In her empowering post, Thompson expresses her excitement about this project, writing, “Today I’m thrilled to share my passion for celebrating our postpartum bodies!” She candidly discusses the challenges and victories she has encountered while nurturing her children, including her twin daughters, who grace her photo. “Embracing these changes hasn’t been easy, but it’s been mentally empowering. I love looking in the mirror and accepting all that I’ve become,” she shares. “The excess skin, the stretch marks, the diastasis recti—these are all parts of my story, and I’m proud of my journey into motherhood!”
Unsurprisingly, Sarah’s hashtag gained traction, with hundreds of mothers rallying to share their own beautiful truths about postpartum bodies. The honesty and raw emotion captured in these images and words are deeply moving, showcasing the resilience and beauty of women in this transformative phase of life.
For instance, @sarahmatthews posted her own postpartum belly, accompanied by her adoring children. “My body may not fit magazine standards,” she reflects, “but when I see my reflection, I see a mother, and there is no greater honor.” Many women highlighted the profound reason behind their transformed bodies—the remarkable act of carrying and birthing new life.
“In sharing these photos, I am reminded of the 40 weeks plus 3 days I spent carrying my daughter,” writes @lindawilson. “These are my battle scars from our labor journey together. This body reflects the love, care, and connection that I share with her every day.”
Tissues, please! The emotional depth of these narratives is palpable. Some mothers candidly express their struggles with body acceptance, acknowledging that embracing their postpartum selves is a journey rather than a destination. “Dear Body,” @jenniferrose writes, “You feel different—almost unrecognizable. But you are a reminder of the miracle of my children’s lives.”
This movement signifies more than just sharing images; it celebrates the courage to confront insecurities and live fully, regardless of societal standards. It encourages women to wear that bikini if they desire, embracing every aspect of their postpartum selves. Most importantly, it emphasizes that to our children, we are perfect just as we are—even with all that softness and sagging skin, which makes for the coziest hugs.
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In summary, the #celebrating_my_postpartum movement represents a powerful affirmation of body positivity and maternal strength. By sharing our real experiences and embracing our postpartum bodies, we foster a sense of community and support that uplifts all mothers.
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