Parenting
I Haven’t Shed the Baby Weight
by Emma Taylor
Updated: April 21, 2017
Originally Published: July 3, 2015
The four of us squeezed into a booth at the local pizza place, our newborns peacefully nestled in their carriers nearby. As we enjoyed our sodas and slices, one mother asked, “When can I expect my body to feel normal again?” We all nodded, eager for answers. An experienced mom with older children chimed in, “Don’t anticipate your body returning to its previous state for at least a year.” A collective sigh of relief filled the air; we had a year to adjust. “A year sounds doable,” I thought, comforted by the timeline. Now, nearly six years and another child later, I realize that my body still hasn’t reverted to what I once considered “normal.”
Just yesterday, I was in the shallow end of the pool, hosting a pretend tea party with my son. It’s easy to get distracted by the bodies around me, leading to thoughts of self-doubt. “How did she lose her belly so quickly?” I pondered as I observed a woman in a bikini, effortlessly chasing her toddler along the shore. My son interrupted my thoughts, handing me a teacup filled with pool water, drawing me back into the moment.
When I stepped on the scale the following day, the number reflected a lifestyle that was vividly showcased on my Instagram: syrupy rainbow pancakes, enormous donuts, and picnics featuring sandwiches and craft beers. However, it didn’t capture the fact that I began running in April, now covering over three miles several times a week. Recently, my family enjoyed a 12-mile bike ride together. Just weeks ago, while grandma watched the kids, my husband and I strolled for two hours, hand in hand, sharing our thoughts.
These athletic accomplishments are vital to remember, especially as the scale and clothing sizes tempt me to feel down during this season. Summer often brings focus to our body shapes, stretch marks, and clothing sizes, reminding us of the unrealistic timelines we impose on ourselves post-pregnancy. However, summer can also be a time to celebrate what our bodies can do: running with fellow mothers, biking new trails, walking hand in hand with our partners, playing tag with our kids, or diving underwater with joy.
When we are preoccupied with comparing ourselves to others, we miss out on precious family moments. We overlook the joy of building the perfect sandcastle, the delight of sharing teacups filled with pool water, and the thrill of having our children ride on our backs as we play. Our kids will remember the fun we had and the laughter we shared, not the size of our swimsuits. They won’t recall our stretch marks, but they will cherish the silly faces we made while submerged in water. If our bodies have changed, it matters little to them; what they truly seek is the warmth of our embrace as we whirl them around in the water.
What will stay with them is not the timeline of our bodily transformations but the memories we create together. Their idea of “normal” is far more forgiving.
My new “normal” embraces both strength and softness. I may not have lost the baby weight, but I have gained wisdom, confidence, and happiness. My children will remember the joy-filled moments we experienced together this summer, not the weight I’m still carrying.
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Summary:
This article discusses the journey of motherhood, focusing on body image and self-acceptance after childbirth. It emphasizes the importance of celebrating our physical capabilities and cherishing moments with our children rather than fixating on societal standards of beauty. The narrative encourages mothers to embrace their unique journeys, highlighting that the memories created with their children far outweigh concerns about weight and appearance.