One of the toughest challenges during pregnancy is the societal expectation for women to emerge unchanged. We impose unreasonable standards on how our clothes should fit and how our bodies should appear, even after they’ve just nurtured a new life. One mom has had enough of the body-shaming culture and is courageously embracing her imperfections in a heartfelt post that every mother should read.
Lila Thompson, a military spouse and mother of two, recently shared honest photos of her post-baby body on social media, accompanied by an uplifting message about embracing the transformations that come with motherhood. “‘Conceal it!’ ‘Suck it in!’ ‘Eliminate it!‘ the world yells at the parts of me that reflect two pregnancies (in which I blossomed),” she writes. “These aspects of myself are deemed unattractive and shameful. But I’ve spent far too long disliking myself to contribute to that negativity.”
Instead of critiquing herself, Thompson expresses a desire to focus on “cherishing the vessel that has helped me navigate this exhausting journey” — her body. “My body is what encouraged me to rise when the morning light felt overwhelming,” she shares. “My bones have supported two beautiful children and sustained them for as long as they needed.”
Of course, her body isn’t the same as it once was — no mother’s body is — but that won’t deter her from celebrating who she is now. “Sure, my hair is shedding in handfuls, and some things are positioned differently since my children came along. But my body is my triumph,” she asserts.
So many women grapple with accepting their post-baby bodies. As I read Lila’s words, a part of me feels skeptical and thinks, “Good for you, but I might never feel that way.” Loving your body can be challenging, especially when every week brings new magazine covers showcasing stunning supermodels flaunting their post-baby figures just moments after childbirth.
There are days when the best I can do for my body is to declare a truce, where I agree not to criticize my arm flab if my bra behaves with my back fat. Yet, posts like this, while not eliminating all negative feelings, inspire me to acknowledge my own worth.
Women, our bodies are truly remarkable. They bring forth life, sometimes nourish that life, and carry us through sleepless nights, early mornings, doctor visits, joyful moments, and the times we doubt ourselves. They may not match our ideal images, but when have they ever? Why do we continue to punish ourselves for not looking like supermodels?
It’s a challenge, but finding peace with what we have is undoubtedly better than waging war on the aspects we cannot change. As Thompson beautifully puts it, “My body made me a mother, but my children made me a woman. This figure is mine. I embrace every inch of it.”
For more supportive insights on pregnancy and motherhood, check out our other blog posts here. And for those interested in artificial insemination, Make a Mom is a great resource to explore. If you’re seeking information on infertility, visit the CDC for reliable guidance.
Summary
Lila Thompson, a military wife and mother, powerfully advocates for embracing post-baby bodies, challenging societal norms and body-shaming. She highlights the strength and resilience of women’s bodies through motherhood, encouraging self-love and acceptance. Her inspiring message serves as a reminder that every woman’s journey is unique and deserving of celebration.