Let’s be real. My body has seen better days. I’ve got a C-section scar, my breasts are a little too full, and my abs? Well, they’ve been MIA since 2002. I’ve got stretch marks on my thighs, waist, and even under my arms (seriously, what’s that about?). My thighs resemble tree trunks, and don’t even get me started on my backside.
I’m carrying around an extra 20 pounds, and yes, I’m still holding out hope to shed the baby weight—even though my kids are 10 and 12. A girl can dream, right? No amount of airbrushing or tanning could bring back the washboard abs of my youth.
On a typical day, my bras have more underwire than a construction site, and my underwear might as well be called “the fortress.” Forget “lacy” and “sexy”; those words have been replaced by “sturdy” and “supportive.” The idea of fitting back into my pre-kids wardrobe makes me twitch. But guess what? I still wear a bikini.
The summer after my son was born, I embarked on the all-too-familiar quest for the “Perfect Mom-Body Bathing Suit.” I searched high and low for a black suit that offered padding, coverage, and support for my girls, all while making me appear 30 pounds lighter. And yes, it had to have ruching. I didn’t even know what ruching meant, but I was convinced it was the magical solution to hide the evidence of motherhood and my less-than-perfect body.
The ideal suit would have a skirt and a tank top—long enough to cover the fact that bikini waxing wasn’t on my priority list, and padded to hide my breastfeeding-related “situation.” By the time I found something that met all those criteria, I felt more like a 90-year-old Amish grandmother than a confident mom in a swimsuit.
But you know what? I’ve decided I won’t waste any more time worrying about what others think I should wear to the pool. I like bikinis, and I proudly wear them. You should, too!
My body has nurtured two little humans for 10 months each. I’ve completed six marathons and breastfed two babies with breasts that practically doubled in size. My husband gives me those “bedroom eyes” more often than I can count, and honestly, I’m 40—I’m done caring about other people’s opinions.
I refuse to cover up my stretch marks. I’m not bothered by my soft belly. And if you happen to notice my nipples through my bikini, well, maybe you should stop staring!
We see countless articles promoting body positivity, encouraging us to raise confident daughters and feel comfortable in our skin. Yet, we’re bombarded with images of celebrities looking flawless in tiny swimsuits, thanks to airbrushing and teams of beauty experts. When swimsuit season rolls around, our feeds explode with ads for magical suits that promise to shave off 50 pounds, along with images of women who look more computer-generated than real.
Honestly, screw that noise. Why can’t we just wear what we want to the pool and enjoy ourselves? I’m far more impressed by the woman confidently strutting to the snack stand in a bikini, jiggle and all, than by someone with perfect abs who weighs 100 pounds. I admire the mom who sheds her cover-up to reveal her real, milk-filled breasts more than the woman floating around with silicone enhancements.
Those brave women who flaunt their so-called “flaws” in the face of unrealistic beauty standards are the ones I want sitting next to me on the beach. They’re the ones keeping it real, and I salute them in solidarity. We stand together and say, “This is me, take it or leave it! If you don’t like it, go admire the Barbie in the deep end” (no offense to Barbie—I’m sure she’s lovely).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be applying sunscreen to my pale tummy and settling into my beach chair to watch my kids splash around in the pool.
Oh, and by the way, if you know what ruching is, keep it to yourself. My belly is enjoying the sunny summer vibes just fine!
For more insights on embracing your body and navigating motherhood, check out this piece on positive body image, or for those looking to conceive, this fertility booster is a great resource. For comprehensive information about pregnancy, visit the CDC’s page.
Summary
This article celebrates body positivity and self-acceptance, encouraging women to embrace their unique shapes rather than conforming to societal standards. It highlights the importance of confidence and offers a humorous take on the challenges of finding the perfect swimsuit post-motherhood.