A mother takes to social media to encourage women to embrace their bodies just as they are right now.
Having a child is a beautiful journey, but it undeniably transforms your body forever. While the joy of motherhood is unparalleled, many of us can’t help but look back longingly at the days when we didn’t have the title of “Mommy.”
Jessica Hayes, the voice behind “Mom on a Mission,” knows the struggle of reminiscing about her pre-baby physique. However, she also understands that appearances can be misleading, and true happiness extends beyond what we see in the mirror. In a recent Facebook post, she shared a before-and-after snapshot showcasing her weight gain since becoming a parent and emphasized the importance of body acceptance.
In her candid post, Hayes expresses her struggles with self-image in a way that resonates with many. “This isn’t a before-and-after weight loss transformation,” she notes. “This is a victory shot.” The image on the left captures her pre-kids self, while the photo on the right reflects her life as a mom of two.
“Back then, I had no stretch marks, no scars from body piercings, and a flat stomach,” she recalls. “I get it; we all miss certain things about our bodies pre-pregnancy.” But she also candidly admits that despite the envy her figure inspired, she wasn’t truly healthy. “I was always dieting—no carbs, hardly any veggies. My strict eating habits made me sick, and I ended up despising meat and battling constant heartburn.”
Even with her attractive appearance, Hayes felt inadequate. “I looked at that photo and thought I was fat. There was absolutely nothing wrong with how I looked.”
Can I get an amen? So many of us have spent years feeling insecure about our bodies and would jump at the chance to flaunt that figure again. I’d even go back to my college days and rock the crop top I always thought I couldn’t pull off, but totally could.
Fast forward to today, and the picture on the right showcases Hayes in all her postpartum glory. She recognizes that she weighs more and has a different look than before becoming a mother, yet she feels healthier and more balanced now. “This body isn’t just about meat; it’s fueled by everything. Fruits, veggies, carbs, pasta, cake, and yes, sometimes even 20 chicken nuggets!”
Despite feeling healthier in her new body than she did in her leaner days, Hayes admits she still grapples with self-acceptance. “I thought this body didn’t deserve cute underwear or a fresh wardrobe,” she confides. However, she eventually realized that worthiness comes from within, not from the body itself. “We should celebrate the person, not just the body. Healthy bodies should be our goal.”
The way someone appears in a photo isn’t necessarily a reflection of their health. While Hayes encourages us to pursue fitness goals, she insists there’s a better way to approach them. “I still want to look like the girl in the first picture, no doubt. I miss that body—it makes me sad. But I want to achieve it healthily, both mentally and physically.”
“I want to feel proud and at ease in this body. I want to love what I have now.”
For more insights on this topic, check out this other blog post that also focuses on self-acceptance and understanding our bodies. If you’re looking for resources about pregnancy and home insemination, you can visit this excellent site for support. And for those exploring at-home insemination options, Cryobaby’s Insemination Kit is a great choice.
Summary:
Jessica Hayes of “Mom on a Mission” shares her personal journey of body acceptance after motherhood, illustrating that being “thin” doesn’t equate to being “healthy.” Her before-and-after photos highlight the importance of embracing our current selves and prioritizing health over appearance.