It’s a bright Saturday morning at 7:47 a.m., and I’m rushing to snag a spot in my favorite 8 a.m. step class. The usual attendees are mostly women in their 30s to early 50s, but today, I find myself behind two fresh-faced, first-time moms. As they chat, I can’t help but overhear:
“You look incredible! So slim!” says Mom #1 to Mom #2, both cradling their adorable little ones under a year old.
Mom #2 winces. “Oh no, I’m still a few pounds above my pre-baby weight with little Charlie.”
Honestly, she looks fabulous! As a mom of three who’s obsessed with fitness and my Jawbone UP, I think I have a good eye for this kind of thing.
“Totally get it,” says Mom #1. “I still can’t run as far as I did before Chloe, and keeping the weight off is tough. I just can’t part with my wine.”
You do you, girl—never give up the wine! Meanwhile, Mom #1 is even slimmer than her friend.
I understand their struggle. Once the initial shock of bringing home a newborn fades, the focus often shifts to “getting your body back.” Somehow, while we know life has changed forever, we expect our bodies to bounce back too.
As I watch these women head towards childcare, I wish I could share a few truths with them:
1. You Will Not Look the Same
Your body has undergone a transformation. Even if you reach your pre-baby weight, those pounds will have shifted to new locations. The landscape has changed, with some areas feeling a little too droopy and others a tad too plump. For me, it’s the way my behind peeks out of swimsuits, or the extra skin at my knees thanks to carrying all that weight for nine months (three times!). But hey, some things do improve: my hip curves are more pronounced, my cheekbones stand out more, and my hair is thicker than ever.
2. Your Body’s Functionality Changes
Not only does your appearance change, but your body’s capabilities will too. Running five miles without feeling that annoying twinge in my hip is probably a distant memory. A perfectly flat tummy? Maybe not, regardless of how many crunches I do. Jumping jacks are now a risky venture, and I still can’t hold a plank without either pushing out my belly or hunching my shoulders. Two and a half years post-baby, I’m still learning what my body can do and what it can’t.
3. Your Body Can Do Amazing Things
Your body will astonish you in ways you never thought possible. You’ll find the stamina to wake up for the fourth time at night to soothe a fussy baby. You’ll be able to hold a squirming toddler for what feels like an eternity, strengthening your biceps in the process. You might even surprise yourself with your sprinting ability when your little one makes a dash for the parking lot. Embrace the incredible feats your new mom body can accomplish!
4. Find Beauty in Unexpected Places
The conversation around post-pregnancy beauty can be overwhelming. Yes, our bodies might sag, crinkle, or wobble, but that doesn’t make us unattractive. We all process these changes differently. Our culture doesn’t always prepare us for our new bodies, but the trick is to shift our perspective. Beauty is everywhere; I remember marveling at my daughter’s long eyelashes while she slept, thinking they were the epitome of beauty. And who hasn’t gushed over their newborn’s poop? It’s all about including yourself in this broader definition of beauty: those soft lines around your eyes that tell stories of laughter and sleepless nights? They make you unique. Your voice, once dormant, now lulls your child to sleep with sweet melodies. And guess what? That fuller backside? It’s fabulous.
These are the realities of my post-baby body. Sure, I still grapple with accepting this new version of myself. I won’t pretend I don’t envy celebrity moms with their personal trainers and perfectly portioned meals. My bladder may be shrinking, my back may ache, and yes, I own a pair of Spanx (don’t judge!). But since going back isn’t an option, I choose to embrace the mama body I have and, most importantly, keep enjoying my wine.
If you’re interested in expanding your knowledge on related topics, check out our post on home insemination, and for insights on fertility, visit this fantastic resource to learn more about boosting your chances. For even more pregnancy wisdom, head over to this excellent blog.
Summary
Our post-baby bodies are a canvas of transformation, with changes that go beyond the surface. Embracing these realities—appearance changes, functional shifts, newfound strengths, and a broader definition of beauty—can help us navigate motherhood with confidence and joy.