As a physician and a new mom, I’ve come to describe my postpartum body with terms like curvy, statuesque, and, let’s be honest, a bit Amazonian. At 5’9″, I often find myself staring at my reflection and thinking, “This isn’t the figure I used to know.” My stomach, complete with stretch marks, is less than forgiving, and I affectionately refer to it as my “front butt,” or Frutt, while my thighs have decided to stage their own rebellion.
And yet, I’m perfectly okay with this. What baffles me is the societal pressure to lose the baby weight as if it’s a badge of honor. From the moment I started showing — which was at just three months, thank you very much — I was bombarded with unsolicited comments. “Wow, you’re growing quickly!” “You must be expecting twins!” “That baby weight is going to be a challenge!” And yes, my son was indeed a hefty 10 pounds, but that’s not the point.
With each doctor’s appointment, I found myself a hair’s breadth away from frustration as petite nurses would glance at the scale, then at me, and ask, “Do you want to take off your shoes?” No, I don’t want to take off my shoes!
After giving birth, any hope of escaping weight-related scrutiny evaporated when I realized that my body hadn’t magically returned to its pre-baby state. I had lost the pregnancy weight, but some of the weight I gained after quitting smoking two years prior had settled into new, unfamiliar places. Most days, I’m fine with this reality. Yes, I’d like to feel better in my clothes, but it’s not my top priority right now.
A recent visit to my doctor led to a matter-of-fact question: “Are you aware that you’re classified as overweight?” Really? I had no clue! I mean, I don’t own a scale, nor do I spend time in front of mirrors!
Perhaps my attitude is misguided. I still rummage through my closet weekly, searching for something that conceals my Frutt, and yes, I occasionally wear my maternity jeans. I even find myself deleting unflattering photos of my multiple chins from my husband’s phone.
Some women bounce back effortlessly after childbirth, and I applaud them. But that’s not me. Even though I focus on nutritious meals to nourish my son, the weight is stubbornly sticking around. Between work, play, and household duties, I barely find time to collapse on the couch each evening.
What I do have is a supportive husband who loves me as I am, and a beautiful son who brings joy to my life. One day, I might lose the extra weight and pack away my maternity jeans—perhaps even my Frutt. Until then, I’ll be cherishing every moment with my family, focusing on what truly matters.
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Summary
In this article, Dr. Jenna Collins shares her candid reflections on body image and the societal pressures surrounding postpartum weight loss. Emphasizing self-acceptance and the joys of motherhood, she encourages others to embrace their unique journeys, while also providing helpful links to resources on home insemination and fertility.