Our bodies endure enough challenges during pregnancy; it’s time to cut ourselves some slack. Freelance writer and performer, Mia Turner, recently shared a candid video on her Facebook that resonates with every woman—particularly those who have given birth. In her post, she humorously notes that she still appears “six months pregnant” after welcoming her latest child, and frankly, she’s unbothered. If you find yourself in a similar boat, you should feel the same way.
Mia recognizes the societal pressure to shed those pregnancy pounds almost instantly after delivery. She emphasizes that we should focus on more pressing concerns, such as ensuring our organs are returning to their rightful places instead of obsessing over fitting into our pre-pregnancy jeans. “Let’s just make sure our liver isn’t lodged in our throat,” she quips.
On her blog, Mia addresses motherhood, body image, and the unrealistic expectations placed on women. In her recent video, she tackles the absurd notion that women should leave the hospital looking as if they never bore a child. As a mother of “three little queens who think they know everything,” her insights come from personal experience.
As our bodies work hard to reposition our internal organs, many of us also contend with the aftermath of childbirth, which can feel like a horror film. “God bless that little one with his big head; it’s like a scene from a nightmare,” she jokes about the physical toll of childbirth, referencing the stitches many women face.
And let’s not forget about those first moments postpartum—like the sheer terror of the first bowel movement or waking up in a pool of breast milk. Yes, our bodies have just performed an incredible feat by bringing a new life into the world, and we deserve time to heal. The last thing we should stress over is how flat our stomachs are.
Mia critiques society’s fixation on new mothers “bouncing back” as if their appearance is the most crucial aspect of their recovery. It’s as if nothing else matters but the way a woman looks after giving birth. She warns against comparing ourselves to Instagram influencers or even that high school acquaintance who claims to be back to her pre-baby size already. Spoiler alert: everyone has their struggles.
In her video, Mia reminds us that while some women may seem to have their bodies back to normal, they’re likely facing challenges too—like the fact that “when she sneezes, she might just leak.” We’re all navigating our own journeys, and feeling inadequate because of our post-baby bodies is unwarranted. Because let’s face it—most of us have just undergone a monumental experience.
Motherhood is both beautiful and daunting, filled with exhaustion, challenges, and humbling moments. Whatever feelings you may have at any given time, remember that countless other mothers have felt the same, especially regarding postpartum weight. It really doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things.
“It’s safe to say we have other priorities,” Mia concludes. “So back off!”
For more insights on parenting and conception, check out this other blog and learn more about the journey of home insemination at Make a Mom. Also, don’t miss out on this excellent resource for pregnancy and related topics.
Summary
In the end, we need to shift the focus away from unrealistic expectations surrounding postpartum bodies. Mia Turner’s candid remarks highlight that recovery is a personal journey, and every mother deserves the time to heal without the added pressure of societal standards.