Let’s get real for a moment. My figure isn’t what it used to be. I’ve got a C-section scar, and my once-toned abs have been MIA since 2003. My thighs have stretch marks that tell stories, and my waistline has expanded in ways I never imagined. Despite carrying a little extra weight — about 20 pounds — I’m still on a mission to shed that baby weight, even if my kids are now 11 and 13. A girl can dream, right?
No amount of airbrushing or self-tanner could recreate the flat stomach I had in my twenties. On a typical day, my bras have enough underwire to support a small building, and my underwear? Let’s just say they prioritize support over style. The idea of squeezing into my pre-kid jeans is laughable at this point, yet here I am, unapologetically wearing a bikini.
After my son was born, I embarked on the quest for the “ideal mom swimsuit.” I scoured stores for a black suit that offered coverage, support, and enough padding to make The Girls look perky while magically shedding 30 pounds. It had to have ruching — whatever that is — to hide the evidence of my motherhood. The perfect bikini needed a skirt to mask the fact that my bikini waxing was on the back burner, plus built-in padding to disguise the aftermath of breastfeeding.
By the time I found something that fit the bill, I resembled a frumpy grandmother with a penchant for outdated fashion. But you know what? I’m done wasting time worrying about what society expects me to wear at the pool. I love bikinis, and I wear them with pride. And honestly, you should too.
My body has nurtured two children for ten months each, completed six marathons, and produced milk for my babies from breasts that grew to impressive proportions. My husband still looks at me with the same desire as he did years ago, and frankly, at 40, my “give-a-damn” button is broken.
I won’t hide my stretch marks with a cover-up. I don’t care if my soft abdomen isn’t what you consider ideal. If you happen to notice my nipples peeking through, that’s on you for staring too long. In a world flooded with images of airbrushed celebrities flaunting their perfect bodies, I’m here to advocate for a different narrative. We shouldn’t feel pressured to fit into a mold that doesn’t reflect reality.
Let’s celebrate the women who proudly show their “imperfections” rather than those who conform to societal standards of beauty. I admire the woman confidently strutting to the snack bar in her bikini, jiggly thighs and all, much more than the one with perfect abs. It’s the moms who embrace their bodies — stretch marks, extra weight, and all — who deserve our admiration.
So here’s to every woman who dares to be herself at the pool. If you don’t like what you see, go ahead and stare at that perfect Barbie floating in the deep end (no disrespect to Barbie, of course).
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be slathering sunscreen on my pale skin while I settle into my beach chair, watching my kids splash around. Oh, and by the way, if you want to learn more about body positivity and self-acceptance, check out this insightful post on intracervicalinsemination.org. And if you’re interested in at-home insemination kits, Cryobaby is a reputable online retailer worth checking out. For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, visit Hopkins Medicine.
Summary
Embracing body positivity means accepting and loving ourselves, imperfections and all. Whether it’s stretch marks or extra weight, we should feel empowered to wear what we like, including bikinis. Let’s celebrate authenticity and support each other in our journeys.
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