Post-pregnancy body positivity - is it still hard to find? In a recent study analysing 600 images tagged #postpartumbody on Instagram, Australian researchers found stretch marks, bellies and scars were rarely in the photos. So have we really moved forwards with the whole 'bounce back' term & ideaology?
The reality for many new mums is that their bodies will be facing all of these things, alongside cellulite, sagging breasts and an overall shift in posture and confidence. Yet the imagery that we see isn't necessarily representative of these changes.
Does it matter? Well, yes, it does if it puts an increased pressure onto women who are already going through a huge life change, to feel they need to look a certain way. Equally, however, encouraging new mothers to immediately fall in love with their postpartum bodies can be a form of pressure too.
Perhaps it's time to take back control of the conversation, and move away from how mothers are LOOKING to how they are FEELING. There are things beyond your postnatal body that paint a much truer picture and reflection of life as a new mum.
So here's a quick reminder to all you new mamas out there:
You don't need to get your body 'back' - it hasn't gone anywhere!
Comparison is the thief of joy - avoid it
I could list a myriad ways you could be prouf and thankful for your new body. But if you're not quite there yet, take the pressure off. You don't have to jump straight into body positivity. But, please, avoid the negativity.
Fi xxx