This Model Was Shamed for Her 'Mom Bod' & She's Speaking Out
Moms: Whether you’re proud of your newly transformed “mom bod” or are trying to “get your body back,” you should not be judged for your choices. The widespread body-shaming of moms — in our culture, on our streets, and most of all on the internet — has got to stop. Now.
Apparently, when we become pregnant in this society, our bodies are no longer our own. They become open to commentary, touching, judgment, and even bump-shaming from others. When I was pregnant, I received offensive comments and questions ranging from “Oh my god! You’re HUUUUGE!” to, I kid you not, an inquiry about my nipple color.
And for mothers, this constant judgment and inquisition certainly doesn’t change after we give birth. Then comes the pressure to “bounce back” to our pre-baby physique — quickly and effortlessly, all while managing to keep a tiny human alive and well-nurtured. Which is a 24/7 job. Add going back to work, and moms are working the equivalent of three jobs. Oh, did you also want to have a social life? Maybe eat three meals a day? Have time for your partner? In a new mom’s life, there’s hardly space for a shower — let alone a gym routine. So why does the postpartum body obsession continue?
Honestly, I didn’t have difficulty losing weight after giving birth. I am still breastfeeding (15 months and counting) and my kid never stops moving — so neither do I. But the weight loss brought its own unsolicited comments. I have total strangers approach me while I’m out with my baby and ask how I lost the weight. They seem to hope I have some miracle method to replicate. I worked out regularly during pregnancy (I taught prenatal fitness classes until 37 weeks pregnant) and ate somewhat healthy with consideration to what nutrients were needed for growing a baby. I had bagels for the first time in 5 years. I eat dessert every day. But since baby was born I didn’t run back to the gym like I thought I would. I don’t have the time and what few moments I do get to myself I have zero interest in spending them working out. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE working out. I love the way it makes me feel more than the way it makes me look. I found sanity in my yoga practice and miss it dearly. But, with so many big and small things that need tending to each and every day, my free time after baby goes to sleep is not spent sweating.
I have also worked in the fashion industry as a model for over 2 decades. It’s a brutal industry. I tried to hide my pregnancy for as long as possible for fear of losing work. Once I announced it to my agent she quickly pointed out my tiny baby bump and how obvious it was, along with my growing breasts. I seriously looked like I had eaten a big meal and not like I was pregnant but from that day on I lost jobs. And once I had the baby I had to prove myself again. I had go into the agency to let them “have a look” and see if I passed muster. I went in, full of anxiety, stripped down to my underwear and had pictures taken so they could assess my size and ability to work. I was already down to my pre baby measurements but told to “sit tight” until I was done breastfeeding because a) my breasts were too large and b) the inconvenience of needing to pump while on set was too much consideration to ask from clients. The whole process was soul crushing. On one hand I had strangers in awe of my physique and on the other my agents critiquing it.
What I’ve learned is this. This whole process is amazing and hard and different for every single person. My pre and post natal experience is unique to me and yours is your own experience. Instead of trying to fit back into a body that doesn’t for your new life, try and see it for the miracle that it is. You may not love your soft curves or stretch marks right away- or ever. And that’s ok. It’s ok to be a bit uncomfortable if your thighs touch when they didn’t before (although mine have touched since I was a kid and how did ‘thigh gap’ become a desired trait?!). It’s ok if rocking a crop top when you belly is round isn’t your jam. What is pretty wonderful is recognizing the amazing feat that your body has accomplished in growing, birthing and nurturing another human being.
Kerry Washington was quoted as saying that her body was a sight of a miracle. I like that. It honors that some wild, magical and crazy sh*t has happened and that is awesome. And intense! So rather than “bouncing back” to a body and life that no longer matches where you are currently, let’s celebrate all that comes with the miracle of birth. Shut the guilt and shaming down and lift up the celebration of motherhood.
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