Movement for MAMAS

Hey, MAMA

Let’s drop the idea that you need to “bounce back” after having a baby. Your body just did something incredible – it grew and delivered a whole new human. That deserves respect, not pressure.

The truth? Your body might look or feel different now. And that’s okay. It’s normal. But when it comes to post-pregnancy body positivity – is it still hard to find? In a recent study analysing images tagged #postpartumbody on Instagram, researchers found stretch marks, bellies and scars were rarely in the photos. So have we really moved past the ‘bounce back’ rhetoric?

The reality for many new mums is that their bodies will be facing ALL of these things, alongside an overall shift in posture and confidence. Yet the imagery that we see isn’t representative of these changes.

Does it matter? 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.

So, MAMAS, let’s take back control of the conversation, and move away from how you are LOOKING to how you are FEELING. There are things beyond your postnatal body that paint a much truer picture and reflection of life as a new mum.

“Bouncing forward” means giving yourself time. It means focusing on healing, not rushing. It’s about recognising that strength isn’t about a flat stomach, it’s about everything your body has just been through and everything it’s still doing for you and your baby.

So wear the clothes that feel good. Move in ways that make you happy. Be kind to your reflection. And surround yourself with people (and social media) that remind you of how strong and capable you are.

Your body is not a problem to solve. It’s a story of everything you’ve accomplished.

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 proud 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 x