It seems like every time a celebrity gives birth, the first thing everyone wants to know (after the baby's name and gender, of course), is how long it will take for the mom to get her body "back."
A lot of us have become accustomed to the idea that most celebs "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy weight in just a few weeks. It's pretty unrealistic, even for celebrities who have personal trainers, nutritionists, chefs, and live-in nannies at their beck and call.
Post-pregnancy just isn't that simple.
For most moms, it's a longer process — and that's OK. In fact, it's beautiful! A new mom's body should be celebrated for what it is: capable of creating new life.
Unfortunately, this idea of "bouncing back" is everywhere. When new mom Ana saw an ad for a nursing bra that seemed unrealistic, she couldn't help but share her thoughts with the world.
Thumbnail Photo: Instagram / powertoprevail
[H/T: ScaryMommy]
Ana shared the above picture and wrote:
I am now 2.5 weeks postpartum and finally getting around to buying more nursing bras.
As I was browsing I came across this ad and just had to share.
What happens in the absence of representation?
Our brain recognizes that of all the examples of what a brand new mom is "supposed" to look like, that most of us don't even come close.
Then, we start the comparing and that’s when our self image goes to sh*t because you can’t compete with a edited photo.
Also, I can guess this model is not exactly 2 days out from giving birth like I was in the picture on the right and THAT is who is buying these bras.
Please recognize this and be kind to yourself. The way you see and acknowledge this transitioning is so important.
Otherwise, we become distracted by the unimportant and unrealistic things. Focus on your recovery and your babe(s) and forget the lies we're constantly being fed.
You deserve truth, love, excitement, joy, sleep, and more. Just the way you are.
You've done and are more than enough.
People who saw Ana's post couldn't agree more with what she said.
One person wrote, "Great idea – they should use actual breastfeeding women to advertise nursing bras!"
"Why do they always use a model who's NEVER been pregnant?!" wrote another person.
And a third woman said, "I would seriously doubt most models for nursing wear have ever had kids. Should be a prerequisite for the job."
Having a newborn baby is hard, and nursing is challenging for most new moms.
The last thing a new mom needs is to feel self-conscious about her body.
Since giving birth, Ana has written about body-positivity numerous times.
Keeping up with a tiny human is hard work, and she wants every mom to feel proud of themselves just for doing what they can.
If you're inspired by what Ana wrote, please SHARE this article with your friends!
