There are times in a woman's life when she should let go of the pressure to fit the beauty-standard mold that society has created. Ideally, it would be all the time, but not caring what other people think is always something much easier said than done.
Of course, the most demanding process on the female body is the miracle of birth. As miraculous as it may be, it takes a toll on your figure.
Changes like a baby bump go without saying, but it can be easier to forget about how a woman's body may or may not recover after the package is delivered.
To make matters worse, we are constantly exposed to photos of celebrities and their freakish ability to look better than they did before they were even pregnant.
In reality, most postpartum bodies do not look like they could belong on the cover of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue.
That's why the online community @TakeBackPostpartum was founded, with the goal of being a place where women can share stories about their postpartum bodies — and hopefully find acceptance.
Take Back Postpartum is an online community where moms can share their pictures and support each other through their journeys.
Some moving photos and even more powerful stories are below.
No more bump shots so me and Margot have had a little selfie instead. One week postpartum and I can honestly say it’s been a lot harder than I ever thought. After having an emergency c-section and delivering Nellie 3 months early I though our full term, planned section would be a breeze. Well in no way have I “bounced back” like I did with Nellie.
Will my belly button always look like a cat's bum hole? It's been a lot easier emotionally but I still cry at least once a day over absolutely nothing and man my poor boobies are running like taps, everything is soaked in breast milk. Margot loves a comfort feed so I've spent the last 7 days with her hanging of my nipple whilst contending with Nellie and now this silly blood pressure problem.
How an earth do you mummas with more than two do it? Not that I would have it any other way, I'm still utterly and blissfully in baby paradise. There really is nothing I'd rather be doing than mothering my two girls.
At almost 4 months postpartum, this is my body today. I’m not one of the women who can just “bounce back” after having a baby. I’ve gone back and forth I don’t know how many times about posting this photo.
I've been trying my best not to get down about my body since having Holden, but it's been a bit hard at times. There are days when I feel pretty good about myself, and then there are days where I don't even want to look in the mirror. But every time I start feeling poorly about my body, I remind myself that I just GREW A HUMAN inside of me.
For nearly 10 months, my body changed and grew a little more every day with a growing baby inside of it. And that feeling trumps any and all of the poor feelings I have about myself. It makes me snuggle her a little harder and look at her a little longer. Because for me, motherhood isn't about getting my body back or being able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes. It's about spending every moment possible loving on my precious babe and building that special bond with her.
This time last week I still had a 9+LB baby in my belly. My pregnancy and birth experiences have given me so much appreciation for a body that I HATED for most my life. Today I feel like a damn superhero. PS- who else loves mesh panties? Seriously, they’re awesome.
Instagram / takebackpostpartum
I’ve been wanting to share this for a while now. Almost every day, I receive messages from other Mums asking me how I look the way that I do. How I got my “pre baby body” back. Here’s the truth ladies – I DIDN’T. I have the excess skin.
I don't have stomach definition the way I used to. My hips are a little wider. I don't want there to be any misconceptions. My body did not just "bounce back." Now having said that, I work very hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to FEEL good in my skin. I may not ever look the way I did before I had the twins. And you know what? I'm OK with that.
Why be ashamed? A life grew inside of you that gives humanity hope of change. You felt things that I as a man will never understand. Even when you first held your baby girl or boy it was nothing similar to when they lay in their father’s hands.
Your body changed and so did you. It became a look into the past of what you went through. You grew mentally and emotionally and your spirit was taken to places you didn't think it would ever go. Your breasts may sit differently. Your ass may not be as thick as it once was. But why should it be when you gave so much of yourself to help all of us. A sacrifice of sorts if you choose to see it that way.
But to me your body now is exactly how it's supposed to be. So don't be ashamed. Don't hide your changes from the world that you and your sisters helped create. Be proud of your story. Be proud of your lines. Be proud of who you've chosen to be.
Days before Lily B was born. Feeling huge, looking huge, and cuddling my little bobble head. My body has been through the ringer the past 2.5 years and I got the marks to prove it.
This body had gone through so much in the past 15 months. From spending 9 months protecting this baby boy, to 12 hours of intense pain bringing him earth side, to nourishing him for 6 months.
It will probably take a lot longer than 6 months for me to fully embrace how carrying Arlo has changed my body. While I now have stretch marks that are deep and wide and a belly that is way too soft for my liking — I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
This peanut has blessed our lives more than words can express, for a full 6 months.
Here's to the next 6 months, little guy. May it bring more joy, laughter, sleep, and quick recoveries.
I know some may be offended by this photo but you know what? I don’t care. This to me is the tummy I now wear proudly as our beautiful daughter grew inside of me. I have a scar and many stretch marks to prove I carried her for 10 and a half months and brought her into this world.
You know I had all these hopes and dreams about how I wanted to deliver Eden but when things don't go to plan it can change and for me it took a long time to accept this and be proud of how Eden was born. I had all those feelings of guilt and even worse when I then couldn't fulfill my dream of breastfeeding my daughter.
But now 9 months later I'm finally accepting and moving on because I have this perfect little girl. However she was brought into this world she is here and she is safe and I am also okay. Even though I will never have a nice flat tummy again or wear a bikini at the beach again I don't care I AM A MUM AND I AM PROUD OF MYSELF and I always will be. I don't have one of those lovely birth stories but I'll still tell it proudly to anyone who asks.
For more inspirational stories by real women, check out @takebackpostpartum on Instagram.
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