A powerful message from a mother reminds us that not all moms feel compelled to “bounce back” after giving birth. Meet Sarah Collins, a voice of authenticity in the realm of motherhood, who shares her journey on her blog, Life with Little Ones. With two lively children, Jake and Mia, Sarah offers a refreshing perspective on the pressures surrounding post-baby bodies.
In a recent post, Sarah broke away from the typical social media trend of showcasing post-baby transformations. Instead, she celebrated her body just as it is. Accompanied by a stunning image from Bright Moments Photography, Sarah candidly expressed, “Puffy face, sagging breasts, wider hips, and a belly adorned with stretch marks! That’s my reality after having kids—no bouncing back here!”
While some women may quickly regain their pre-baby figures, many do not, Sarah included. Rather than obsess over societal expectations, she confidently states, “I couldn’t care less! I’m not the same person I was before my kids, so why should my body reflect a past I’ve outgrown?”
She goes on to highlight the beauty of her body’s journey: “Those sagging breasts nourished my babies and helped them grow strong. My wider hips and stretch-marked belly were home to my little ones for nine months.” It’s all too easy to overlook the extraordinary work our bodies do during pregnancy, focusing instead on physical appearance afterward.
Sure, I often joke about how my stomach resembles a crumpled piece of paper due to its wrinkles, but I have to remind myself it stretched for a meaningful purpose—keeping two tiny humans snug and secure. And yes, my breasts have changed since my breastfeeding days, requiring me to wear a bra around the clock. But that milk helped my premature babies thrive, making the aftermath of my body worthwhile.
There’s nothing wrong with pursuing fitness as a mom. Personally, I discovered my love for running after welcoming my twins, and I’m even eyeing my first full marathon for next year. However, I sometimes feel frustrated that my body will never return to its pre-baby state. But Sarah is spot on; we are fierce goddesses, and we must remember that. “Some days, I wish my body was a little firmer,” she admits, “but then I reflect on the amazing things it’s accomplished and indulge in that cheeseburger, because we’ve earned it!”
This article originally appeared on August 2, 2016, but the message remains timeless.
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In summary, Sarah Collins champions the beauty of post-baby bodies and encourages mothers to embrace their new shapes, showcasing the incredible journeys our bodies undertake during pregnancy. Rather than striving for unrealistic ideals, let’s celebrate our strength and the remarkable experiences that come with motherhood.