You’ve brought a child into the world. Maybe you’ve welcomed more than one little one, or perhaps, like me, you’ve had a whole handful. You could be raising a child you didn’t carry yourself, or you might have faced the heartache of loss.
When you first became pregnant, perhaps your stomach was flat and smooth—like the perfectly sculpted version you’d always dreamed of. You could look down and see your body without any awkward angles or needed adjustments. But let’s be real: that flat stomach probably isn’t coming back, no matter how hard you try.
Let it go. Seriously. As the saying goes, “let go and let God.” Nature has a way of reshaping our bodies after pregnancy, and that’s okay. Your belly has stretched, and it may never return to its pre-pregnancy state. That’s just a part of motherhood, a badge of honor if you will.
Even if you manage to shed all the baby weight, your stomach will likely still have that little pooch or some other reminder of the miracle it once carried. After all, your body has done something incredible; it brought life into this world.
So, let’s make it normal to celebrate our VBOs (Visible Belly Overhang). It’s high time we embrace our beautiful, soft bellies. There’s no need to feel ashamed or pressured to fit into a mold of what society deems acceptable.
Stop walking around wishing you looked different. Your body is amazing just as it is. An industry has been built around the idea that we should all strive for a flat stomach, peddling shapewear that’s uncomfortable and often unflattering. Trust me, I’ve worn the most popular brands through sweltering summers and freezing winters, convinced that without it, others would see my “flaws.” But guess what? Everyone knows the truth. If you’ve had kids or are raising them, we all understand that a flat stomach isn’t the norm.
Let’s face it: once you take off that shapewear, you’re left with the same belly you were hiding. What’s the point of sleeping in it? You deserve comfort.
The tabloids and societal standards can keep their opinions on “losing the mummy tummy.” Moms come in all shapes and sizes, and our tummies are part of our stories. A flat stomach might look nice in a magazine, but it’s not essential for happiness or living your best life.
Take a moment to appreciate your belly for what it is now. It won’t revert to its former self without surgery, so why not learn to love it? You don’t need to wear a crop top if you’re not comfortable, but you can certainly drop the shame. It’s perfectly fine to look like a mom because being a mom is something to celebrate.
So here’s the deal: let’s normalize all bellies—round, soft, stretch-marked—they’re all beautiful. Moms are doing incredible things, and our bodies reflect that journey.
For more insights on navigating mommyhood, check out this blog post from our other posts. And for authoritative information on fertility, you can visit this resource. Additionally, Mount Sinai offers excellent resources for pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, let’s celebrate our bodies post-pregnancy and embrace the changes they’ve undergone. It’s time to appreciate the amazing work they’ve done and let go of unrealistic expectations.