Embracing My Mom Bod

Those of you who know me are probably wondering why I am even writing about my body. Yes, I’ve been gifted with a high metabolism, tall figure, and haven’t had weight issues in my life. Breastfeeding allowed me to shed the 30 lbs I gained with each of my pregnancies and brought me within 5 lbs of my pre-pregnancy weight. Please don’t grumble under your breath, shoot fire at me, or anything of that nature. It’s very much in my genes, but I do work out and try to live a healthy lifestyle too.

Despite what my figure looks like on the outside, I’ve still had struggles with body image. This struggle has only increased since my kids have been born.

Body Changed By Birth

Both of my kids were born via c-section. I would never change how they were brought into this world, but it left me with a 5 inch scar near my bikini line. My scar is keloid, which means it’s raised and pretty noticeable. This area may be hidden from everyone’s eyes, it still leaves me feeling self-conscious. Also, as much as I can workout I can’t seem to completely get rid of my mom pooch. Excess fat/skin hangs around below and above my scar. My days of wearing a bikini with a flat stomach are no longer happening.

God never blessed me in the chest department. My chest has always been pretty flat. The big boob genes skipped me when I was going through puberty. I loved being pregnant and breastfeeding for the fact that I was able to actually fill out my shirts for once. The first time in my life that I had legit cleavage was when I was pregnant with my first. I didn’t know what to do with myself! Unfortunately, the end of breastfeeding quickly deflated my large bosom.

I never thought it was possible, but breastfeeding two kids for two years left me with a smaller chest than what I had before kids. I now look like a prepubescent teenager and have to wear a padded bra at all times.

My hair has also taken a beating since having babies. My hair is no longer full and luxurious like it was when I was pregnant. Instead, stray hairs are regrowing from the never ending hair loss. It’s also turned to a pile of grease that is uncontrollable no matter what shampoo or diy treatment I use. My good hair genes must have all gone to my girls because now they are blessed with gorgeous long locks!

Celebrate Mom Bods

Lately, we’ve celebrated “dad bods”, but women are constantly expected to fulfill an ideal image of a perfect butt, perky chest, and gorgeous figure. We praise them for losing the baby weight in record time. This leaves us “normal” women trying to live up to an often unachievable ideal. While your “mom bod” or body in general may not look like mine or anyone else for that matter, it’s time to embrace them.

Embracing my mom bod means that I’m reminding myself what those c-section scars, stomach pooch, flat chest, and hideous hair gave me:

Two beautiful babies.

For that, I’m grateful and will own and love my mom bod. No matter what size, shape or physical changes you’ve had since becoming a mom, I hope you can be grateful for them.

Every single one can be a reminder of how amazing the female body is and the baby or babies it brought you.

Every single one is a reminder of the love that you’ve given to a child.

What can you celebrate about your mom bod?

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