Postpartum Body Image: My Journey & How to Embrace the Healing Process
Postpartum body image is a topic so many moms struggle with, yet it’s rarely talked about openly. After giving birth, you’re not only figuring out life with a newborn, but you’re also dealing with a body that feels foreign—one that’s been through so much. It’s hard not to compare yourself to others or to the “old” you. In this post, I’m sharing my personal journey with postpartum body image, the challenges I faced after each of my three pregnancies, and how I learned to embrace healing while showing myself grace.
My Postpartum Journey:
When I had my first baby at 19, I was still figuring out who I was as a person, let alone as a mom. I was young, self-conscious, and had no idea what was “normal” postpartum. I expected my body to snap back after birth, so as soon as my doctor gave me the green light, I went straight to the gym. But I was discouraged when results didn’t come quickly. I didn’t understand that postpartum recovery takes time, both physically and emotionally.
Ironically, it wasn’t the gym that helped me lose the weight—it was going back to work at a restaurant, where I was constantly on my feet and moving around. Later, I discovered weight training, which gave me a newfound sense of strength and confidence.
With my second pregnancy, I stayed active and continued working out. This made a huge difference not just physically but mentally, too. Labor and recovery felt easier, and while I wasn’t as focused on “bouncing back,” I noticed that staying consistent helped me feel good in my body.
By the time I had my third baby, I was more seasoned but still faced challenges. Despite maintaining my workout routine, I experienced significant abdominal separation (diastasis recti). Even after losing the baby weight, my body didn’t feel the same. I struggled with how I looked in pre-pregnancy clothes and often felt frustrated. But over time, I learned to appreciate my body for its resilience and the incredible life it created.
What helped me start to heal was shifting my perspective. I began focusing on what my body did rather than how it looked. It carried, protected, and brought my child into the world—a miracle I reminded myself of daily.
While the emotional shift was crucial, I also leaned on practical tools to feel more confident. Comfortable clothing, self-care routines, and even just finding five minutes for myself each day helped immensely.
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Tips for Embracing Your Postpartum Body:
Shift Your Mindset
Instead of criticizing your body, try thanking it for everything it has done. Write down positive affirmations or journal about what you're grateful for. For me, having a journal like the Mindful Affirmations Journal gave me a space to focus on the positives.
Dress for Comfort and Confidence
Finding clothes that fit your new body is essential. I loved high-waisted leggings that provided gentle compression. I also wore loose fitting clothes, but were still flattering on my body. Thank goodness baggy and loose clothes are in style. Here is a link to a collection of tasteful and stylist clothes that are perfect for postpartum.
Prioritize Self-Care
Little acts of self-care go a long way. For instance, using a Stretch Mark Cream. I love the Maelys B Tight Cream like I was taking care of my skin while also giving myself a moment to relax.
Take Small Steps Toward Fitness
When I was ready, I started with gentle movements like stretching or walking. Investing in affordable at-home fitness gear, like yoga mat, dumbbells and some resistance bands, helped me ease back into exercise at my own pace and could workout at home so I didn’t need to find a sitter.
Celebrate the small wins
Postpartum recovery is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all timeline. Remember, your body just performed a miracle. Be patient, be kind, and know that you’re not alone in this. Your body is a reflection of the strength it takes to bring life into the world—and that’s something to celebrate.
Postpartum body image isn’t just about “bouncing back”—it’s about embracing where you are and learning to celebrate what your body has been through. Some days are easier than others, but with the right mindset, support system, and a few practical tools, you can rediscover confidence in your own skin.
Remember, every stretch mark and curve tells the story of motherhood. And that’s a story worth loving.
