4 Realities About Our Post-Baby Bodies

It’s 7:47 a.m. on a Saturday, and I’m racing to snag a spot in the sought-after 8 a.m. step class at my local gym. Typically, the regulars are mostly women in their 30s to 50s. But today, I catch a glimpse of two new moms, both with adorable little ones under a year old, and overhear their conversation.

“You look fantastic! So slim,” says the first mom, Kelly, to the second, Lisa.

Lisa shrugs, “Thanks, but I’m still a few pounds heavier than I was before Max.”

Honestly, Lisa looks great to me. As a mom of three myself, I like to think I have a good eye for these things. Kelly then adds, “I totally get it. I can’t run the miles I used to before Emma, and keeping the weight off is tough. But I just can’t give up my wine!”

Cheers to that! Wine is essential.

After the initial whirlwind of bringing a baby home settles down, it’s easy to fixate on “getting your body back.” We all know life changes forever, yet we somehow expect our bodies to revert to how they were. Watching these women head to childcare, I want to share a few truths with them:

1. Your body will be different, always.

No matter how much weight you lose, the distribution of those pounds will be totally altered. For me, some parts have shifted in ways I never anticipated. My once flat belly is now a bit saggy, and I’ve noticed some extra skin around my knees from carrying those extra pounds for nine months (three times!). On the flip side, other aspects have blossomed—like my hips, which curve beautifully now, or my hair, which is fuller thanks to those pregnancy hormones.

2. Your body won’t perform like it used to.

Not only does your body look different, but it also functions differently. I doubt I’ll ever run five miles without feeling that twinge in my hip again. A perfectly flat stomach may be a thing of the past, no matter how many crunches I do. And don’t get me started on jumping jacks; let’s just say that’s a no-go now! Even years later, I’m still learning what my body can handle and what it can’t.

3. Your body will do incredible things you never imagined.

Late-night feedings? No problem! You’ll be surprised at how resilient your body is, whether it’s lifting your child from the crib, chasing after a toddler, or even managing to hold an infant for an eternity. The strength you gain from these experiences is remarkable. I was shocked at how fast I could run when my little one darted toward the street!

4. Beauty is all around you.

The constant chatter about post-baby beauty can be overwhelming. Sure, our bodies may have changed—sagging here, crinkling there—but that doesn’t mean we’re less beautiful. Our society’s obsession with appearance doesn’t prepare us for our new bodies, but it’s essential to shift our mindset. Unexpected beauty pops up everywhere, from our child’s long eyelashes to the joy we find in the mundane. Even the little lines from sleepless nights can tell a fascinating story. And let’s be honest, that rounder bum? Totally hot!

These are the realities of my post-baby body. I still grapple with accepting these changes and sometimes find myself envious of those celebrity moms with personal trainers and meal plans. Yes, I have my quirks—like my forever sore back and the fact that I own a pair of Spanx—but I refuse to dwell on what I can’t change. Instead, I choose to celebrate this mama body and, of course, never give up my wine.

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Summary

Embracing the changes of a post-baby body can be challenging, but it’s essential to acknowledge the incredible capabilities of our new selves. From the way our bodies look to how they function, acceptance is key. Let’s celebrate our unique beauty and the amazing things we can still do as moms.