I used to be the queen of modesty. At the gym, I was that bashful bather, lingering by the entrance, waiting for a private shower stall to become available while other women confidently stripped down. If I ever found myself in a bind, I’d opt to shower in my swimsuit. That was before I entered the world of motherhood.
Now? I’m yanking off my bathing suit before the locker room door even closes, racing to get a quick rinse in before my baby demands attention. Modesty? Forget about it.
I never envisioned a day when I’d be in a restroom with three people encouraging me to, let’s say, make a bowel movement. Sure, I knew it could happen eventually, but not before my nineties! The reality of this was stark during my birthing experience. They were so eager for me to go, but nerves and stage fright had the opposite effect.
After the “letting go” incident, any remaining modesty vanished as I welcomed a new human into the world—while five people, including one holding an iPhone, looked on. Oh, and someone even removed my top to prepare for my first public feeding of this new arrival.
Who knew that my modesty would be washed away as I embraced the joys of motherhood? When it was time to nurse, my confidence was tested when my brother-in-law walked into the room. My instinct was to cover up, but that quickly gave way to a casual, “Eh, whatever.” It felt far easier to let it all hang out while I fed my hungry infant.
Since becoming a mom, I’ve experienced some surprisingly liberating transformations:
- Goodbye, Bras: In those early postpartum weeks, I ditched both the bra and the shirt. With sore breasts and the constant need to feed my baby, the effort of adjusting my attire was just too much. Any curious onlookers peering through my window would have seen a drooling, topless woman with her partner and baby, repeating, “I think the baby’s hungry again.” Now, I only wear a bra for special occasions, such as weddings or funerals. In fact, I recently bought a ruffled dress just so I wouldn’t have to wear one to a postpartum wedding.
- Flatulence is Normal: Let’s be real—everyone farts, no matter how posh you think you are. Holding it in just leads to discomfort, and having a baby tends to loosen things up. I’ve learned to adopt the motto, “If you gotta go, let it flow,” in every possible interpretation. I’ve gained a newfound respect for the older generation who unapologetically let one rip at the dinner table. I’m not quite at that level yet, but I’m getting there.
- Food Stains? No Problem: Between baby poop, green mush, and who knows what else, I’ve found myself covered in various substances since becoming a mom. The pre-baby me would have changed outfits over the smallest coffee spill, but now it takes a major incident for me to even consider changing clothes.
- Oops, I Pee’d: The thought of wetting myself in public used to be mortifying. Now, I just make sure to wear black yoga pants to conceal any leaks that may happen when I laugh or exercise. If anyone notices a strange smell, I can always blame it on the baby.
- Wedges and Camel Toes: With everything “down there” now a size larger than it used to be, my underwear often finds its way into places it shouldn’t. I have no qualms about adjusting my wedgie or camel toe, regardless of where I am. If that offends anyone, well, they can simply look away.
- Mom Baths: When I can’t find time for a proper shower, I resort to what I like to call a “Mom Bath.” This involves slathering on extra deodorant and spritzing on some perfume to mask the not-so-pleasant scents of baby spit-up, greasy hair, and everyday dirt.
Modesty can often hold us back with worries about how we appear to others. Who cares if someone looks down on your new boldness? Embrace the freedom that comes with motherhood and just be you.
For more insights on motherhood and the changes it brings, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination from the CDC. If you’re looking for essentials, consider exploring an at-home insemination kit from Make a Mom, a trusted authority on the subject. And for more tips on navigating motherhood, feel free to visit our privacy policy.
Summary
Motherhood has transformed my sense of modesty in ways I never anticipated. From ditching bras and worrying less about bodily functions to embracing the chaos of spills and stains, I’ve learned to let go of societal expectations and just be myself.