November 18, 2016
Before my twins arrived, I stumbled across an article on Facebook discussing the unrealistic pressures on women to shed baby weight at lightning speed, driven by celebrity culture. Seriously, who are these celebrities that leave the hospital looking like they’ve just stepped off a runway? I remember munching on white cheddar popcorn and thinking, “No way!” It’s absurd to expect women, who are nurturing new lives while battling sleep deprivation and the occasional baby mess, to fit back into their pre-pregnancy clothes right away. Instead, we should be honored for our strength and resilience, no matter the number on the scale.
I secretly believed I would bounce back effortlessly—after all, that’s the common narrative, right? Fast forward to now: my boys are 7 months old, and here I am, curled up in my room, whispering affirmations to myself, “You are smart. You are kind. You’re going to be okay,” while staring at a pair of jeans that are four sizes larger than anything I’ve ever owned. Spoiler alert: they didn’t fit, and I flung them across the room in a fit of frustration.
With a sense of determination, I bought a real pair of jeans, convinced that after just a week of dieting and exercising, I’d be ready to wear something other than my maternity attire. But I was wrong. Now I’m trying to gather my sanity, singing to my old jeans, reminiscing about the days of less jiggle and fewer dimples, while struggling to pull up leggings that I can hike up to my bra to conceal everything. #sexyandiknowit
Along with the many myths people shared, like “Kids are the greatest joy,” I heard that breastfeeding would help me shed those extra pounds in no time. Seven months into breastfeeding, you’d think I’d be zipping up non-maternity jeans like a champ, right? Nope. According to my trusty Google search, breastfeeding burns 200 to 300 calories (or more) per session, especially since I’m feeding two little ones. But guess what happens when your body expends that much energy? You get hungry! And with no time to prepare healthy meals, I often turn to comfort carbs that soak up my exhaustion far better than egg whites ever could.
I know my body has been through a remarkable and intense experience, and it will take time to return to a sense of normalcy. But some days, I just wish I could feel like my old self, even for a moment. My hair is falling out, my nails are brittle, and I can hardly muster the energy to put on makeup or shave my legs. I’m attached to a breast pump or a baby most of the time, adjusting to a myriad of new challenges. The last thing I wanted to tackle was my body, which is still healing from surgery seven months ago.
So why did I even attempt to wear jeans? I was “inspired” by an article about a mom who ran a marathon while pushing triplets and set a new world record. Seriously? People do that? If she can accomplish such a feat, surely I can squeeze into some real pants. But the reality is, I can’t. I’m exhausted, and that’s probably due to my food coma from indulging in Ben & Jerry’s The Tonight Dough and cheeseburgers.
But you know what? Real pants are overrated anyway.
For more insights on pregnancy and the journey of motherhood, check out this article on home insemination or learn more about your options at Make a Mom. Additionally, WHO’s pregnancy resource is a fantastic guide for any new mom navigating these changes.
In summary, the journey of motherhood is filled with unexpected challenges, especially regarding body image and societal expectations. It’s essential to embrace our unique experiences and celebrate our strength, even when it feels overwhelming.