New moms have a lot on their plates—navigating the challenges of caring for a brand-new baby while adjusting to life as a parent is no small feat. So why do we continue to heap unrealistic expectations on women to quickly “bounce back” after childbirth?
A powerful Facebook post by a mom named Emma Collins has gone viral, perfectly illustrating this struggle. Emma recounts an interaction at a store where she was approached by a woman who quickly shifted from casual conversation to promoting weight loss products. What’s so shocking is not just the audacity of this woman but how Emma handled the situation with remarkable poise.
“I was shopping at Target with my beautiful newborn,” Emma shares. “As a brand new mom, I was enjoying this special moment when a woman struck up a conversation about my baby. Then came the inevitable question: ‘Have you ever heard of It Works?’ I told her I was familiar but hadn’t tried it. She then acted shocked and handed me her card.”
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the nerve it takes to approach a recently postpartum woman about losing weight—seriously, wow.
Emma continues, “I don’t have a problem with the fact that this company exists, or even with this woman. She might be lovely and simply trying to make a living, which I respect. But let’s be real: she didn’t just approach every woman in the store. She sought me out, a fresh mom with a visible baby.”
She hits the nail on the head. Women like Emma are often targeted because societal pressures create insecurities about their bodies after childbirth. Celebrities frequently dominate headlines discussing how quickly they regained their pre-pregnancy figures, complete with their ‘tips’ for doing so. But why? Why do we impose such pressure on women who have just done something as miraculous as bringing new life into the world?
As Emma eloquently puts it, “Can we PLEASE stop perpetuating these impossible standards and the insecurities they create for new moms? Instead of conforming to superficial ideals, let’s celebrate one another for the incredible, life-giving beings that we are.”
Absolutely! Emma wraps up her post with an empowering affirmation for all women: “My body doesn’t need to be wrapped or squeezed or changed. It deserves to be cherished for the incredible life it just brought into this world. THAT is true beauty.”
This message resonates deeply with many, and it’s a call to action for us all.
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In summary, Emma’s viral post sheds light on the unrealistic expectations placed on postpartum women regarding their bodies. It’s a poignant reminder to celebrate the beauty of motherhood rather than adhering to outdated standards of beauty.