Meet Jessica Monroe from Seattle, Washington—a talented photographer and mother of three who recently decided to take a bold step by putting her own postpartum body in the spotlight. She’s on a mission to challenge the stigma surrounding postpartum bodies and encourage women to embrace their journeys, no matter how they look.
Jessica candidly shared on Instagram, “This is what 70 lbs over my pre-baby weight looks like.” She goes on to dismantle the myth that breastfeeding guarantees weight loss, declaring, “This is what it looks like to exclusively breastfeed and still gain weight.” Can we collectively agree to let go of that unrealistic expectation already?
With a six-month-old baby, Jessica’s days are filled with the joys and demands of motherhood. “This is what a working mom who hasn’t put on makeup or had time for self-care looks like. This is also what my happiness looks like,” she boldly states. Her message is clear and refreshing: you can be a new mother, overwhelmed and exhausted, and still find joy in your life, even with those extra pounds lingering.
“What my body looks like doesn’t dictate my happiness or success. My body is merely a temporary vessel. My life is beautiful,” she asserts. Our appearances don’t always reflect our inner selves, and just because you might not have time for the gym doesn’t mean you’re failing. It’s perfectly okay—and even beautiful.
Sharing such an intimate photo wasn’t an easy decision for Jessica. “In our society, gaining weight feels like a public failure. You’re made to feel ashamed, and that shame is hard to hide,” she explains. Having given birth to five children (two through surrogacy), she recalls being at a “healthy” weight before her last pregnancy. “Some weeks I eat super healthy, while others I indulge in a sleeve of Oreos and enjoy every second of it,” she shares.
Jessica emphasizes that her work keeps her busy, and when she does have spare time, she prefers to spend it with her kids rather than on lengthy workout sessions. “My body is like my home. It changes with the seasons of my life. Sometimes it’s messy, sometimes it’s tidy, and often it’s a mix of both,” she writes.
Life has its ups and downs, and Jessica touches on the various struggles many face—depression, addiction, and other challenges that can affect how we see ourselves. “We must learn to show ourselves grace and practice self-love whenever we can. Our inner dialogue holds tremendous power,” she advises.
Indeed, the way we speak to ourselves can be transformative. “Our bodies have achieved incredible things. Accepting that they aren’t perfect—and don’t need to be—is a significant step toward healing years of self-criticism,” she adds. Jessica believes that by sharing genuine experiences, rather than just the polished images, we can foster a gentler relationship with ourselves.
In her closing thoughts, she empowers us all, stating, “It doesn’t matter if someone finds me unattractive. I’m not here to satisfy their eyes. I hold far more value than that—and so do you.”
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In summary, Jessica Monroe’s heartfelt message is a powerful reminder that our self-worth isn’t tied to societal standards of beauty. Embracing our postpartum bodies can lead to a greater sense of happiness and fulfillment, and we should never feel pressured to conform to others’ expectations.