I used to be a total modesty queen. Picture me at the gym, awkwardly waiting for a private shower stall while other women confidently stripped down. If I was really in a bind, I would just opt for a shower in my bathing suit. That was my life before kids.
Fast forward to now, and I’m whipping off my bathing suit in the locker room like it’s a race against time. With only 45 seconds to shower before my little one starts howling for food, modesty has taken a backseat.
I never imagined I’d be in a bathroom with an audience, all cheering for my bowels to cooperate. Sure, I figured it’d happen eventually, but I thought I’d be well into my nineties before that! The reality hit hard during labor when I was surrounded by five people (and my phone) while I was giving birth. Oh, and someone even unbuttoned my shirt for the first public feeding of my newborn. Talk about an unexpected loss of privacy!
As my heart opened up to motherhood, so did my attitude towards modesty. My brother-in-law walked in while I was nursing, and my instinct to cover up was quickly drowned out by the thought of “eh, whatever.” It’s just easier to feed this little munchkin without worrying about who’s watching.
Since becoming a mom, I’ve embraced some wonderfully liberating changes:
- Goodbye, Bras: The first few weeks postpartum, I ditched the bra and even my shirt. My sore boobs couldn’t handle the hassle of clothing adjustments every few minutes. If any nosy neighbors peeked in, they would have seen a drooling, topless mom with a baby clamoring for food. Now, I only wear a bra for fancy occasions—like weddings or (gasp) funerals!
- Letting it Flow: Everyone farts, and that’s a fact. Holding it in only leads to discomfort. After having a baby, I’ve adopted the motto “if you gotta go, let it flow.” I have a newfound appreciation for those who don’t hold back, and I’m not far from joining their ranks.
- Food Stains, Bring It On: With all the baby messes, I’ve acquired a new tolerance for stains on my clothes. Pre-baby me would have changed outfits over a tiny drop of coffee. Now? It takes a full-on explosion of spit-up for me to even consider a wardrobe change.
- Oops, I Pee’d: Before giving birth, the thought of accidentally peeing in public was mortifying. Now, I just make sure I wear black yoga pants to camouflage any little accidents. If anyone catches a whiff, hey, I can just blame it on the baby!
- Wedge Adjustments: With everything down there now two sizes bigger, my underwear has a mind of its own. Instead of suffering in silence, I happily reach down to adjust any wedgies or camel toes, regardless of my surroundings. Sorry, judgmental guy in the grocery store!
- Mom Bath Time: When I don’t have time for a proper shower, I resort to a “Mom Bath”—which is basically layering on deodorant and spritzing extra perfume to mask the delightful scent of baby poop and general chaos.
Modesty can really hold you back from enjoying life and feeling free. Who cares if someone gives you the side-eye for being bold? What matters is your happiness and comfort.
For more insights on motherhood and self-care, check out this post on our blog, or gain knowledge from experts like Make a Mom. If you’re curious about pregnancy resources, NHS IVF Resources is an excellent reference.
In summary, motherhood has transformed my approach to modesty in ways I never expected. From ditching bras to embracing the chaos, I’ve learned to prioritize comfort and authenticity over societal expectations.