It’s taken me a lot to post this, but in a social media landscape and wellness brands full of unrealistic standards for women I feel it’s time to share;
When I was pregnant I felt beautiful.
I felt full, expanded and lovely.
People stopped me on the street, told me how beautiful I looked, and shared all their stories with me.
“It’s the most magical time of your life”
“Nothing quite like having a baby”
And it’s all true.
Now, my third baby has been out of my body and in the world for 12 weeks and as she slowly gets used to the world and I get used to being a Mum of three daughters and breastfeeding on demand (the most underpaid job on the planet!), I’m more critical of my body shape than I ever have been.
When I saw this photo taken at our International Women’s Day event (oh the irony) I was shocked. Do I really still look pregnant? Why are there not more clothing options for postpartum women?
Delete. Delete. Delete.
Share something when you’re back to your “normal”, I thought.
But this is the thing - there is no bounce back; there is no normal; there is only forward and through. Where has this pressure to look like my pre-pregnant body come from?
My Incredible body that has conceived, grown, birthed three babies, breastfed three daughters, endured long years of no sleep (and still keeps giving) deserves me to accept and love it in its perfection: the extra bits on my tummy, hips, thighs, boobs, arms. It deserves my unconditional love. And yours does too.
I’m committed to sharing more diversity and honesty here because we owe it to you.
If you’ve read this far leave something in the comments so I can see you.
Felicity xx
And PS this @babyjoggerau from Baby HQ in Byron is fantastic if you’re looking for one.