I see you pulling at your leggings, making sure they’re high enough to hold in that stubborn leftover baby weight.
I see you checking the mirror one last time before you leave the house, only to decide to apply just a little more concealer.
I see you putting those dressy high heels back on the shelf and sigh to yourself as you walk away.
I see you, because I’ve been there.
As a mom who struggles with self-esteem, I’ve unfairly judged myself to every extreme. I’ve looked at my much younger, much thinner coworkers, friends, and even my own sister and wondered if they’d look like this when they had kids.
Probably not, I’d think. They’ll be cute and stylish and their bodies will no doubt go back to being just as thin in a matter of days.
Of course, I logically know I’m being ridiculous. Bodies change in crazy ways when it comes to childbearing, ways that may not be obvious to the eye. But it’s hard to see that if you’re judging solely by the cute Instagram pictures. You start to think you’re the only one who doesn’t know how to lose weight, or what size you even wear anymore because everything fits weird. I mean, do they even make clothes for postpartum moms?
I’ve got a secret for you, though. I’ve learned that no matter how thin or healthy or fit a mom looks, every mom out there struggles with postpartum self-esteem.
We’re all adjusting to a new, glorious body that grew and birthed a human. That’s the glory of motherhood. The body that you’re trying so hard to figure out knew exactly what to do to produce the beautiful, sweet cherub that you get to call your baby. And it did it in 9 months (or less!).
When your baby made their appearance, they didn’t get a card stating your waist size or hip measurements. They wouldn’t care if they did. All they know is the warmth of your hand, the softness of your voice and the sound of your heart.
I know it’s hard to push past those emotions. Some days are harder than others. But, if anything, women and our bodies are persistent and strong. Keep being the best mother.
Tracie is a working mom of two boys, ages 4 and 1. With two boys and a husband who is a baseball and softball coach, she spends most of her time at a field.
When not at a game or working, she enjoys reading, volunteering, refurbishing furniture and shopping. She and her family live in her husband’s hometown of Moore.
