The ‘post-baby body selfie’ (PBBS) has become something of a viral rite of passage in the last few years.
At first I was kind of scathing about the practice – I felt there was something inherently show-offy about those toned mums holding the phone up to the bathroom mirror. Then more and more women got on the PBBS bandwagon, with an increasing emphasis on the not “perfect” aspects of their bodies.
Things were starting to look decidedly UNyummy, and my interest was piqued. Then, and not to go too deep down the road of feminist cultural theory here but I analysed my knee-jerk, eye-rolly action and began to feel that I wasn’t getting behind these women because I felt the PBBS was purely shouty, attention seeking. I asked myself why did I feel these women were being silly or didn’t have the right to photograph and publish their bodies? Why should they need the validation of someone else to display their bodies?
It began to strike me as something of an artistic expression after a while. I’ve come to see the PBBS brigade as sort of modern day Frida Kahlos, they are telling their story with these images. I think these Fridas are making an important contribution, they are helping to create a more rounded and diverse portrayal of women. I get annoyed when I hear others complaining “oh not another ‘real’ women post pictures of themselves on social media photo series” because I think it refuses to recognise the importance of these images.
I, too, dismissed the practice until I began to read the comments posted by other women on these images and also to analyse how the images began to alter my attitude to my own body. There are women out there who feel grateful to see a more realistic representation of the female body and seeing other women with c-section scars or stretch marks or loose skin – myself included.
Women’s bodies are a commodity that is packaged and sold back to us by everyone from fashion designers, “wellness” bloggers and advertising in general. The PBBS is offering a new narrative, not one of perfection but one of pride with a bit of normality about it and I like it.
We asked our readers how they felt about their own mum-bods, and the answers were indicative of just what a hard time we give ourselves but also how much we change when we become mothers.
Honestly. I hate my body….but working on it….but I really love the reason for it being as bad as it is – Paula English
I developed stretch marks from bum to boobs in my ninth month and for years have been so very conscious of them. Now, they are mine and part of me growing my daughter so I don’t see them as much any more I just see me and I am proud of me. Insecure at times but who isn’t – Sinead Lisa Clarke McKay
Hate my body now, before I loved it, would wear dresses and skirts, now just baggy stuff, boobs feel different and didn’t breast feed, thighs are ugly, lumps and bumps where it used to be flat, very self conscious, hate looking in the mirror, makes me miserable – Samantha Flynn
I am finally coming to terms with it. I’m about half a stone off my pre pregnancy weight but I’m no where near back to my pre pregnancy body!! I never will be. I’ve let it go now though, I spent too long in my glorious sons first year thinking and getting fed up with my figure – Danielle O Connell
I have a lot more respect for what my body can do now! – Laura Ryan
I didn’t care about stretch marks because I knew after having my first baby I’d never be a mam to wear belly tops or mini shorts. I think if you are happy and contented with yourself and family who cares what people think!!! – Catherine Cloke
I don’t care any more, it was the best thing to happen – Joanne O’sullivan
I don’t like my body but I loooovveee my boy! !! And that is all that matters – Rodica Sandescu
I didn’t know (what) to expect after I had my baby . I’d heard so many stories of yer body will never be the same nothing will be !! And yes I have stretch marks and extra fat on belly that I never had before but I also have a gorgeous girl who makes it all worth it I am determined to get my figure back and yes I know it will never be the exact same as before but neither am I – Lisa Hamill
4 kids in 4 years including twins. Not 1 stretch mark and no weight gain. Everybody’s different…. 42 having the last… Enjoy ur life and body, it was never perfect to begin with and ur other half doesn’t care!! – Karen Woods
I hate my tummy and hate I’m the biggest I’ve been in my life. I know some people would say others are a lot bigger and would be happy to be my size, but I hate trying to dress to hide my tummy now – Rose Finnerty
I think it’s in the Genes. My mam had six and not one stretch mark, neither of my sisters got them and despite being the size of Octomum on Max I don’t have any! – Catherine Killeen Baker
No stretch marks so far after two kids. Happy with my body, no exercises, no diets – Edita Buneviciene
I once had fab boobs, so nice I was asked were they fake. They were big and pert, roll on breastfeeding two babies and my boobs are just a memory. But I wouldn’t change a thing and I would do it all again tomorrow – Catherine Killeen Baker
Main image via TakeBackPostPartum Instagram
