Motherhood changes you in every way imaginable, both mentally and physically. During my pregnancy, my body was no longer my sole property; instead, I shared it with my unborn child, homing it and creating a place of comfort.
It’s needless to say that nine months of constant body changes leaves your body different from what you initially started with. I carry these marks, lumps, and bits of extra skin to signify what my body has incredibly endured, truly representing how strong a woman really is. I don’t find myself longing to ‘bounce back’ and get the physique I once had. Today, I feel beautiful simply because motherhood makes me feel beautiful.
At first, as any new mother, I stood in front of the mirror, looking at my postpartum body. I had recently been blessed with a beautiful baby girl, my very first child. The frustration and the seemingly impossible task of having to lose a couple of kilos stared me straight in the face and left me feeling conflicted. Was it really a duty of mine to ‘bounce back’? I did just give birth to another life. Surely my body deserves that recognition!
These thoughts soon diminished into bits of nothingness as I looked at my Dua. I saw my body as something that kept this blessing safe and healthy until she entered this world. I decided to give my temple due respect, feeling genuine pride in the skin I wear.
Being a new mom comes with not only the demand of physical change, but your whole world is turned upside down and your priorities are scheduled in a different order.
Sleep- Who is that…?
Gym- Where is that…?
Time- When is that…?
The realisation of being responsible for another life can be terrifying; however, it is so worth the sleepless nights or the missed ‘me time’ that could unfortunately occur. That is parenthood, sacrifice and a whole lot of sacrifice. That being said, my body may be a little softer or curvier, but one thing for sure, it is definitely stronger.
To all the new moms out there, take my advice and abstain from bullying your body. You are beautiful and so powerful. Instead of focusing on snapping back into shape, try to focus on how your body serves you every day, how your body created a life. See your marks as a beautiful reminder that life once lived in your tummy. Develop a loyal relationship with your body, loving it instead of punishing it.
We are human warriors. We are creators of life. We are mothers.
Photographs: Instagram / Diipa Büller-Khosla
