What if we, as mothers, actually embraced our postpartum figures? What if we cherished our bodies and valued what -- and who -- they have so skillfully created instead?
This post was published on the now-closed HuffPost Contributor platform. Contributors control their own work and posted freely to our site. If you need to flag this entry as abusive, send us an email.
Apparently, my baby stole my body.
Maybe "stole" is a little harsh, but it would seem that she took it away and is currently holding it hostage.
Poor body.
Apparently, it will be held against its will until the point that I win it back. Or beg for it back. Or work for it back.
Advertisement
Because getting my body "back" is something that is supposedly coded into my genetic makeup as a woman who has birthed a child. It seems that getting my body "back" is a requirement that I shouldn't be questioning.
But what if -- and I'll say this with a whisper -- what if it's not a requirement at all?
What if we, as mothers, actually embraced our postpartum figures? What if we cherished our bodies and valued what -- and who -- they have so skillfully created instead?
Advertisement
Because if there's one thing I've learned about motherhood, it's that there is no going "back."
I cannot turn back the clock to cuddle that bundle of terrifying doe-eyed love, back when she was small enough to cradle in one arm.
I cannot turn back the clock to re-watch my daughter's eyes sparkle at her first sight of rolling waves.
Advertisement
I cannot turn back the clock to relive the joy of watching her taste a lemon for the first time.
What if we collectively decided to stop trying to turn back the clock? What if we consciously decided to stop trying to squeeze ourselves back into our pre-pregnancy jeans? What if we stopped looking back and decided to look forward instead?
Because there are countless cuddles to come.
Because nature has a million firsts just waiting for us to discover.
Because lemons won't lose their zing.
Sure, yesterday was filled with cuteness... but tomorrow is filled with adventure. And yes, my skin was once smooth and taut... but now it has the markings of a warrior.
I'm living with breasts that have changed shape, size and direction more times than I can count over the last three years.
I'm living with skin that stretched so far that it scarred.
Because apparently, my baby stole my body. She claimed it as hers and won't be offering a refund. Apparently, I'm supposed to reverse this reality... to turn back the clock. Or at the very least, I'm supposed to want to.
But if my baby stole my body... she can keep it. Because I have a new one. A new one that has stronger arms and legs. A new one that has an infinite reserve of smiles. A new one that is soft and used as a pillow... a Mama Pillow, no less.
Advertisement
Yes, if my baby stole my body, she can keep it. Because I have a new one. A new one that has a stronger mind, a clearer conscience and a peaceful heart. A new one that has pure love pulsing through its veins. A new one that is truly powerful.
Because my baby stole my body -- and she can keep it.
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Like Us On Facebook | 
Follow Us On Twitter | 
Contact HuffPost Parents