Ah, body positivity! It's a powerful idea that encourages love for our bodies, no matter their shape or size. But loving our bodies is a legit challenge for many of us, especially those of us who have been through pregnancy and postpartum, and maybe it's too much to ask. I read something recently about "the end of body positivity" that left me feeling a bit down but then I recognized it as an opportunity for us to give ourselves more grace. (And after all, wasn't it mostly a marketing ploy anyway?)
Body positivity has a worthy mission, but sometimes it keeps us overly focused on appearance. Pregnant and postpartum bodies can feel like they belong in a circus act, juggling stretch marks, loose skin, and an undeniable waddle that even penguins would envy.
Instead of stressing over appearances and whether we can love ourselves just as we are (or maybe with a few aesthetic improvements), we can shift our focus to body neutrality! It’s about appreciating our bodies for what they can do, rather than how they look—like walking the dog while pushing the stroller and simultaneously being a human burrito holder for a toddler! Let's explore this empowering mindset.
The Shift from Body Positivity to Body Neutrality
Switching from body positivity to body neutrality may seem like trading a sparkly unicorn for a plain gray sedan, but hang tight! Body neutrality is all about recognizing our bodies as functional wonders--which is truly just as magical as sparkly unicorns.
This shift encourages us to view our bodies as magnificent machines. Think about it: “My body carries me through life, fuels my adventures, and has nurtured tiny humans!” Happiness becomes less about the fit of our clothing and more about the incredible things our bodies do every day. Imagine this: you bend down to pick up your little one. In that moment, your knees, back, and arms work together like a well-rehearsed ballet ensemble! Now that’s a performance worthy of an ovation, right?
The Body as a Functional Wonder
During my pregnancies, my body transformed in ways that often felt mind-boggling. There were days when I felt like a science experiment gone wrong. However, instead of focusing on how my body looked, I started to appreciate what it was doing. Here are some remarkable aspects I discovered about my body:
Made a baby: I grew a whole entire human being inside me (twice!), which is superhero-level stuff.
Provided strength: Whether carrying groceries into the house or sprinting to the restroom, my body was continually working hard to keep me and my growing baby going.
Healed itself: The postpartum experience taught me that while my abs may not be as toned as they once were, my body is still capable of incredible resilience.
Life is too short to worry about whether I’ve completely "bounced back" after having a baby! Instead of tallying calories, I celebrated kicks, giggles, and tiny toes wriggling.
Prioritizing Health Over Looks
Let’s have a heart-to-heart about health. In the chaotic waters of postpartum life, it's easy to get lost in the flood of "snap back" bodies we see on social media. If that’s motivating for you, great! But with body neutrality, we redefine our health as the real goal. We should focus on nutrition, movement, and how we feel in our bodies instead of obsessing over how we look. Instead of asking, “Do I look good in these jeans?” I now ask, “Can I chase down the little tornado about to dive off the couch?” Celebrating functional goals feels so much more satisfying and empowering.
Finding Joy in Movement
One enjoyable way to embrace body neutrality is to find joy in movement—not because I want to fit into a certain size but because it is fun! Have you ever tried jumping on a trampoline with your toddler? Doing "surprise sprints" on the beach to make your kid laugh (because it's out of nowhere and looks totally bananas)? Playing balloon tennis in the living room? These are life's simple pleasures that bring out your inner child and bring you and yout children closer! Every time I sweat while running around with my kids, I remind myself I’m not just getting a work out. I’m building memories.
Adjusting Our Language
The words we use matter! Rather than being critical about our bodies, let’s focus on uplifting ourselves and others and bringing a more neutral mindset to food and feelings. I’ve stopped labeling foods as “bad” or “good.” Instead, I use phrases like “foods that make me smile.” Let’s switch the focus from “I look good” to “I feel good!” I can channel my inner awesomeness at life without needing a so-called beach body and so can you!
Celebrating the Here and Now!
So, what does the “end of body positivity” mean for pregnancy and postpartum? It means we can let go of the pressure to conform to certain physical ideals. Instead, let’s embrace body neutrality. Our worth should not be defined by inches, pounds, or how our jeans fit—let's return to what we can ACHIEVE instead, even if it's only peace of mind! We are SO much more than how we look.
Celebrating our bodies for their wonderful functions lets us thrive in our beautiful, messy lives. So let’s give a shout-out to our miraculous bodies! It’s time to appreciate what they do.
Let’s laugh, dance, bounce, and celebrate this wild ride—nothing is more beautiful than living it fully. ✨
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