Breaking the mold of postpartum expectations
When my brother was born, my mother brought her pre-pregnancy clothes to the hospital, expecting to wear them home. Despite being a physician herself, she was still surprised when she had to return home in her maternity clothes instead. Unfortunately, my mother is not alone in having unrealistic expectations about her postpartum body.
Bringing life into the world is a challenging feat. Giving birth pushes an individual’s body to the limits of its capabilities, and the pregnant and postpartum body exemplifies the unique physical changes those who give birth undergo before, during, and after childbirth. However, despite the insights offered by scientific understanding that confirm the necessity of a childbearing changing body, postpartum bodies are often portrayed through negative lenses in the media. Frequently, what is portrayed in the media is idealized images of quick postpartum recoveries. In reality, the postpartum journey varies for each individual, and a changed postpartum body – short or long-term – is expected.
Unreasonable body expectations after birth have existed even before the media portrayed them. Still, the recent rise in depictions of rapid postpartum body transformations, referred to as the “snap back body” on social media, has made these expectations even more pervasive. This trend focuses on praising how quickly someone’s body reverts to how it was before their pregnancy. A culture of comparison and unrealistic standards is perpetuated by idealizing quick transformations. This narrative not only oversimplifies the complex physiological changes that occur during pregnancy and postpartum but also neglects the diverse experiences and timelines of recovery. The pressure to achieve a “snapback body” can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt among folks who may worry that they are not doing enough as parents or that they are now unhealthy due to their body size, fostering an environment that harms postpartum recovery.
But, this idea of the “snapback body” isn’t just related to social media; it didn’t even begin there. The tabloids praised quick postpartum weight loss long before social media hooked onto this trend. Celebrities from Beyonce to Kim Kardashian were showing off their “snapbacks” before the baby was even out. Emily Ratajkowski sparked controversy after she posted a “flat tummy” photo just two weeks after her baby’s birth. Gigi Hadid similarly returned to model for a Maybelline campaign just months after her birth. Of course, the media latched onto these examples as the epitome of what every person’s postpartum experience should look like.
After giving birth, many people do see their bodies changing and returning to versions of their bodies before giving birth. Still, it is not quick, and, realistically, bodies won’t be the same as pregnancy, causing irreversible changes to the body. Stretch marks, broader hips, and breast changes are commonly seen as one recovers from birth. Already an emotional period, the pressure to quickly regain a pre-pregnancy physique can lead to heightened stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy if one does not conform to such expectations.
In many cases, new parents might internalize societal pressure, negatively impacting their self-esteem and overall mental well-being. Relationships with partners, family members, and friends can be strained when these expectations leak into their personal lives. The cognitive impact of the snapback body expectation goes beyond the individual. It leaks into relationships and contributes to an overall unhealthy societal perspective on postpartum bodies. It has also been tied to possible increases in the risk of postpartum depression. Some research suggests that body image dissatisfaction in women who recently gave birth is associated with postpartum depression.
Medically speaking, rapid postpartum weight loss, especially for those who are breastfeeding, can have harmful effects on both the parent and the baby. As breastfeeding requires additional energy, sudden and extreme weight loss can result in a decrease in milk supply and potentially compromise the nutritional content of the breast milk for the baby.
Knowing this, the emphasis should shift from pushing unrealistic ideals to promoting the importance of overall health and well-being during the postpartum period. The transition to parenthood involves physical, emotional, and lifestyle adjustments, making self-compassion and mental well-being crucial components of a healthy postpartum experience.
New parents and their support systems should embrace a realistic perspective on postpartum bodies by acknowledging the diversity and uniqueness of each person’s journey and educating themselves on what scientific research says about postpartum bodies. This can help counteract unrealistic societal expectations and reduce pressure on the mother to lose weight. Establishing a support system of friends, family, or fellow parents is another important strategy, as having someone who shares similar experiences with you provides emotional validation and reassurance that they are not alone.
Additionally, self-care practices, such as prioritizing rest and seeking professional support when needed, should be normalized as this contributes to a positive postpartum experience and is essential in some cases. Sometimes, as cliche as it sounds, unplugging might be for the best. Establishing boundaries with social media and limiting exposure to content that may contribute to unrealistic expectations can also protect one’s mental health during such a sensitive period.
The postpartum body is highly diverse and varies widely from person to person. It’s important to note that the depictions seen on media platforms do not represent the reality for most individuals. Stretched skin, changes in breast size and shape, and the persistence of a postpartum stomach are all seen after pregnancy; these are entirely normal signs that life was created. Both as individuals and as a society, it is necessary to address the pressure of the media and the people around us to rapidly lose weight after giving birth to prevent the perpetuation of harmful beauty standards and promote a healthy postpartum experience for the parent and the baby.
By holding influencers and media outlets accountable for promoting such ideas, we can contribute to a cultural shift that values new parents’ mental and emotional well-being over unattainable physical ideals. This contributes to the support of self-esteem and positive mental health of countless individuals who deserve to feel seen and accepted during this transformative period.
