Your Body Doesn’t Have to Bounce Back

Hey y’all!

I’m so happy to be back. Today, I just want to remind you of something important:

Your body doesn’t have to bounce back. ✨

“Everyone keeps telling me how great I look… but when I look in the mirror, I don’t feel that way.”

Have you ever said that? Or maybe just felt it deep down? If so, you are not alone.

Somehow, we’ve been made to believe that if we have any thought that isn’t positive, we’re being ungrateful. But here’s the truth: you’re not.

I say this often:
Two things can be true at the same time.

You can be grateful for the body that carried your baby…
and still side-eye that same body when it feels foreign to you.

You can feel joy, pride, sadness — even grief.
(Yes, grief. Grieving the body that once felt like home is real.)

So let me say this as clearly as I can:
Be gentle with yourself.

I’m going to be honest with you — because that’s what I do as your Perinatal BFF:
Birth doesn’t just change your body.
It changes your identity.

And here’s the thing:
We can choose to suffer in those emotions…
or we can accept this season as it is, so we can thrive.

Forget bouncing back.
I want you to be grounded.

Grounded in the truth that your body carried life.
Grounded in knowing that healing takes time: physically, emotionally, hormonally.

The only thing that needs to bounce?
The negative thoughts.

Speak kindly to yourself.
Speak kindly to others.
Here are a few affirmations I’m holding close on my own journey:

I am grateful for THIS body.
(Say that one with your hand on your hip, sis!)

Girl, you really do look good!

Remember, friend…
You don’t have to love every stretch mark to honor the story your body tells.
But you do have to be willing to love the woman standing here today.

You are amazing.
Your body is amazing.
Don’t forget that.

And if this hit your perinatal spot… come join us inside the Covered Mama Community. There’s a room and a seat waiting just for YOU.