The reality of postpartum recovery is often very different from the images and expectations that society portrays. Many people have a romanticized view of what it's like to be a new mother, with images of blissful mothers bonding with their newborn babies and quickly bouncing back to their pre-pregnancy bodies.

The truth is, postpartum recovery can be a difficult and challenging time for many mothers. The physical and emotional changes that occur during and after pregnancy can be overwhelming, and it's normal to feel tired, overwhelmed, and uncertain. It's also normal to experience changes in your body, including weight gain, stretch marks, and changes to your breasts.

Not all labor and deliveries go as planned, either. Many women have to struggle through the newborn fog while also processing birth trauma and coming to terms with how their deliveries went. Moms with babies in the NICU, stillbirths, and miscarriages are going to have a drastically different recovery phase than a woman who had an easy labor and delivery where everything went according to plan and she left 24 hours later with a baby in a car seat.

One of the biggest challenges of postpartum recovery is the impact it can have on a woman's body image. Many women struggle with feeling uncomfortable in their new bodies and may feel pressure to "bounce back" to their pre-pregnancy bodies as quickly as possible. This pressure can come from society, the media, and even from friends and family.

It's important to remember that every woman's postpartum journey is unique, and there is no "normal" timeline for recovery. It's also important to recognize that it's okay to take time to adjust to your new body and to focus on your own physical and emotional well-being. No two women are built the same and there is no way we can all look the same after birthing giant children!

If you're struggling with body image issues during postpartum recovery, here are a few things you can try:

Practice self-compassion: It's important to be kind to yourself and recognize that your body has gone through a lot of changes. It's okay to have imperfections, and it's important to focus on the positive aspects of your body and all that it has achieved. You created and birthed an ENTIRE HUMAN BEING.

Get support: It can be helpful to talk to other mothers about your feelings and struggles. Sharing your experiences with others who have been through similar things can be very comforting and can help you feel less alone.

Find healthy coping strategies: It's important to find healthy ways to cope with any negative feelings you may have about your body. This can include engaging in positive self-care activities, and you can find a list of ideas here.

Seek professional help if necessary: If you're struggling with body image issues that are affecting your daily life, it may be helpful to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide you with the support and guidance you need to work through these feelings and find healthy coping strategies. And it’s okay to seek help. You are able to be a better mom when you take care of yourself.

Remember, it's important to be patient with yourself and recognize that postpartum recovery is a process. It's okay to take the time you need to adjust to your new body and focus on your own well-being.