Pregnancy might be one of the greatest proofs that miracles do exist. A mother’s capacity to nurture an entirely new life within them stands as a testament to their strength, tenacity, beauty, and grace. And as their bodies change to accommodate this new being, people often overlook the real journey that these amazing mothers had to go through just to fulfill the promise of life.
The Instagram account @takebackpostpartum celebrates these different journeys of motherhood through the beauty of their post-partum bodies and their incredible stories of love and resilience.
1. You can get through anything
Post-partum depression and anxiety are very real things. They can be extremely detrimental to a woman’s mental and physical health. Trying your best to be compassionate to yourself is powerful. We’re only human.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPv8WWNBkN6/
2. Babies are the new accessory
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKzIMQEBOsq/
3. Keeping it real
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcvMv_kFsBV/
4. Things aren’t always what they seem
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhw3lZMFdbI/
5. The emotional toll
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgRReb-Fiz8/
6. Being a new parent is hard
https://www.instagram.com/p/BfRDFTZFL_V/
7. Scars and stretch marks turned into art
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNIIqfchEsU/
8. Glamorous it is not
No one said that parenting was glamorous! But it sure is rewarding. Even when your nipples are leaking and you haven’t showered in three days. It’s all worth it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZ3vi-XF6ju/
9. Warrior
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTT2kvOlhEJ/
10. Bodies are incredible
When you grow an entire human in your body, your skin is bound to stretch and change. It’s really quite beautiful. Our bodies can adapt and change in so many ways. These aren’t “flaws” – they’re perfect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeIx_pDlTnw/
11. This is femininity
When did it become okay for society to tell us what we “should” look like? When was it okay to give up autonomy and individuality? This woman has an amazing outlook on life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcBRL64l152/
12. Before and after
Two little adorable babies were once in that tummy! This mama decided to a super cute before and after shoot. Look at those tiny little twin faces!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSYyxcPF2V9/
13. Acceptance
Having feelings of unworthiness or feeling your body isn’t as “good” or “beautiful” as it once was is common after pregnancy. However, so much of that pressure comes from society and is unwarranted. This woman has found her confidence.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BevVyROF_Ia/
14. Finding the love
Once again – bodies are going to change after pregnancy. It’s so important not to beat yourself and talk negatively to yourself. Look what you’ve done! You should be so proud.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNX5yz8BlJY/
15. “Snapping back”
What the heck do people mean when they say you need to “snap back” after pregnancy? Says who? Why? Who cares? Take your time, mamas! You just created a miracle.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeOW6QJF-n-/
16. The end result
Don’t you just love these beautiful before and after photos? Bodies are seriously magical. And now there is another gorgeous soul on this planet to create and share their talents and skills.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEyU4M4pNej/
17. The post-partum family
How touching is this photo? Seeing a family unit all as one after pregnancy is so moving. You can practically feel the love pouring from this photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdF0VBVlg8R/
18. Skin is amazing
The skin is our largest organ. It’s meant to adapt and change over time. And when pregnancy happens, of course, it’s going to change! This is the body of a mama.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6L4wTznwSZ/
19. Me time? What’s that?
When you’re a new mom, it’s really hard to find time for yourself. Any time you can eat or drink a cup of coffee, it’s a special moment. Even if you have your baby strapped to you while doing it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5N5RY6Hrl0/
20. The power of time
After carrying a baby for 9 months, it’s only natural that your body is going to require some time to heal. Look at this difference within just a few hours! Our bodies are so incredibly amazing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuuD6IznNfN/
21. All too familiar
For moms out there, this photo is probably all too familiar. Much like eating food or napping, you’re probably not going to do it without your baby. That includes going to the bathroom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuHmfbznrF1/
22. All the self-love!
This woman totally has the right mindset. She’s staying positive, she’s realistic, and she has a great sense of humor. You gotta admire her.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Btm5o_BHnEL/
23. “We’re surviving”
“We’re surviving,” is what this mom captioned with her photo. And that’s amazing. Everyone is doing their best. There is no “ideal” way of being a mom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BtYrmZeHVR6/
24. Stopping the pressure
Weight gain is not a marker. Weight loss is not a marker. How you look one day or one month or one year after pregnancy does not define your worth. Remember that.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs09vTeB1IC/
25. So sweet
How on earth could anyone say that stretch marks are ugly? These lines represent growing life. They represent motherhood. They’re nothing but beautiful.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpuqQRwhLir/
26. Happy little family
A newborn and a toddler. Now that is a lot of responsibility going on. The last thing this mama needs to worry about is what she looks like. And quite frankly, she looks fantastic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnexnPSHDuc/
27. Mom time
Moms – you deserve to treat yourself. If you feel like going out and having a couple of cocktails with your girlfriends, you do it. You earned it. Just don’t forget to pump first.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnJjmdoHagp/
28. Tired mommy
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkCCQZclx-Y/
29. Postpartum belly
This is a body that just produced a life. It is not weird. It is not ugly. It’s your mother. It’s your grandmother. It’s your sister. Share and spread the love.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bho_RrRlk1W/
30. Time is flying
As this mother notes, take as many pictures as possible. Time is passing quickly and if you blink, you just might miss it. Take care of yourself out there, mamas!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BcxXjgQlxVP/
31. Mesh undies
If you’ve ever given birth, you probably know the glory of mesh undies. Whoever knew such a funny thing would be so coveted by new moms? Rock out with your mesh undies out.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BTXqZHKl40t/
32. 9 in – 9 out
Here’s a gorgeous and special photo. Nine months pregnant versus nine months old. Sure looks like a happy mama and baby to us! What a cherished photo.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRyJO-RlH-1/
33. Timelapse
Five weeks. 36 weeks. 1 year. 2 years. How time flies. Don’t forget to kiss and snuggle as much as you possibly can. You never know when it will be gone.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRgaGKbFNqL/
34. Breastfeeding is hard
“You truly don’t know what’s going on down there. Too much? Too little? Too intense? Not enough hindmilk? Not enough time? Plugged duct? Mastitis? WTF!!! As if it wasn’t hard enough,” this mom describes. It’s intense. It’s tough. But you got this.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP-Osg_BzQ9/
35. “Leftovers”
Stretch marks, a funny belly button, ueneven breasts, it’s all part of it. It’s all the “leftovers” from pregnancy as this woman described. And guess what? It’s all BEAUTIFUL!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BL6uKtpBfxJ/
36. A moment of zen
This exhausted mom has finally managed to close her eyes for a bit. Of course, not by herself. She has her crew snuggled next to her while breastfeeding at the same time. What an amazing capture.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLygwRgB_1h/
37. And just like that…
“Nothing but sheer amazement, thinking about how that little body fit inside this stomach, just two days ago,” says this mom. Isn’t it crazy? You grew the baby for 9 months but overnight…you have a real human!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLSTenxBycz/
38. No one is perfect
Just like no one is perfect, no one is meant to stay the same. We all change. We all grow. It’s what we’re supposed to do. And for moms, that includes our bodies. It’s all a part of life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHHo_TUhGAQ/
39. Be careful with your words
Here’s a tip. Don’t ever ask a woman when her due date is. Ever. Unless she brings it up herself, you never know what type of insecurities you might be bringing up for her. Be kind.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGsCMgapNcb/
40. Honesty
Honest photos are the ones we need to see. Candid photos are the ones we need to see. We need to stop glorifying postpartum bodies and lives that just aren’t realistic.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFoXDkQJNcy/
41. Soft belly
Eleven-weeks postpartum and this mama’s belly is still supple and soft. And guess what? That’s okay! That’s normal! That fluff is protecting your insides. Love your body, it’s the only home you’ve got.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFea5eupNWH/
42. Scars of life
This woman had a C-section and is proudly showing off her new scars. Nothing is wrong with scars. Nothing is wrong with giving birth via C-section. Still a woman. Still a mom. Still amazing.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFY8qQepNTZ/
43. Bodies change
Everyone needs to remember that BODIES CHANGE. Even if women didn’t give birth, all humans age. Skin sags. Weight settles differently. It’s all part of it. It’s all life.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BE9eSHnJNYR/
44. Life-giver
After giving birth to four children, this mom has found beautiful acceptance of herself and her body. She knows her worth is not defined by the way her body looks. It’s her character. And she sounds like a damn good mom.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEMb_HupNbR/
45. Things aren’t always ‘perfect’
Life is messy. There is literally no such thing as perfect. If people were perfect, we’d all be boring. It’s stories like this that make humanity so interesting and gorgeous. Lay off the perfect.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BEHvGa4JNcw/
46. Vulnerability
If you compare yourself to others, you’ll never become who you were fully meant to be. Don’t live someone else’s life – live yours. Sharing stories can be a powerful tool for women. Be supportive and be compassionate.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BC-YM_0pNfe/
47. Mother with mother
A photo like this is enough to bring someone to tears. A mother sits next to her daughter who is now a new mother. They share a new bond together and this photo captures it perfectly.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BCBMThRpNZN/
48. Scars that tell a story
“All of your scars and imperfections tell stories, and these are my favorite ones. Stretch marks, mommy’s tummy, and all,” is the caption with this photo. What a perfect sentiment. What a story every mom has to tell.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBiFPREJNWc/
49. Marks of life
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBf2y1CpNcU/
50. All bodies are beautiful
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBTritEJNfA/
51. Process of adjusting
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52. Close to home
https://www.instagram.com/p/BA2UK70pNbq/
53. Self-care is crucial
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAs4qF0JNak/
54. Tiger stripes
https://www.instagram.com/p/BAcear4pNRt/
55. Never judge a book by its cover
https://www.instagram.com/p/_1tlLKpNc4/
56. Love yourself, mama!
https://www.instagram.com/p/_xGnfppNZ-/
57. Forever connected
https://www.instagram.com/p/_nreBcJNZC/
58. It’s the little things
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59. Tell your story
https://www.instagram.com/p/_SSyJipNe1/
60. Worthy of celebration
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61. The perfect attitude
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62. Family
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63. Looking back with compassion
https://www.instagram.com/p/_CeZDLJNQ7/
64. Precious duo
https://www.instagram.com/p/–oTueJNSa/
65. No more body shaming!
https://www.instagram.com/p/-OpYmOJNVX/
66. A reminder…
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67. Real life
https://www.instagram.com/p/94g9ZCJNSx/
68. You’re amazing
https://www.instagram.com/p/9jYDqgJNdF/
69. Birth trauma is real
https://www.instagram.com/p/9ZWGVpJNYP/
70. Realistic
https://www.instagram.com/p/9MQSaMJNfi/
71. Healthy and happy
https://www.instagram.com/p/85pTImJNWc/
72. Stop the stereotypes
https://www.instagram.com/p/8wFYuHpNYA/
73. Soft on soft
https://www.instagram.com/p/8ePH7_pNY6/
While others believe that motherhood starts when the baby is born, we all know that it starts way before that. Share this with your family and friends, and celebrate the mothers who went through this amazing journey.