From Baby Bumps to Stretch Marks: Real Bodies, Real Beauty at the Beach

In a world where everything is photographed in astounding detail, it can be tough to head to the beach during and after your pregnancy. Swelling baby bumps, stretch marks, and other changes to your body can make you feel like you have something to hide. But we’re here to tell you that the changes to your body that come with pregnancy are normal and should be celebrated! Let’s celebrate those baby bumps and stretch marks!

Key Takeaways:

• Many moms experience the shock of a changing body, especially when they realize it can have long-term results.
• Whether you’re just starting your pregnancy journey or you’re already postpartum, you should feel confident and comfortable in your skin.
• Gain insight from the experiences of a few postpartum moms about loving yourself at the beach and beyond, whether at the ocean or during a fantastic summer day at a local swimming hole.

Forget about trying to keep your pre-mom body or “get your body back” after pregnancy. It’s time to love and accept your body and yourself as you grow and change. Take a look at some thoughts other moms have had about supporting your need to feel beautiful, changing the way you look at yourself, and accepting the changes that come with giving birth.

Hiding Your Insecurities

While we don’t want you to pressure yourself to meet the beauty expectations of the modern world post-pregnancy, that doesn’t mean you can’t wear clothing that hides a few of your insecurities. Whether it’s weight gain, stretch marks, or loose skin, you may want to add a few compression or high-waist pieces to your collection, or explore full-coverage swimwear for confidence and comfort. Head to the beach in a one-piece swimsuit, or wear a cover-up until you go in the water to maintain your modesty and comfort.

While you find solutions that help you feel more confident externally, you should also take the time to work toward accepting any permanent changes postpartum. Stretch marks may fade a bit with time and weight loss through a healthy diet and exercise are possible, but you just made a whole human! Your body won’t ever be the same again, and that’s OK.

Choosing Radical Acceptance

Radical acceptance is a therapeutic practice that helps you accept difficult situations. Instead of an internal struggle over the changes in your body, you can use radical acceptance repeatedly to make changes and find peace in your mind and body. Here are a few radical acceptance skills you can practice before you head out for family summer fun, or do anything else where you’re feeling a lack of confidence:

• Acknowledge your situation without hiding from the issues. You should know what’s going on internally and externally, both the good and the bad.
• Ask yourself if you can change anything about the situation to improve your mood. That could mean wearing a one-piece bathing suit, exploring plus-size swimwear, or adding a specialty stretch mark cream to your daily routine.
• If you can’t change anything about the situation, it’s time to breathe through it and accept the reality. 
• Practice acceptance in action. Go to the beach even if you’re not feeling 100% confident, wear the swimsuit you want, and let yourself celebrate your body as it is today.

Radical acceptance takes time, patience, and practice. You may find yourself confronting the same issues over and over again until you truly accept reality.

Give Your Body Time

Things feel like they change at every stage of your motherhood journey. From growing your bump to learning how to work out around it, you’re constantly adjusting. And those changes don’t stop after the baby is born. You’re healing, hormones are coursing through you, and you may even be prepping to get pregnant again!

At any point where you’re feeling overwhelmed by these changes, take some time for yourself for a break. Slow down, take it easy. These are thoughts and actions you should get used to accepting. You’re growing another human, or taking care of one 24/7! Grab some rest when you can, and be gentle with yourself if you feel like you aren’t meeting expectations. 

If you’re beach-bound this summer, self-care can look as simple as sinking into a comfy chair with a good book, dipping your feet in the waves, or letting yourself enjoy a long soak in the hot tub. Build little rituals of relaxation into your beach days so you return home recharged, not depleted. If you’re thinking ahead, start some simple summer vacation planning so you can look forward to time away with loved ones.

Flaunt the Changes (If You’re Comfortable)

It’s tough to wait until you feel perfect to go out there and show off your body. When you do feel ready, flaunt the changes nature has made! Slip into a tropical swimsuit, pose on the beach with your bump, and commit wholeheartedly to all the changes motherhood brings. You’ll be glad that you can look back at photos of a beautiful, confident woman who participated in the miracle of life.

Sometimes, you need those tangible photos to remind yourself that you’re beautiful and capable. Save these images on your phone, post them up around your house, and share them with friends to remind yourself of your power every day.

Change the Conversation

Many moms view their bodies through the lens of societal expectations. It’s time to change the conversation around pregnancy and recognize the inherent beauty in the changes you’re experiencing. Your pregnancy shouldn’t be about “bouncing back” anymore; the focus should be on the amazing changes your body undergoes to create life. Pair this new confidence with stylish designer resort wear that celebrates your look at every stage.

While it’s normal to want to be healthy, maintain your energy, and continue being active, these things should come from a positive place. Take care of your mental and physical health, but don’t fall for the trap of “getting back to normal.”  This is your new normal.

Finding Support

Pregnancy is a wild ride, and we don’t talk enough about what women experience during and after it. Women need to support each other! That’s one of the reasons Fab Working Mom Life is such an important platform. This is a place where pregnant women, mothers, and other parental figures can find answers, support, and community. Join us today!

If you have any questions about connecting with other moms or finding the right resources for your needs, we’re here to help. Check out the blog for more topics and information.