Addressing the Mom Bod
“She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.”Proverbs 31:25 NIV

BACKSTORY
So, I was talking with friends this past week, and we got onto the topic of body image. I jokingly said something along the lines of “Yeah, I definitely have a mom bod now.” Even though I was just taking a jab at myself, I had to stop and think about what I had just said.

“THE MOM BOD”
Why is it that the term “mom bod” is often said in a negative tone? When someone uses this phrase, they usually mean that the body they are discussing is unfit or unattractive.
What Exactly Does Society Say a Mom Bod Is?
According to an article from Elle, a mom bod “isn’t generally thought of as appealing.” The article continues to describe the body type as frumpy. The term “let herself go” is also reserved for the kind of mother who has a mom bod.
The remark “let herself go” can usually imply that a woman’s attire and grooming habits have gone downhill and/or has gained weight since having children. I’ve asked some of my other mom-friends what they would classify as a mom-bod, and they’ve all said things like stretch marks from pregnancy, dark circles under her eyes, and messy hair.

Why Does the Standard Mom Bod Happen?
I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat it again, parenting is hard. All of a sudden, you’re not just worried about yourself, but also little ones who depend on you. Sometimes, there are rough days where little gets done. This might mean skipping a meal, a shower, some shuteye, or a morning routine. Stress, anxiety, depression, and sleep deprivation can also have drastic effects on a woman’s body, which contributes to the “let go” that mothers often get judged for.
But why don’t mothers just find more time for themselves? Well, many try to, and many do. However, no matter how much assistance they have, that doesn’t mean that they can immediately catch up on everything and stay on top of it. For instance, having someone watch the kids doesn’t mean that a woman magically turns into a runway model like Cinderella. The reality is, free time is often spent catching up on rest, showering, or simply eating in peace. While this doesn’t necessarily help the outward appearance, it helps the mental state of mothers, which makes all of the difference. Occasionally mothers might find time to slip away to the salon to get a manicure or hair coloring. Still, schedules are tight, and it’s not always easy keeping these self-care appointments consistent.
What a Mom Bod Actually Is
A mom bod is literally any body of a mother. It doesn’t necessarily have specific criteria. Some moms might appear to have “snapped back” after pregnancy, while some others might have changed. Whether or not society says that a mother’s body lives up to predetermined standards is irrelevant. All mom bods are beautiful and should be celebrated. It doesn’t matter if a mother gave birth naturally or with pain medications. It doesn’t matter if she had a C-section. Or if she adopted or fosters. No matter how she came about it, every mom who is worthy of that title is tough stuff. They are so much at once! They are nurturers, defenders, protectors, providers, helpers, teachers, role models, and so much more. A mom bod doesn’t prevent women from being awesome or beautiful. If anything, it helps.

PARTING THOUGHTS
Mom bods are beautiful. They aren’t ugly, or used up, or unworthy. Before you judge a mother’s body, remember the responsibilities she has to deserve the title “Mom.” We shouldn’t spend time tearing others down, but building others up. If you see a mother struggling, offer a hand. Help her find that time to take a shower, eat a meal, go to the salon, or even to the mall for a quick shopping trip. By helping mothers give themselves that little bit of self-care, you’ll be able to see the real inner glow that comes from a well-rested and well-treated mother. It doesn’t matter if she isn’t dressed to society’s expectations, a smile from a truly happy mother is the most beautiful accessory that she could ever have.
Know a mom who is down about her mom-bod? Share this post for encouragement!
Have you learned to accept your own mom-bod? Leave a comment and share your story!

