body image, mama disrupt

How to break free from unrealistic body image standards

In Features, Mind Health, Motherhood, Stories, Wellness by Nicole Fuge

When it comes to body image, mamas face unrealistic expectations, battle insecurities and comparisons. But we’re fighting back, embracing body positivity, and loving our goddess selves.

By Harper Steele

The pressure to conform to unrealistic standards is something that many women face, but it can be especially difficult for mothers. After all, we are constantly bombarded with images of perfect bodies in the media, and often feel like we need to look a certain way in order to be good mothers.

This pressure can lead to so many body image issues, such as:

  • Feeling insecure about our weight or appearance
  • Comparing ourselves to other mothers
  • Dieting or engaging in other unhealthy behaviours
  • Feeling ashamed of our bodies
  • Having difficulty enjoying motherhood

In recent years, there has been a growing movement of mothers who are embracing their bodies and celebrating their curves. These mothers are challenging the unrealistic beauty standards that are so often portrayed in the media, and they are showing the world that there is no one right way to look like a mother. Yewww!

One of the most well-known examples of this movement is the #BodyPosiMoms movement. This movement was started by Tess Holliday, a plus-size model and body positivity advocate. Tess has been very vocal about her own struggles with body image, and she has inspired many other mothers to embrace their bodies.

The #BodyPosiMoms movement is just one example of the many ways that mothers are challenging unrealistic beauty standards.

There are also many books, blogs, and websites that are dedicated to helping mothers love their bodies. These resources can provide mamas with the support and information they need to develop a healthy body image.


“YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL JUST THE WAY YOU ARE. EMBRACE EVERY SINGLE CURVE AND CELEBRATE YOUR BODY. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL MOTHER, AND YOUR BODY IS A REFLECTION OF THAT.”

FENG SHUI, Maternal mental health, mama disrupt

Struggling with body image? Try this
  • Surround yourself with positive messages about body image. This could mean following body positive influencers on social media, reading body positive books, or joining a body positive community.
  • Practice self-care. Take time for yourself to relax and de-stress, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep (well as much as your kids will allow, anyway!).
  • Focus on your strengths. Instead of focusing on your perceived flaws, take some time to think about all the things you love about your body.
  • Be patient. It takes time to develop a healthy body image. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results overnight.
  • Seek professional help if you are struggling with severe body image issues. A therapist can help you to develop healthy coping mechanisms and to overcome your negative thoughts about your body.

Remember, you are not alone. There are many other mothers who are struggling with body image. By joining the body positive movement, you can help yourself and other mothers to love their bodies and celebrate their curves.

body image, mama disrupt

Then, get your glow on and radiate goodness
  • Talk to your daughter about body image. Let her know that it is okay to have curves and that she doesn’t need to look like the models in the magazines.
  • Model healthy body image behaviours for your kids. This means eating nourishing foods, moving your body in a way that feels good, and not talking negatively about your own body.
  • Avoid comparing yourself to other mothers. Everyone’s body is different, and there is no one right way to look like a mother.
  • Love on yourself. Take some time each day to appreciate your body for what it can do, not just for how it looks.

Remember, you are beautiful just the way you are. Embrace every single curve and celebrate your body. You are a wonderful mother, and your body is a reflection of that.

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