#freetheripple: Mum praised for honest post about “boob skin” after pregnancy
Instagram is renowned for shots of perfectly groomed, manicured and toned mums #livingthedream. But, a recent Instagram post grabbed women’s attention for its honesty and relatability.
Finally, it wasn’t about being perfect.
The ‘skin stretch’
The post, uploaded by influencer Instagrammer megan_rose_lane, shows the reality of the ‘skin stretch’ post breastfeeding. Coined by some as #freetheripple, Megan’s post normalises how our body changes after babies and why we should embrace it.
“I’ve never really seen anyone talk about what happened to their boob skin after pregnancy and breastfeeding, but I’d like to share it with you because after talking to lots of other Mumma’s I’ve learned that it’s sooo bloody normal,” she posted.
“Our skin stretches to accommodate all of our glorious milk, and as our babies empty our boobies and they fill back up the skin gets stretched over and over again. It’s definitely the one thing that I’ve struggled to accept about my body changing since having Esmé, so I’m not going to pretend I love it. I don’t love it 😂 it makes me feel less sexy and a little more self-conscious.
“But it also makes me feel proud of myself, and reminds me that I fed my baby girl for a whole year. I wouldn’t change our magical breastfeeding journey for anything, I wouldn’t change the bond it’s given me and my little pud pud and I’d take this wrinkly ass boob skin for those big eyes looking up at me, sucking away and getting all of the goodness from my milk every single time.”
Acceptance isn’t always easy
My own experience of breastfeeding was sadly short-lived. Both my sons refused to latch on, and despite much stress and many tears, I finally accepted it wasn’t to be. But I’m no stranger to the body image issues that come with motherhood.
My less than toned tummy is a testament to housing my two boys, my breasts are far lower than they once were and comfort eating while sleep-deprived and stressed has not been kind to my bum.
I won’t lie and say that acceptance of this has been easy. It hasn’t.
It’s a problem for many mums.
Social expectations and pressures
Juliette Thomson is psychologist and manager of the Butterfly National Helpline, which offers support for those experiencing body image issues. She says social expectations can be “overwhelming” for new mums.
“Research shows that social expectations and pressures around body image for some expectant mothers may seem to suspend during pregnancy, but this tends to increase and become more overwhelming after the birth of the baby,” she says.
Thomson notes that around 70 percent of new mothers attempt weight loss within the first four months postpartum, and there’s an increased tendency for physical comparison at six weeks postpartum.
“During and after pregnancy, a woman may experience dramatic changes to her body which are completely normal,” says Thomson. “However, this may come as a surprise to many mothers as these changes are not widely spoken about.
“Instead, there’s often some shame and stigma attached to these changes, fuelled by unrealistic expectations that can be put on mothers by themselves, others and social media image comparisons.”
Stand against pressure
While it’s not always easy, Thomson says that taking a stand against pressure can be extremely helpful, as is speaking to other mums about the reality of body changes.
She also notes that it can be helpful to cull groups and celebrity pages on social media that elicit a shame response.
“Follow some pages that highlight, celebrate and accept the changes and functions of a post-baby body,” she says.
It’s advice that I’m taking on board.
Like Megan, I’m starting to accept my body for what it is. My lumps and bumps are not a reflection on who I am. Rather, they’re proof of the life and love I have born. I have many a ripple to show for growing my perfect boys, so if #freetheripple is the way to go, then let’s just embrace it and let it show.
