You Are Enough, Exactly As You Are: Navigating Postpartum Body Image and Disordered Eating in a Toxic “Bounce Back” Culture
Becoming a mother is one of the most profound transitions a person can experience. It’s a radical shift—not only in our daily lives but in our identity, our relationships, our priorities, and yes, our bodies. And yet, amidst the sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, emotional highs and lows, and the steep learning curve of parenthood, we’re bombarded with one toxic message:
“Bounce back.”
As an eating disorder specialist, I see how this messaging wreaks havoc on self-worth. I’ve supported countless women who feel immense pressure to reclaim a pre-baby body, to shed the evidence of motherhood as quickly as possible—as though pregnancy, birth, and the tender chaos of early motherhood shouldn’t leave a single mark.
And I also get it personally.
Having my son later in life, I was faced with my own body changing in ways I hadn’t expected. For over 20 years, my body was relatively stable. Then suddenly, I was dealing with postpartum breasts that no bra could seem to properly support, a softened belly, and the heartbreak of discovering that returning to running—something I had always relied on—was no longer possible because of hip issues.
Then came a moment with my son that I’ll never forget. He curled into me, wrapped his arms around me, and said:
“I love snuggles with you, Mum. You’re so squishy.”
That could have been a triggering moment.
And years ago, it probably would have been.
But instead, I chose to hear it with a compassionate lens.
How lucky am I—to have a son. To be the one he comes to for warmth, safety, and affection. To have a body that created, carried, birthed, and now nurtures this precious child.
The truth is: the only thing that should be bouncing back is the ball you’re tossing across the living room floor while playing with your toddler.
Not your body. Not your weight. Not your “pre-baby self.” Because that version of you—while beautiful and worthy—has evolved. You are not meant to go backwards. You are expanding, deepening, growing.
So why are we still subscribing to the myth that we must erase the signs of motherhood to be worthy?
We need to change the narrative.
We need to stop praising rapid postpartum weight loss and start honouring postpartum rest, nourishment, and recovery.
We need to stop glamorising “getting your body back” and start celebrating the body that carried life, endured birth, and continues to hold and sustain another human being.
We need to stop letting body image take up valuable airtime in our already-overloaded minds. As mothers, we are navigating SO much. Feeding schedules, sleepless nights, identity shifts, emotional swings, and often returning to work or managing a household. The last thing we need is a cultural voice whispering (or screaming), “You’re not enough.”
But you are.
You are enough.
Exactly as you are.
With your soft belly.
With your wide hips.
With your stretch marks and squish.
With your fierce love and tender exhaustion.
This body—your body—is a phenomenal, living testament to the miracle of motherhood.
If you’re struggling with disordered eating or body image in the postpartum period, please know that you are not alone. You deserve support, nourishment, and compassion—not pressure, guilt, or shame.
Let’s raise the next generation in a world where we don’t “bounce back” after birth—but move forward with grace, softness, and deep respect for all that we are becoming.
With love and solidarity,
Hayley
Eating Disorder Specialist, Mum, and Proudly Squishy Snuggle Giver
About Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy
At Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy, we believe in helping you reconnect with your body and mind, empowering you to embrace your true self. Our work focuses on supporting individuals in overcoming disordered eating, body image concerns, and fostering self-compassion. Reach out if you’d like guidance or support in your journey toward healing.
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can navigate the stepping stones of life with compassion and curiosity.
With gratitude and rest,
Hayley Guinness
Founder, Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy
