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Sure, we all know Instagram isn't reality. But still, a quick scroll on the app can make new moms question why their pre-baby bodies haven't magically reappeared only a few weeks after giving birth. Those seemingly perfect photos can be incredibly discouraging. But one mommy blogger recently shared a photo of her own postpartum tummy that proves Instagram photos aren't always as perfect as they seem.
Swedish blogger Sandra Uhrdin gave birth to her third child less than two weeks ago, and shared a picture of her post-pregnancy belly that any mom can relate to. The photo on her Instagram shows two almost identical side-by-sides of Uhrdin posing in high-waisted leggings and holding her newborn son. In one photo, Uhrdin's leggings are pulled up past her belly button, giving her a flat "Instagram stomach." The other half of the photo pictures the mommy blogger with her belly hanging out of her leggings, showing the reality of what a mother's body looks like after giving birth.
"It takes time for the body to recover after a pregnancy," Uhrdin captioned the photo. "It's important to give your body time, no one will be restored overnight. My body has given me two healthy boys and I am forever grateful." Having chronicled her entire pregnancy via Instagram photos, it's no surprise to her followers that Uhrdin is so open about her postpartum body.
While it's clear from her Instagram photos that she likes to stay fit, Uhrdin writes on her blog that the fitness photos people share on Instagram are often a result of good lighting, good posture and Photoshop. It's not difficult to make yourself look different through the use of a few filters, but Uhrdin wanted to show her real tummy to encourage other mothers to be proud of their postpartum bodies.
"It takes time for the body to recover after a pregnancy," Uhrdin writes in her blog post, translated from Swedish. "It is said that it takes as long as you are pregnant, i.e. 9-10 months. So be proud of your mom moments and do not hurry."
It's easy to get swept up in the frenzy of wanting to meet social media's unrealistic expectations, but Uhrdin wants to remind mothers to be patient with their bodies and appreciate the postpartum journey. Women who follow Uhrdin's Instagram have been incredibly receptive to her openness, thanking her for the positivity she has spread.
Moms have taken to the comment section to thank Uhrdin and share their stories surrounding their postpartum body image struggles. "I have a 4 month old and I thought after giving birth I'd bounce back so fast, but I didn't and haven't," @jnkmid wrote. "Instead it's actually given me the time to appreciate my body for its flaws and the ability to carry life. It takes 9 months to grow a baby and the world shouldn't pressure women into thinking that 9 month baby weight process needs to leave over night after birth. Focus on being a momma and enjoy every minute of it not your body, you'll be fine."
While Uhrdin isn't the only blogger to get real about what it's like to be a mom, her honesty has brought comfort to hundreds of moms who know exactly what it's like to be in her shoes.
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