Women Get Real About Their Bodies After Children

Many women admittedly have love-hate relationships with their bodies. Over the course of a month, our bodies can go from PMS-inspired bloating and discomfort to camera-ready flat tummies, perkier boobs and impressive derrieres. 

Frequently, we battle the scales and struggle with our waistlines. But, the ultimate challenge to our body image is how our bodies change post-pregnancy.

Glamour recently talked to six moms who not only spoke frankly about their bodies postpartum, they also showed readers how they looked while posing in their undies. They asked each woman the following: 

1. How has your relationship with your body changed since having kids? 
2. What makes you feel the most confident in your skin? 
3. What do you want other women to know about body confidence? 

Here are some of the highlights:

For 32-year-old Deena C., giving birth to her baby five months ago was empowering. Her mother was right when she said that Deena's body, like most women post-pregnancy, would never be the same but she says that she fees invincible: "...I feel stronger than ever before. After birthing a life into the world, I believe there's nothing my body can't do. Okay, so I probably can't push a MACK truck down the street, but I’m up for the challenge."

Alison H., 30 and mom to a 23-month old, is now more forgiving of her body: "Overall, my relationship has changed for the better. At first I was much worse, beating myself up for not losing the weight quicker, not looking like my pre-baby self."

When considering what makes them feel confident in their skin, the ladies talked about major changes in perspective. Mom of two, Kimberly T., 39, has shifted her focus to the most important people in her life and away from the negative-Nellies. She didn't have a great relationship with her body from the start, but her approach is refreshing: 

"I don’t think I’m more confident, I think I just stopped caring what other people think about my body. I’d like for people to think I’m smart. And a mostly decent mom. And a good friend. Anyone who’s judging me by my stretch marks or my weird stomach isn’t my kind of person, anyway."

Cristina O., mom to a one and two-year old, says at age 32 that physical strength helps her feel better and be a better parent: "I feel most confident in my skin when I feel strong and healthy...I love feeling strong and fit and it definitely boosts my confidence and makes me a better parent as well."

The group echoed similar sentiments about body confidence. Allison G., 36 and mother of a four-year old, a two-year old, and a six-week old baby, offered this piece of advice: "Don't be so hard on yourself, if you are keeping a positive frame of mind, and you are satisfied with your life choices then that is what is most important."

Kimberly T. said, "Dress for the body you have, not the body you had." Maggie B. chimed in saying, "Love yourself and love your imperfections. Be confident and try your hardest not to compare your body to the girl next to you or the girl you looked like before you gave birth."

Motherhood can be incredibly empowering, but it doesn't mean that women won't still want to look and feel their best. These ladies decided to be more realistic and accepting of their journeys and have settled on the things that matter most. And, next to their little bundles of joy, that is likely the best gift of all.