For most moms, recovering from the nine months of carrying a growing human inside of you takes some time.
Unfortunately, as our bodies change and our standards are shattered by the comparison trap of social media and society, it can be hard to find confidence in the “mom-bod” you have during this season.
But Janene Crossley wants all mamas to know that it’s just that: a season. And just like you’d never be ashamed of your motherhood, you shouldn’t be ashamed of the body that brought you here.
“When your 5-year-old sees your post-partum stomach and gives it a big ol’ tummy twister while laughing hysterically and hollering ‘IT FEELS LIKE BUBBLE GUM!!!’ you post that ridiculous, unflattering open-mouth pic instead of the ‘prettier’ one.”
Janene Crossley
Along with the picture she posted to Instagram, Janene goes on to address every beautiful mama who’s struggled to find postpartum body positivity:
“I hope you always feel confident in the skin you’re in. Stretched, loose and marked up. It’s beautiful. This belly of mine will forever share my story. It’s a novel that pleaded and prayed to house my babies. The fresh, crepe-paper skin means that tiny Avery is nestled in my arm instead of on the inside. My sore chest means that I’m still single-handedly growing this baby. What a straight up miracle this is.”
It’s no secret that there’s a tricky balance to whole-heartedly loving motherhood, and also fully loving the skin you’re in. But Janene has found it, and she hopes her journey will help other mothers find it too.
“I’m feeling 100% proud of this post-partum body, with its jelly abs and shriveled up skin. It made me a mother. A mother who now has cellulite because that’s just how my body handled pregnancy. This was my road to Motherhood. Paved with miserable pregnancies and yet a lifetime of unconditional pure love for these 4 little ones.”
But don’t worry, she’s got big plans for their futures as well:
Janene Crossley
“And yeah, I’ll make these girls reenact this childhood photo when they’re grown with bubblegum bellies of their own.”
Mamas, motherhood is SO incredible. YOU are strong, and you are beautiful, and those little babies of yours will grow up knowing that “bubblegum bellies” are what true love is made of. As Janene says, “Embrace the squish!”
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