Instagram might make postpartum life look picture-perfect, but the reality for most new moms is far from it. After giving birth, women go through major physical changes, and the recovery process is often much longer and more challenging than social media lets on.

From stretch marks to shifts in breast size and shape, postpartum bodies change in ways that rarely make it into curated Instagram posts. On top of that, there’s often intense pressure to “bounce back” and look like your pre-baby self—which can leave many moms feeling insecure and overwhelmed.

The truth is, every woman’s postpartum journey is different. Some may heal quickly, while others deal with lasting changes for months or even years. And that’s completely normal.

By being honest about what postpartum recovery really looks like, we can create a more supportive and compassionate space for new moms. Instead of chasing unrealistic beauty standards, let’s celebrate the strength, resilience, and real beauty of postpartum bodies—just as they are.