Pregnancy is a wonderful and extraordinary thing. It demonstrates the amazing complexity and dynamism of the human body. To bring life into the world from the union of an egg and a sperm is incredible. To carry a little human and provide all the building blocks along the way is beyond impressive – it is nothing short of a miracle.
But having such a miracle takes its toll – especially on that body. Not to mention breastfeeding, or lifting and carrying 3-25kg over the next two years, or the impact of months and months of broken sleep, half eaten meals and the physiological response to the plunging and surging hormones. And for some, the act of delivery has taken a toll of its own – no matter what the mode of delivery.
Surely, that body should be allowed to rest and to heal. The ligaments remain lax for months, the stomach muscles take time to meet back across the midline and suddenly, the neck, back and arms are asked to perform for hours on end – cradling and soothing a baby.
But instead, the bodies of new mums are scrutinised and an ideal is set. An impossible ideal. An unhelpful and dangerous ideal.
With time, most bodies will heal on their own. Some will need some help. But mostly, it just takes time. If a bone is broken, it can take months for it to set and months for it to gain strength – no one expects a person with a broken leg to suddenly run a marathon.
Be kind to that amazing body that has done an amazing thing – be it your own body or that of another. Congratulate new mums, not on their appearance, but on the fact they are a mother and are doing the most important job on earth.
