New mothers pressured to be post-baby perfect
MORE than half of new mothers are using filters to alter pictures of their post-baby bodies online, research shows.
Eight in 10 mothers compare their bodies to unrealistic ideals, with a quarter saying they feel under pressure to look good on social media.
Almost half of the new mothers taking part in the study, by Mothercare, said they felt they needed to match up to celebrities, who often snap back into shape after giving birth.
This figure increased in the 18 to 25 age bracket, where nine in ten mothers expected their bodies to compete with celebrities.
To celebrate new mothers of all shapes and sizes, Mothercare is launching a campaign called Body Proud Mums.
Photographer Sophie Mayanne took all the images. In 2017, she pledged to never digitally manipulate skin in her work.
‘Every mother’s body is beautiful and unique’
Sophie said: “The images depict the raw and emotional experience of childbirth. The aim is for mums to identify with these photos and feel more confident with their imperfections.”
Liz Day, parenting consultant at Mothercare, said: “We hope these honest photos showcase the diverse reality of the post-birth body and offer reassurance for mums that every body is beautiful and unique.
“From surgical scars to stretch marks, we want to celebrate and support the true journey of motherhood – and that includes the physical changes to the body.”
Psychologist Linda Papadopoulos added: “The way we see and value our appearance can significantly affect our thoughts, feelings, behaviours and overall quality of life.
“This campaign hopes to reduce some of the pressures that new mums may be feeling by celebrating the body changes that come with motherhood, rather than trying to edit them out.”