Influencer’s post sparks debate on postpartum perfection

(NewsNation) — A series of social media posts by popular mom influencers has sparked a growing debate around expectations placed on women and their bodies postpartum.

In October, influencer and model Nara Smith posted a selfie with her three-week-old newborn, describing women’s bodies as “pure magic.” In the photo, the mother of four’s visibly flat stomach was on display.

“Our bodies transform and stretch. I used to feel the need to bend and force it back into how it used to look only to realize that it has been home to four other bodies,” she wrote. “This final stage is filled with grace and slowing down.”

The photo quickly caught the attention of viewers on Instagram, prompting many to ask if posts like Smith’s were perpetuating unrealistic expectations on women as they heal from childbirth. Some commenters described Smith’s post as “tone deaf,” with another writing “this photo has definitely been touched up. Stop the cap.”

But while some commenters were critical, others spoke out in defense of Smith’s post calling out what they described as negative and insecure comments. One commenter wrote “ladies, comparison is thief of joy,” while another wrote “you look incredible!!! Keep shining.” Others called out commenters for being hypocritical.

“We forget that realistic bodies come in quite literally all shapes and sizes. And a body like Nara’s is included,” one commenter said in a response video.

Once considered taboo, the subject of postpartum has become increasingly acknowledged in mainstream media, as women and their families reflect openly about the trials and tribulations of this period in parenthood. On Nov. 1, the New York Times published an interview in which Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Lawrence shared that she struggled with postpartum depression following the birth of her second child.

“I felt like a tiger was chasing me every day. I had so much anxiety,” Lawrence said. “I had nonstop intrusive thoughts that I was just like at the whim of. They, like, controlled me.”

Lawrence went on to describe how she was in therapy and eventually began taking Zurzuvae, a medication for postpartum depression.

“I was already in therapy, but I got on a drug called Zurzuvae and I took it for two weeks, and it really helped me,” she said.

The American Medical Association describes postpartum as a period that demands “careful attention and support.” The association stresses that it is important for women, their care teams and their support system to stay informed, ask for help and most importantly be kind to yourself.