As an exhausted mom, the last thing you need is more pressure. Between sleepless nights, endless responsibilities, and trying to heal your body after childbirth, it can feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up. Then, you see those "perfect" weight loss transformations online, and instead of feeling motivated, you feel frustrated—because your journey is real, messy, and far from picture-perfect. The truth? Many of those pictures are staged, exaggerated, or outright fake. But your healing, your strength, and your progress? That’s real, and that’s what truly matters.
We’ve all seen those weight loss photos that look almost too good to be true. Unfortunately, many of them are just that—fake.
As a mom who's walked the postpartum journey, I understand the challenges of healing your body and mind after giving birth—especially when dealing with things like leaky bladders, persistent pain, and weak core strength. It's tough, and some days can feel overwhelming. So when I read a blog from my coach, Dallas Travers, about how to handle criticism, it reminded me of a time when I faced some harsh online attacks. They came from someone who clearly didn’t understand what real healing and transformation look like.
The Haters Gonna Hate
This woman took every opportunity to criticize me—my weight loss, my methods, and even my encouragement of enjoying life’s little indulgences without guilt. She believed that I’d fail and gain the weight back like she had done many times before. But what really got to me was when she posted an entire blog about how to "fake weight loss photos" using my before-and-after images.
Of course, these photos were 100% real, untouched, and not manipulated in any way. But the details she gave about how to create the illusion of weight loss through posing and tricks made me think of how many people out there—especially postpartum moms—can feel pressured to present an image that doesn’t reflect their actual journey.
The "How-To" Guide from My Hater’s Blog
Here’s how she described my photos—yet all of this was about an illusion, not reality:
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Soak your hair – This would make your body look smaller, while your head seems larger.
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Smile at the camera with confidence – After all, you’ve "lost weight," right?
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Wear a bikini that’s too tight – This exaggerates any imperfections or bulges.
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Slouch and let your stomach relax – To create the illusion of a larger belly.
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Stand close to the camera – This distorts your body and makes you appear bigger.
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Wear a bikini that actually fits – And suddenly, your body looks much more balanced and real.
The Real Lesson: Postpartum Healing is About Your Mindset, Not the Illusion
I didn’t let the criticism get to me—because I knew those photos were real, and they told my story of transformation. But more importantly, I knew that healing after having a baby—whether it’s recovering from incontinence, rebuilding core strength, or managing persistent pain—can’t be faked. True healing requires time, patience, and a mindset shift.
As postpartum moms, we face unique challenges—our bodies may look different, we may struggle with physical symptoms like leaking or pain, and we might feel frustrated by the slow process of rebuilding strength. But remember, true recovery is not about looking a certain way or conforming to an image. It’s about reclaiming your health and feeling empowered in your own body, no matter where you are on your journey.
How to Shift Your Mindset and Embrace Your Postpartum Journey
If you’re a mom struggling with physical symptoms like weak core strength, back pain, or incontinence, remember that real transformation comes from small, consistent steps. You don’t need to fake anything, and you don’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. Your healing is uniquely yours.
Here are some strategies that can help you reclaim your strength and wellness:
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Know Your "Why": Why do you want to heal and feel stronger? It’s not just about appearance—it’s about regaining control, improving your health, and being able to live the life you want for you and your family.
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Visualize Your Future Self: Picture yourself enjoying a day with your kids, free from pain or worrying about leakage. See yourself stronger, more confident, and pain-free.
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Start Small: Postpartum healing is a process. Set achievable, small goals—whether that’s doing a few minutes of pelvic floor exercises each day or taking a short walk without discomfort.
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Love Yourself First: Be kind to yourself. This journey may not look the way you imagined, but it’s important to practice self-compassion. You’re doing an incredible job as a mom, and your body is working hard to heal.
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Surround Yourself with Support: Whether it's a physical therapist, a coach, or other moms who understand your struggles, asking for help and accountability is key to staying on track.
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Celebrate the Small Wins: Every time you make progress, whether it's reducing pain or gaining more strength, celebrate it! These small victories add up.
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Be Patient: Real recovery takes time. It’s not about faking anything—it’s about honoring your body’s needs and giving it the time and care it deserves to heal fully.
The Bottom Line: Your Transformation is Real
Healing after having children—whether you’re dealing with weak core strength, leaky bladders, or persistent pain—isn’t something you need to fake. It’s about taking consistent action, honoring your body, and showing up for yourself every day. You don’t need to conform to any illusion of perfection; your journey is real, beautiful, and worthy of celebration.
If you're ready to take the first step in your recovery journey, know that you're not alone. With patience, small consistent efforts, and the right support, you’ll get there. You deserve to feel strong, confident, and free from pain. Reclaim your health and wellness, mama—you’ve got this!
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