Your Postpartum Journey Doesn’t Have to Be a Snapback Story
Let me be clear: if you “snapped back” three weeks after pushing out a whole human, you are NOT my target audience right now. 😂 The pressure to snap back is real and can feel overwhelming for many of us on the postpartum journey.
I’m 10 months postpartum, and listen… I’m still waiting for that magical snap to happen. And no, this isn’t just about a number on a scale — it’s about feeling good in my own skin again. It’s about putting on clothes that don’t feel like strangers. It’s about walking past a mirror and not wondering, “Who is that?”
Truthfully? Some mornings I wake up and think, “Where is she?” — the size 8 version of DeZell I used to know. But then I remind myself: I’m not “her” anymore. I’m stronger. I’m a mom. I’m growing. And that’s the heart of this postpartum journey — not chasing who I was, but embracing who I’m becoming.
This post isn’t about a magic pill, workout, or waist trainer that’ll erase the experience. It’s about what’s actually helping me start to feel like meagain. No fluff. No Instagram filters. No “I lost 30 pounds in 30 days” scams. Just real-mom energy on a real-mom budget and schedule.
✨ The Postpartum Pressure Is LOUD
Let’s talk about the real for a second.
Social media will have you thinking every mom is out here breastfeeding, meal-prepping, working full-time, and posting “GRWM” reels — all while rocking a flat tummy and 26-inch bundles. Meanwhile, you’re over here with a messy bun, leaky boobs, and wondering when you last showered in peace.
Sound familiar? You’re not alone. I had to stop comparing my postpartum journey to these curated highlight reels. Because while someone might look “snatched” three weeks postpartum, I have no idea what’s going on behind that post. And honestly, comparison will rob you of every ounce of grace you’re trying to give yourself.
✅ What’s Helping Me on My Postpartum Journey
Here’s what’s been working for me — slowly but surely — to feel more connected to myself.
1. Moving My Body (Even for Just 30 Minutes)
I’m not doing two-a-days or hitting the gym at sunrise. Some days I barely make it to Trader Joe’s by 3 p.m. 😩 But I try to move every day.
Walks around the block with the stroller.
15-minute YouTube stretch or dance workouts (GrowWithJo and Kira Pro are my go-tos).
A solo living room dance party with my baby on the hip.
It’s not about burning calories. Movement reconnects me to my body. It reminds me I’m alive — not just a machine running on caffeine and vibes.
2. Drinking More Water (Like, a Lot More)
Hydration has been a game-changer. My skin glows, my digestion improves, and I feel less bloated. Plus, it curbs those mindless cravings.
I keep a 40oz water bottle nearby at all times — one at home and one in the car. If you’re breastfeeding, staying hydrated is everything.
Tip: Add lime or cucumber slices to keep it cute and refreshing.
3. Fueling Myself With Food (Not Just Filling Up)
I’m not on a diet, and I’m not tracking macros. But I am paying attention.
Adding veggies wherever I can.
Swapping empty snacks for trail mix, fruit, or Greek yogurt.
Saving drive-thru meals for “survival mode” days.
Do I still indulge? Absolutely — especially for those Freddy’s clusters! But when I fuel my body intentionally, my energy and mood stay more consistent throughout the day. It’s one of the most powerful shifts I’ve made on my postpartum journey.
4. Belly Wrapping? LIFE-CHANGING.
At first, I was skeptical. But using a postpartum belly wrap gave me core support when I started walking regularly again. It helped with posture, relieved back pain, and gave me that “I still got it” energy I needed.
I use the Belly Bandit, but please talk to your doctor first — especially if you’ve had a C-section or have diastasis recti.
5. Speaking Kindly to Myself (Out Loud)
Every morning, I say something nice to myself. Out loud.
“You’re doing your best.”
“You carried life. You are strong.”
“You deserve to look and feel good — for YOU.”
We pour into everyone else — our babies, partners, coworkers — and then drag ourselves in the mirror? Nope. Not anymore. I deserve the same kindness I give to others. That self-love talk has been a quiet but powerful part of my postpartum healing.
📸 What the “Glow-Up” Actually Looks Like
Let’s normalize postpartum glow-ups that have nothing to do with weight loss and everything to do with confidence:
Jeans that fit without digging in.
A fresh twist-out or slick bun.
Lip gloss, hoops, and a smile that says, “I made it through the day.”
Accepting that progress looks different for every body.
This isn’t just a weight loss journey. This is a self-love journey. The bounce back might look more like a slow stroll than a sprint — and that’s okay.
🛍️ My Postpartum Favorites
Here are a few things that supported me on this journey:
Belly band – for posture + core support.
GrowWithJo beginner workouts – 30 minutes, realistic, FREE.
40oz water tumbler (Stanley dupe) – makes hydration feel like self-care.
Skims high-waisted leggings – comfy and confidence-boosting.
Brow gel + lip gloss – for that 2-minute glow-up.
💌 Final Thoughts on the Postpartum Journey
To every mama who doesn’t recognize her reflection — I see you. You’re not alone. And you’re not “behind.”
You can still be that girl even with stretch marks, loose skin, and a whole human attached to your hip while you try to pee in peace.
Be gentle with yourself. Celebrate the little wins. Take five minutes just for you.
And remember: your bounce back doesn’t have to be fast — it just has to be yours. 💖
📲 Share this with another mama who needs to hear it.
💬 Comment below: How are YOU showing up for yourself in this season?
