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Thursday, November 12th

8:00 PM UTC

45 min

The Body After Baby: Making Peace With the Person in the Mirror

Free Virtual EventRecorded

Thursday, November 12th

8:00 PM UTC

45 min

Your body has changed since having a baby. But why does making peace with those changes feel so hard?

Join Erica Djossa, therapist and founder of Momwell; Iskra Lawrence, model and body acceptance advocate; and Dr. Banafsheh Bayati, board-certified OB/GYN and Medical Co-Founder of Perelel, moderated by Tina Cartwright, founder of Rebranding Motherhood, for an honest conversation about postpartum body image, confidence, hormones, and the pressure to bounce back. We'll talk about quieting the self-criticism, navigating the emotional and physical changes of motherhood, and learning to feel more comfortable in your own skin.

Body Image & Self-IdentityEmotional & Mental HealthPostpartum Recovery

Hosted by:

Auggie

The Body After Baby: Making Peace With the Person in the Mirror

About this event:

How can moms rebuild body confidence, embrace their postpartum identity, and feel at home in their bodies without the pressure to “bounce back”? Together the panel, unpacked why postpartum recovery takes longer than six weeks, how unrealistic beauty standards and social media can affect maternal mental health, and why body neutrality may be a more sustainable goal than constant body positivity.

Understanding Postpartum Body Changes

  • Hormonal shifts after childbirth can affect mood, energy, sleep, and emotional well-being.

  • Matrescence describes the physical, psychological, and identity transformation of becoming a mother.

  • Postpartum recovery is an ongoing process, not something completed at the six-week mark.

  • Unrealistic beauty standards and targeted marketing can intensify postpartum body dissatisfaction.

  • Recognizing and questioning internalized appearance expectations helps build body resilience.

  • Focus on what your body can do rather than comparing it to your pre-pregnancy appearance.

  • Practice affirmations that replace harsh self-criticism with gratitude and acceptance.

  • Identify your inner critic and challenge whether its expectations reflect your values.

  • Embrace body neutrality by appreciating your body as an instrument rather than an ornament.

  • Set clear boundaries with family and friends around unsolicited body and weight comments.

  • Curate your social media feed or take breaks from content that triggers comparison.

  • Prioritize meaningful experiences with your children instead of waiting to reach a certain body size.

  • Prioritize nutrition, restorative sleep, gentle movement, and recovery over appearance-based goals.

  • Explore pelvic floor physical therapy and core rehabilitation when appropriate for your recovery.

  • Approach postpartum strength and wellness as long-term goals rather than immediate milestones.

  • Ask for specific help with meals, laundry, dishes, and household responsibilities.

  • Make room for small daily self-care rituals, whether that's a shower, walk, stretching, or reading.

  • Prepare for postpartum during pregnancy by discussing emotional needs, expectations, and available support.

  • Watch for persistent anxiety, intrusive thoughts, difficulty bonding, or an inability to experience happiness.

  • Previous mood disorders, traumatic birth experiences, and certain medical conditions may increase postpartum mental health risks.

  • Maintain communication with your healthcare team beyond the initial postpartum visit and seek support whenever symptoms feel concerning.

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Event Content Disclaimer

Participation in Auggie events, including virtual workshops, expert sessions, and community discussions, is voluntary. The information shared during these events is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical, legal, or professional advice. Please consult your own medical team or appropriate professional for guidance specific to your situation.