Have you noticed how much conversation there is about beautiful, glowing pregnancy bodies? Yet there seems to be very little about beautiful postpartum bodies. The truth is, it kind of feels like an aftermath for a while. Between how different you can look and feel, along with thinning hair and dry skin, it’s easy to talk only about the horrors of our bods-after-babe.

As I’ve observed a lot of friends have babies, it seems like there appears to be a divide: people who “bounce back” quickly and don’t feel much of a change. And people who feel like their body went through an earthquake.

I’m not so sure I’m buying into this divide though. I think, no matter who you are and how great you look after a baby, you feel different.

After nine months of feeling like my hair always looked good pregnant, I just can’t seem to figure out how to do it now. I feel stronger in a lot of ways, but can’t do pull ups like I could before. Because of breastfeeding, I feel like my body belongs to McCoy a lot of days. We are tethered and I wouldn’t have it any other way, but it’s a strange feeling.

Dressing myself - especially last summer and fall - was a much harder challenge than I expected. I’d never had breastfeeding boobs and none of my shirts fit the same. I was used to wearing dresses all summer, but it was hard to breastfeed in them. Finding a swimsuit I loved proved to be another challenge. After so many years of swim team, one pieces felt too much like a Speedo. I need to be able to chase Mac and get down in the sand with him, so I need something supportive.

I recently ordered the High Cut Cheeky bottom and the Halter Wrap Top from Aerie (affiliate link for 20% off!) and love it. This post isn’t sponsored, I just felt compelled to share because I actually feel great in a swimsuit. Wahoo :) And I love the way Aerie is using real women, without editing their bodies. Whether you’re pregnant, postpartum or have not carried a baby, every single woman deserves to feel great in both her swimsuit and birthday suit. :)

Here’s to a summer of letting go of our coverups, playing in the sand and being willing to be seen.