I'm rummaging through dusty boxes in our garage, on a mission to find the one labeled 'Nynke summer before pregnancy.' As a new mom, I knew pregnancy would transform my body—but I never anticipated the extent of it.
Throughout my pregnancy, when I felt more like a waddling seal than a person, I daydreamed about the next summer. I pictured myself strutting slim and confident on white beaches, glowing in fitted dresses on terraces, and dancing at parties in high-waisted pants and crop tops.
Finally spotting the box—sweat beading on my forehead—I dove in with high hopes. The plan: try on the clothes quickly and reclaim my wardrobe. What began as a simple task spiraled into a full emotional breakdown. The first pair of pants wouldn't budge past my knees. I stayed positive at first—they'd felt snug last summer, and my postpartum body hadn't hinted at changes yet. But as the second, third, and even fourth pairs refused to close, panic set in. Tears flowed when the tops no longer covered my belly. Devastating.
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Did I truly expect my body to snap back like a deflating balloon? That chugging Red Bull to combat exhaustion wouldn't add up? Or that skipping meals then bingeing wouldn't take a toll? Reality check: no.
After donating the ill-fitting clothes to the Salvation Army and indulging in a Tony's Chocolonely bar, I started feeling better. This setback sparked a silver lining—a fresh summer wardrobe tailored to my new shape. Yes, my body has changed postpartum. Solution: shop!
Weeks later, I'm poolside with my son Mees, proudly sporting a new bikini that flatters my pear-shaped figure (once more apple-like). Head held high, I feel surprisingly confident. After all, this potbelly and thicker thighs earned me the title of mom to the most beautiful boy in the world!
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Image used via Shutterstock
