In this episode of Moms Feelin’ Themselves: The Podcast, Elizabeth Wellington (a perinatal psychotherapist) and Sarah Battani Sams explore the complicated relationship moms have with their bodies during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. From bounce-back culture and body image struggles to the deeper psychological imprints we carry from childhood, they unpack why motherhood can reawaken old wounds around our bodies.

This conversation offers both honest experiences (yep, you can do Botox and still love yourself!) and practical guidance, with some strategies for self-compassion, curiosity, and embodiment that can help to heal the mind-body split.  You’ll find that learning to embrace your mom bod isn't about forcing yourself to love every part of you—it’s about freedom, wholeness, and reclaiming your body as your most faithful guide.  And yes, busting a move on the dance floor isn't gonna hurt.

Takeaways

• Why motherhood can retrigger old body image struggles.
• How cultural “bounce-back” myths fuel postpartum body dissatisfaction.
• Psychological roots of body image difficulties: early relationships, trauma, and the mind-body split.
• Practices for postpartum body acceptance include self-compassion, reframing, befriending your body, and embodiment (like dance and movement).
• Why self-acceptance in the perinatal period and Botox don’t have to be mutually exclusive.

For full shownotes and resources, click here!

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