Real Mom Bods

How do you feel about wearing a swimsuit? Be honest! 

Chances are you don’t love it. Maybe you think your legs are jiggly, your stomach flabby, or your skin is too wrinkled. Whatever the reason, we understand! We’ve all been there, hiding in a dressing room with a pile of swimsuits that don’t fit quite right, desperate to find something we can wear to the pool with our kids.

Why do we compare our seemingly less than perfect bodies to models who are airbrushed and fabulous? The reality is we are real women and our bodies are strong and beautiful, no matter what size we are!

At Des Moines Moms Blog, we want to celebrate real moms, stretchmarks and all. That’s why we are so excited to partner with Kate Wagner of Lidgett clothing and Haverlee photography to highlight positive body image. We asked our contributors to take a risk and pose in a swimsuit and share why they are proud of their real mom bods. Their photos and responses are inspiring!

This summer, let’s choose to embrace our real mom bods and be confident when we wear a swimsuit. 

Becky Goerend • Age 34 • 3 kids

What do you love about your body?

I love that my body has taken me through my life journey. It has birthed 3 babies and carried 4. It is strong and capable of so many things. My body allows me to play, dance, and keep up with my kids. It allows me to teach, work out, go for walks, and so much more.

What do you want your kids to know about your mom bod?

I want them to know that their mom’s body is strong and beautiful. The stretch marks, the curves, the strength – all of it, brought them into this world. I want to keep my body healthy so I can continue to be there for them.

Niki Smith • Age 33 • 2 kids

Why are you participating in this campaign?

My daughter has been watching me put on makeup and often wants to join in. One day, she put makeup on and looked in the mirror and said, “Do I look pretty?” I said, “You look pretty without makeup!” I am confident in all of my rolls, cellulite and makeup-less face, and I want my daughter to see herself in the same way. I want both of my children to love people for who they are, and not what they look like.

What do you love about your body?

I used to run track and cross country in high school and I miss that strength, but the endurance still lives with me (which came in handy during a 30-hour labor). I love my tattoos, c-section scar, stretch marks, freckles, and everything that makes me unique. When I look at this picture, I love my smile and glow because I think it’s the way my children see me.

What do you want your kids to know about your mom bod?

I lost 50 pounds before I had my second child, in preparation for childbirth and pregnancy. I easily gained it all back and losing it this time around is a lot tougher for me. But, my children don’t pay attention to what size I am. As long as I’m able to play with them, they are happy. I’m happy with whatever body I have ever had, and the giggles from my children don’t change as my body changes.

Shay Sholtes • Age 32 • 3 kids

Brittney Rutherford • Age 35 • 2 kids

My height. At 6’2”, I am one tall drink of water! And though it has taken me a long time to be proud of my height, I can finally say that I love my height. Growing up, it was always hard to be the one that didn’t fit in. I was bullied, teased, and struggled to find clothes that fit. Now, in my thirties, I have finally completely embraced my long legs, awkward dance moves, and goofy personality!

What do you want your kids to know about your mom bod?

I want my daughter to know that what you think about yourself is your reality. It is important to speak kindly to yourself and embrace what makes you unique. Also, be strong! No matter what that looks like for you, take the time to build your mental and physical strength as you grow up and navigate your beautiful life.

A special thanks to Lidgett for providing the beautiful swimwear and Haverlee Photography for the gorgeous images. 

A word from Kate Wagner

I am so thrilled to partner with Des Moines Moms Blog for this body positive campaign because I want Lidgett to help other women tell their stories and show off their amazing #realmombods. As a mom myself, I know it can be challenging to accept all the changes that babies bring to our bodies, but I am also incredibly grateful for the stretch marks, the looser skin, and the thinner hair that came from the life I was able to make in that same body. So grab your Lidgett swimsuit and join me in celebrating our #realmombods. 

A word from Haverlee

When my friends at Des Moines Moms Blog asked if I’d be interested in collaborating with them on this project, it was a no-brainer. I love when women of all shapes and sizes realize that life is way too short to spend it obsessing over cellulite and tummy pooches. We all have areas we hate or are trying to make peace with. Ultimately, it’s up to us whether those things are going to hold us back or get in the way of having fun with people we love. Media has led us astray and distorted reality for far too long. I love the current wave of women fighting back against society’s “standards”. Our worth and value is so much more than a shape, size, or number on a tag. Hopefully, someday we won’t even have to talk about body positivity. It’ll be silly to even talk about it at all. Let’s move on to the important stuff in life. Like finding an adorable well-fitting swimsuit you can jump in the pool with your kids in.