The first day I could finally muster up the energy to log on to Instagram after giving birth, I remember thinking one thing- what the actual hell? – how is it that Instagram knows already that five days after giving birth I am still a puffy, fat mess?

I remember looking at my news feed and seeing women (whom can I add I do not follow but Instagram needs to make sure I see) who were literally a few days postpartum and already taking selfies in their underwear. You know, I probably wouldn’t mind so much- I mean hey, if you were lucky enough to permanently have the body of a teenager who am I to judge you for wanting the world to know that! What is irritating however is the way they stand there, three days after giving birth; in their ‘Heidi Klum Intimates,’ hip bone popping out and almost blinding me from half-way across the world talking about how fat they are and how much work they have to do.

Look I get it, we all have our own version of perfection- you say you’ll never feel beautiful until you get that 6th ab back (cause five is just weird), and my version of perfection is not seeing a double chin every time I open Snapchat and the camera is front facing. What I hate is the deceit. You look good. I know you look good. YOU definitely KNOW you look good. So WHY are you pretending? Just own it.

7 weeks postpartum and my body is still a train-wreck and apparently I have’t gotten the memo that I’m not eating for 2 (maybe 3) anymore; and the amount of times I’ve told myself diets starts Monday has now crossed into the pathetic stage. I was obsessing over being this perfect mum, the one that gives birth whilst doing body pump and walks out of the delivery room with a model body; then it occurred to me- my baby could not care less that I’m wearing tights because that’s the only thing that fits- what he wants is a mum who loves him enough to love herself, tummy hang (you know what I’m talking about, it’s the fat at the bottom of your stomach that almost looks your tummy is sad- sad that you don’t have the illustrious ‘v’) and all.

I’ve decided I’m the Anti-mum, I’m against all things the internet says a Mum should be and should look like. My house is not perfectly styled and even when I do try, as soon as my husband gets home it looks like a daycare again. My clothes are totally out of fashion and my body is what you’d describe as ‘cuddly,’ but I’m so happy, and my family loves me as I am.

I’m hoping that somewhere along this journey you’ll realise that’s enough for you too!

Dara

XOx