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Hollywood sets really high standards for beauty and fitness. Celebrities are always under immense pressure to look their best, whether they're at the Oscars or at Oscar's Pizza. So when you throw a pregnancy into this dynamic, it can get pretty wild.

Regardless, many famous women are known for bouncing back super quick after having a baby. We can only guess if these supernatural feats are the results of media manipulation or bulletproof willpower. However, not all celebrity moms choose this path.

Pushing back against unfair expectations, some are sharing their most personal and private moments on social media in the hopes that fans will see and appreciate what they really look like postpartum.

During the period — which some researchers believe actually lasts up to six months — the mother's body experiences a number of changes, from healing after childbirth to hormonal mood swings. All of this on top of the added stress of breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, and the overall monumental adjustment to motherhood (when it's their first child).

Vicki Broadbent, writer, director, broadcaster and founder of Honest Mum, told Bored Panda the pressure on new moms to 'bounce back' is utterly stifling. "It plays into this culture that the quicker the loss, the greater the value and respect we should have for the mother, which in my opinion is awful and damaging," Broadbent said.

"Even the '9 months in and 9 months out' axiom isn't sound for all. Every mother is different, as is every baby. Whilst a small minority of mothers will naturally resume a similar figure as before postpartum, the majority -- so often the hidden majority in the mainstream press -- won't and that's completely normal yet needs to be normalized," the author of Mumboss explained.

#2

Pink

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

1) P!nk rocks. 2) I totally agree with the "stay off the scales" 3) Muscle weight, and body-fat weight are not the same, and have two totally different implications for a person's health. I've stayed the same weight, yet dropped 2 clothing sizes - because I LOST bodyfat and GAINED muscle mass. It's VERY possible to be "heavier" AND healthier, IF the weight is the right kind of weight.

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"I still have a post-c-section pouch and stretch marks which will never go (and that's fine) and my kids are 10 and 7. Thank goodness for social media and mothers taking more control over their narrative, representing how diverse mothers' bodies are after having a baby. I remember thinking I would leave hospital like Victoria Beckham, as slim as I was pre child. Not. A. Chance. Only seeing slim new mums made me feel like I was failing as a new mother (on top of all the other postpartum stress I endured after a traumatic birth)."

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Broadbent admitted that finding herself in a larger body once her baby was born dented her confidence hugely, adding that if society and the media were kinder in their coverage of pregnant and postpartum women, she knows she wouldn't have felt so bad. "My mother who had me in 1980, said it was a given to appear bigger for the first year after having a baby, and maternity wear reflected that with maxi dresses and more billowing dresses being the norm. She said there was an understanding that new mums were going to be bigger for at least a year or more, so the pressure was nowhere near as intense as it is now."

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Jenny Mollen

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had NO idea a woman's body could respond this way to giving birth. This equally worthy of discussion. So glad she sought help.

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She believes partners can make a difference in the way moms recover from this difficult period, too. Most notably, by reassuring their loved ones that they look wonderful. "They should show deep respect and praise to the mother of their child who endured 9 months (biologically, it's actually 10) and the birthing of their child. My advice would be to cook and prepare meals where possible, help with the childcare when you can, and importantly, encourage rest and sleep which will support her both emotionally and physically."

So mothers, please be kind to yourself. "You have endured the most demanding milestone of your life. Give yourself some credit and if anyone makes you feel bad about yourself online, please hit the unfollow button. Curate your feeds for a happier life and please know that whatever your size and body post baby, you are worthy and amazing," Broadbent said.

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#4

Katy Perry

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Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At first I was wondering what those things sticking out of her bra were but then realised it is designed to be used for a breast pump.

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Amy Schumer

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frederic eeckman
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The comments are disgusting... Body shaming because she was always curvy, and calling that "not giving a flying f*ck" ? Who the hell do you find attractive ? Skeletor ?

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Beans
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The funny thing about the hate Amy Schumer gets for her body is that prior to this she was never 'fat' -- she was average size. She was Hollywood fat. She was size 6-8 which is actually not plus sized, it's just regular small size. So the extra hate is even more hypocritical, because people have just been hating on a regular sized woman who gained baby weight. I mean she may not be funny or whatever, but looks/body shaming her when she is just average sized is all kinds of effed up. Truly.

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Michelle C
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amen to that hospital underwear...had them give me a whole pack after I had my daughter, soooooo comfy...wish I could get some now :)

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Isle_of_stressed_pilots
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let me get this straight, y'all are fine with skinny women wearing bikinis but the moment a curvy girl wears a bra and underwear (that actually covers WAYY more than a bikini would), you guys freak out. Smh.

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Rider
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People calling Amy an "attention whore" are nothing but attention whores themselves. If you don't like her, you literally don't have to say anything about her. You're voicing your unasked for opinion to the world. You're the attention whore.

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Go Hawks
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Lol, for a second I thought she had on roller blades! You go girl, even without the invisible blades 😂 Seriously, she's awesome 👍

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Kim Lorton
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love it! Strolling with the baby in tour underwear is ideal!

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Pippa Runs
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love this. It’s called not giving a s**t, and it’s what you have to do to get through motherhood in order to stay sane.

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Debbie Burton
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I dont think Jeremy has any idea of what is 'going onn down there' ....jus sayin

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Daniele Ribolla
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she's so smart and fuc**ng funny... she is what is and simply don't care, but is always joking about her and his body. she's awesome.

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Celtic Pirate Queen
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for her for getting out and walking, but I don't understand why she chose to do it in her underwear?

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DC
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is "hospital underwear" a code for diaper? I'm not here to mock her ... it just looks a bit like one.

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Alexandra S
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hospital gives out those underwear after baby and yes, they are rather like a diaper. You bleed for a whole month after baby

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Phil Rod
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ive never liked Amy for a number of reasons. Her post baby body is definitely not doinfmg her any favors either

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Jessica Jeffery
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My only issue is that's she's outside in her underwear. I don't care what kind of underwear she's wearing, comfort over fashion!

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Michele Elizabeth
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is she wearing underwear in public? That’s not confidence, that’s crackheadish 😂

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Ann Rii
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! Underwear is supposed to be worn under clothes, not in public.

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Diane Phillips-Herman
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3 years ago

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I just hate her because of everything else about her, not about her looks.

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Scyth
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3 years ago

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I don't see it. Weren't she always like that?

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she's NOT commenting on her body Scyth.... she's commenting on the UNDERWEAR (as per her comment "Hospital UNDERWEAR for life!"

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Jeremy
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3 years ago

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Um... theres alot going on down there, jus sayin

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Ben Smith
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3 years ago

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There's "proud of your body" and then there's not giving a flying f*ck and trying to prove a point on social media. Schumer is disgusting...in all ways... on her best day

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#6

Desiree Siegfried

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Batwench
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

4th ‘tri’ mester? Love it as giving birth is not the end of the journey.

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Tia Mowry

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Jenny Mollen

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Kim Lorton
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a former nurse, I’d say that is a really good looking incision scar! Way to go, doc!

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varwenea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom bods are real, they gave life, and they are sexy exactly as they are.

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Carly Waddell

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MellonCollie
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm happy she openly talks about not breastfeeding. It does seem to be a taboo. For some women, it really doesn't come easy or it just doesn't seem to work. Hurray for formula when breast feeding is not an option (by choice or otherwise).

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Brie Bella

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shyanna banana
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@jeremy shes happy to have a baby and so what if shes not the first it's probably her first so maybe you should stop being a d**k and be happy for her

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#17

Hilaria Baldwin

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Pseudo Puppy
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"where are all the pads for bleeding".... wholly f**k.... is that what women have to endure IN ADDITION to giving birth!!??!! For the love of everything wholly.... you are supreme!!! :o

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#18

Kate Hudson

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#20

Jamie Otis

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Stan Smith
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3 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

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#22

Daphne Oz

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#23

Melissa Suffield

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Kathryn Baylis
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Can’t “tan them into oblivion”. They either stay your normal un-tanned skin color, or they tan darker. But don’t despair; they do fade...in a decade or two...kinda...

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Daphne Oz

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Jessie James Decker

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TrashPandaru
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous, I officially have a new girl crush

#27

Alaia Baldwin

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#28

Peta Murgatroyd

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#29

Jamie Otis

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neonn_pieee
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like she edited her belly because the skin looks absolutely flawless and perfect.

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#30

Cardi B

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Rabbit Carrot
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you get rid of the black line but here’s my rock hard abs and sponsored sportswear to look at while you have a think.

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Note: this post originally had 48 images. It’s been shortened to the top 30 images based on user votes.