Getting Real with Kira Hazledine
We are in the real trenches of summer here in New York. 90 degree weather is hitting us hard, and it’s only June. Should be an interesting time, especially pregnant. I’m an oven even on a cool day, and don’t think I haven’t contemplated maternity crop tops. I’m about to let it all hang out and I really don’t care. It’s all about keeping cool, and I can’t wait to visit the pools with my family.
Of course, with all this talk of hot weather is talk of swimming and then swim suits. And it just kills me every time. Women of all ages, all shapes and sizes, really hate swim suit season. They hate swim suit shopping. Kid or no kid, thick or thin, pale or dark. Of all the women I’ve met, I’ve only known a handful that were comfortable in a swim suit. And trust me, I get it. It took me a long time to become comfortable with my body, especially after having a child. I just hate seeing people down on themselves because of a piece of clothing. I’ve been there, and trust me, the other side where there is self-love and appreciation is so much better.
I’ve seen this statement a million times, and I know you have too. But I’ll say it again: wear the damn swim suit.
Nobody cares nearly as much as you do about the stretch marks, the sagging skin, the odd belly button… or is that last one just me? Moms should never feel ashamed or embarrassed of the havoc that pregnancy and childbirth wreaked on our bodies. I know for a fact that I will never, ever look the same. But I brought life into this world! I carried and nurtured and loved a little baby who is now a rambunctious toddler, and I’m damn proud of my stretch marks. Do I slightly regret that belly button piercing now that it’s all stretched out? Meh, a little. But I’m still going to wear the two-piece swim suit.
I’m not telling everyone to go out and buy g-strings, unless you super want to. Then you rock that g-string mama. Whatever makes you happy, whether it is a one-piece, two-piece, or one of those netting things that protects against UV rays. Just wear the swim suit! Enjoy the sun and play with your kids. Be happy in the body that gave life, because sitting on the side of the pool in a baggy t-shirt is lame.
I want to cannonball into a pool with my husband, and splash in the kiddie area with my toddler. I want to wear the cute two-piece, because I still think I’m cute. I’m allowed to be something other than the mom-bod my daughter gave me. Am I bit over-confident? Nah. Just doing what makes me comfortable. At the end of the day, it’s just a swim suit. It’s just skin. It’s just a body, like everyone else’s. Your kids won’t ever remember the swim suit you wore, but they will always have those precious memories of summer days.
Wear. The. Swim. Suit. Honestly, you’ve earned it. If anyone has anything bad to say about it, go tell them to swallow an entire watermelon, carry it for several months and then shit it out whole. See how they fare. Every body is beautiful, including yours.
