The Day I Searched, “Clothes for Moms with Muffin Tops”

Most woman have a unique story of her journey with body image. Here is mine. I hope it gives you a laugh, and helps you know you are not alone.

As an “early bloomer,” I started to feel uncomfortable with my body around age twelve. I was not happy about my developing curves and height. I remember feelings of jealousy in gym class as I wished I looked like the petite gymnasts with their flat chests, straight hips, and small frame. Middle School is hard enough, but being taller than the boys makes it that much harder.

Shopping for bathing suits and dresses was a nightmare. My poor mother. I attended my first family wedding when my cousin Nicole married Ed in the mid nineties. My mother and I must have visited at least 10 stores in search of anything I could even remotely feel comfortable in. I ended up settling on a mid calf length floral jumper contraption with attached short sleeve white shirt underneath. I was essentially wearing a table cloth with a few holes poked in there for my arms and head. Perfect! Nobody would suspect the budding breasts or hips underneath. Combine this with with my short, frizzy, mushroom-style hair cut, and all I can say to that tween is, “Bless her heart!”

Fast forward a few years, and I became quite comfortable in my skin as a high schooler and college student. Once the boys caught up to my height and all the girls had curves with me, I was okay with this new body. My slender frame, despite a large appetite, meant I didn’t struggle a whole lot in the area of body image at this point in time. I was a very average size medium.

It wasn’t until I had babies that the struggle with body image started to creep back into my life. I gave birth to my first child at age twenty-seven. Not one single family member, friend, or even the lady who taught the birthing class at the hospital ever told me that after the baby arrives, there would be a whole lot of saggy bagginess that hangs around for quite some time. I can still recall the black drawstring capri sweats I wore that entire summer. However, relatively speaking, I bounced back pretty quickly after both my boys were born.

It wasn’t until my third pregnancy with my daughter that there was no bounce back. It was more like a perpetual stagnation. I tried a lot of programs and diets. I read many books and articles. Tears were shed, shakes were made, and I followed exercise regimes. Gluten got the chop (for a while). I dabbled with eliminating dairy, but life without cheese? What’s the point?

Finally, I landed on the thought, “Maybe I should just learn to dress myself differently?”

I certainly have not “arrived” at some sort of place where I’ve got it all figured out, but I can say I’m more at peace with my body, and I’ve learned a few important lessons along the way…

1.) I am so much more than the number on the scale or the double chin in the mirror.

2.) I am grateful for the gift of being able to carry and deliver three babies in my womb. Every time my kids comment on or squeeze my “bowl full of jelly,” as we affectionately call it, I remind myself that I had the honor of being the “vessel” where God “knit them together” (Psalm 139: 13) for nine months.

3.) Being active outdoors and eating a lot are two of my favorite pastimes. I’m grateful for my health and the ability to get outside and participate in the activities I love. Since I enjoy eating so much, I choose to cook healthy, clean meals for my family. Dessert is a once in a while thing. Breaking bread with family and friends is a sacred ritual, and one of the greatest joys in life. Food is tied intimately with the love and security of family.

4.) In case you were wondering what I discovered, the clothing best suited for “moms with muffin tops” is essentially high-waisted skinny jeans paired with loose, flowy tops. Jean jackets can help too, as well as accessories to distract the eyes. Hmmm…

5.) I treasure my husband’s compliments, especially when he makes comments such as, “ I’m so attracted to you now more than ever because of your confidence and wisdom.” Oh bless his heart!