Ashley Graham Opens Up About “Feeling Like Herself” After Giving Birth

Postpartum is different for everyone, but there’s one thing most all moms look forward to: getting back to themselves. Of course, the time it takes to feel like yourself again varies for everyone. For Ashley Graham, it took 13 weeks, and she took to her social media to open up about.

In a post to her Instagram account, Graham shared a video of herself doing a yoga flow in her backyard. In the caption she wrote, “13 weeks postpartum and I’m starting to sort of feel like myself again after giving birth. New mamas-how many weeks postpartum are you? What are you doing to feel like yourself again?”

Her post resonated with many mamas and they answered her questions in the comments. Their answers, of course, varied because “normal” looks different for everyone and “normal” after baby may not be the same as it was during pregnancy or even before.

“I think we had our babes a day or two apart. Mine turned 13 weeks exactly today. I’m working out as much as I can. I’d say about 75% back to normal workout routine but slower and not using heavy weights during. I haven’t checked my weight once and am just doing what feels right,” one new mom commented on the post. Another wrote, “I’m 2 weeks PP, and just going outside makes me feel like myself again.” Another still answered, “15 weeks PP. I try to walk for an hour everyday and YouTube workouts when I have time. It’s getting easier with baby so life is starting to go back to ‘normal.’”

Graham has been transparent with her followers about her journey as a new mom and has advocated for efforts to normalize both breastfeeding and the postpartum experience. A couple of months ago she opened up about her own postpartum experience while showing support for the rejected Frida ad that wasn’t allowed to air during the Oscars. In recent weeks, she also spoke out against some New York City hospitals banning support people during labor. Through most all of her initiatives, including her podcast, interviews and posts to social media, Graham has been a strong supporter of new moms who are still figuring out life with a newborn and coming back to themselves.

Of course, feeling like yourself after having baby can be a challenge. Not only are you adjusting to a new schedule dictated by your newborn, you also may feel like you longer have control over your body—not to mention the changes in mental health that can accompany becoming a mom.

If you’re a new mom that’s still trying to feel like herself again, check out our tips on what to do when you feel your sense of self slipping away.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.