Being a new mom is a life-altering experience. It brings joy, love, and a whole lot of changes to a woman’s body. Actress and filmmaker Busisiwe Mtshali recently opened up about her own journey of self-reflection and self-consciousness after having a baby.
In a brave move, Busisiwe shared pictures of her petite boy in a swimsuit. Little did she know that these innocent snapshots would trigger a wave of anxiety and self-doubt. She was asked to submit these pictures along with her self-tapes for a casting, where she was auditioning for the role of a swimmer.
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Reflecting on this experience, Busisiwe reveals, “I contemplated not even submitting my tape because I couldn’t handle the anxiety that came with the level of vulnerability this particular character would require from me. Not from an emotional standpoint but a physical one.”
Like many new moms, Busisiwe discovered that pregnancy brought about unexpected changes to her body. She candidly shares, “As incredible as pregnancy is, the body goes through the most, and something I was never ready for was the stretched skin that would remain long after giving birth.”
She had envisioned snapping back to her pre-pregnancy body, with a cinched waist and a six-pack. However, reality had a different plan. Busisiwe found herself facing a new reality – a kangaroo pouch instead of a flat stomach.
Looking at her stomach, she admits, “I have loose, stretched skin. Folds of flesh that I can hold between my fingers and sometimes it even shrivels. It’s there, unavoidable and concealable.” The once confident actress now had to confront her newfound insecurities.
Busisiwe realized that she was embarrassed by her postpartum body and worried about what people would say or think. This was a new experience for her. She shares, “This has never been a thing for me, so this was hard. Some days are still hard.”
Despite the struggles, Busisiwe decided to embrace her new body. She continued to wear crop tops, even when she cringed at the thought of someone looking at her midsection. “This is the only body I have, that’s done a miraculous thing, and I will celebrate this new body and embrace her,” she proudly declares.
In sharing her story, Busisiwe hopes to inspire others who may be struggling with their own insecurities. She reminds everyone that it’s okay to have insecurities, but it’s important not to let them hold you hostage in your thoughts and life.
She advises, “Don’t let worry and self-loathing consume you. Instead, try to lean into loving yourself irrespective of your perceived flaws. Life is short, and we live on borrowed time.”
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Busisiwe’s journey of self-acceptance serves as a powerful reminder that our bodies are constantly changing, and that’s okay. It’s a testament to the strength and resilience of the human body, especially after the incredible feat of bringing a new life into the world.
So, to all the new moms out there who may be struggling with their postpartum bodies, remember that you are not alone. Embrace the changes, celebrate your body, and most importantly, love yourself unconditionally. You deserve it.
