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Cat Jane, a fitness influencer with over 130,000 followers, often faces a mixture of reactions to her online content. As a mother of two, she receives both criticism and praise, experiencing negative comments about her post-pregnancy body from some, while others accuse her of being “too skinny.” Despite this, Cat is committed to sharing a realistic portrayal of her own “imperfections” to help other mothers feel less alone in their postpartum experiences.
Since launching her social media account in 2020, Cat, who lives in Dolgarrog, Conwy, has encountered remarks from people who would likely never voice such opinions in person. She expresses confusion over why individuals feel entitled to share unsolicited negative feedback online. “It feels like a different world online and it does upset me sometimes,” she admits. Cat also highlights the role of social media in promoting unrealistic beauty standards, noting that filters and photo editing contribute heavily to the pressure on women, especially mothers, to appear flawless.
Cat prefers to counter those pressures by openly revealing parts of herself that are often hidden, like cellulite and a wrinkly tummy. “I would never want to make someone else feel like they weren’t doing enough,” she explains. Her goal is to offer relatable content that other mums can connect with, showing that imperfection is normal and acceptable.
Beyond Cat’s experience, new mothers face similar challenges in Gwynedd, where groups like the Stroll Patrol walking club provide support. Vicky Edwards, who recently gave birth and is soon to be married, speaks about the pressures to “bounce back” after childbirth. She acknowledges the difficulty, especially when confronted by seemingly perfect online portrayals. “You have to remember how amazing your body is to have created this new little life,” she says, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion.
In Cardiff, Alex Bull, a fitness studio founder and mother of two, observes how social media algorithms can be particularly harsh on new mothers. These algorithms often push images of seemingly flawless mums to those searching for baby-related content, creating unattainable expectations. Alex’s fitness studio focuses on creating a supportive environment where appearance is less of a concern. “Pregnancy is like running a marathon, your body has been through so much,” she explains. Her aim is to foster a space where mothers can feel empowered to engage in physical activity at their own pace, affirming that simply showing up is an achievement in itself
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