How Iskra Lawrence is challenging the assumption that new mums should 'cover up' their bodies
A number of celebrities have spoken out recently about their struggle to regain their confidence after giving birth. This week, social media star Lottie Tomlinson revealed how she hadn't felt comfortable showing off her figure on Instagram after gaining 3.5 stone during pregnancy. Meanwhile, talk over Rihanna's post-baby body sparked debate last month, with many suggesting it shouldn't be up for discussion at all.
Part of the problem, says Iskra Lawrence, is that women are being encouraged to 'cover up' their bodies after giving birth - which sends the wrong message to new mums. The 32-year-old model, who welcomed her son in 2020, has shared an empowering post on Instagram in which she challenges the assumptions that women should 'hide away' their post-baby figures.
Captioning the video, in which she dons lingerie before sharing a cuddle with her little boy, she wrote: "Made this for every person that’s told me I need to cover up now I’m a mama. I’m proud to be a lingerie model for@loungeunderwear ad and I’m proud to be a mama the two aren’t mutually exclusive.'
Speaking to her five million followers, the former WH cover star continued: 'If anything I’m more empowered than ever because I feel so grateful my body grew and brought my baby into the world. That’s a gift I will never take for granted.'
Iskra added: 'We live in a world where bodies our bodies are picked apart and overly fetishised especially the postpartum body which we are told to hide away, shrink and snap back. When in actuality we should be taking up space and celebrating our bodies.'
The inspiring clip has received more than 44,000 'likes', with hundreds of social media users leaving comments. One person wrote: 'YES to ALL of this.' Another shared: 'You do you, mama! Be loud and proud.' And a third added: 'Love love love this and needed this!!'
Iskra welcomed her son with boyfriend Philip Payne in April 2020. She previously told Cosmopolitan about the unexpected pressures she experienced while carrying him. ' I felt like I'd lost touch with my body, in the sense that I just didn't know how to navigate being pregnant,' she explained.
'I gave birth here at home [in Austin, Texas] and the postpartum journey can be very overwhelming. There are so many mixed messages and there's a lot [emphasis] on the societal expectation of 'snapping back'. For me, I was just looking to rediscover fitness and myself.'
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