Kate Ferdinand has revealed her true feelings towards her post-pregnancy body in a frank Instagram post.
The 29-year-old, who welcomed her first child Cree alongside husband Rio Ferdinand shortly before Christmas, spoke candidly about not "loving" her post-baby body, with the lengthy caption also exploring why women feel pressured to "bounce back" after giving birth.
Posing alongside Cree, Kate wrote: "I've really held off on uploading any pictures with my body in because last time I did, for some reason, I felt all types of nerves and ended up deleting it ... hormones, or the pressure of Instagram to look a certain way? Who knows, but either way, I've finally plucked up the courage. Here I am.
Advert
"I'm finally starting to slowly feel more like 'me' again, but it hasn't been plain sailing. I was seeing lots of ladies, and I salute you, saying they love and embrace their post pregnancy body; I wish I felt like that but in all honesty ... I love that my body produced our baby BUT quite frankly, I don't love my post baby body. I miss feeling fit and strong!"
She continued: "As women, our bodies go through so much and I feel like there is so much pressure to 'bounce back' when it's just not realistic, especially with a newborn.
"I mean how tough is it to find the energy to exercise? Some days I am like a machine working out, walking, eating healthy and feeling on top of the world and other days (like yesterday) I haven't found time for the exercise and I'm caught tucking my head in the sweet cupboard looking for some sugar in the hope it will keep me awake."
Advert
Kate added that connecting with other new mums on the Peanut app about her feelings has helped her ease any insecurities she is currently feeling.
"I've been spending some time on the Peanut app the past few weeks reading conversations from other women on how they have coped with body changes, and I'm learning that it's ok if you don't love your post baby body," she said.
"It's amazing if you love your post baby body but it's also ok and normal if you don't. It doesn't mean you haven't loved the process of bringing your child into the world and it's ok to want to feel back to the 'old you'. It doesn't mean we love our children any less... (Although in all honesty, I'm not sure I will never not feel tired)."
The former TOWIE star's 1.4 million followers have been quick to reassure the star about her feelings, with many praising Kate for being so open about the realities of life after having a child.
"I feel this," said one woman. "Your words describe pretty much how I'm feeling at the moment. So proud of what my body did but really wish I felt strong, fit and healthy again. Really admire you and your strength."
Advert
"I was exactly the same as you," added another, "I didn't enjoy my post baby body and still don't. it's hard to get back into the swing of things and I think some people just gave those genetics where they're bodies do just bounce back and that's ok but I know I don't. But you look amazing after not long having a baby, own it!"
"It's so nice to see celebrities like normal mums and being honest about their struggles," a third said. "Good on you."
Kate is also step-mum to Rio's three children from his first marriage. She has spoken honestly about the difficulties she's faced during this time in BBC documentary series Becoming A Step Family, which aired in 2020.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram - kateferdinandTopics: Baby, Mum, Celebrity News, Motherhood, Health