What to Know
As much as we know it’s going to happen, there’s nothing that can truly prepare you for the way your body changes during pregnancy. I think for me, my postpartum body was even more shocking. I had been stretched and warped into someone that looked like me, but I didn’t feel like myself. It took months for me to begin feeling comfortable, and even longer to feel like myself. And I know I’m not the only person who went through this. You’d be hard pressed to find a mom that hasn’t. But for a new mom, it may feel like she’s the only one.
It’s important to talk about those feelings.
Clare Shimpl is mom of one baby and amateur surfer. She gave birth to her first son, Levi, in January 2026.
Recently, Shimpl posted a video on her Instagram sharing a heartbreaking story about taking her first run after having a baby, and comments that were made about her postpartum body.
“I went past two kids, and one of them said ‘run Fatty,’ and the other one said something like, ‘fat boom shaka laka,’” she explained.
“It has rattled me,” she confessed. “Obviously, postpartum, you’re already feeling all the emotions, and very uncomfortable in your body,” she continued, verging on tears.
“Yeah, I’ve gained weight. Yes, I’m in a bigger body, but I’m doing the things I need to do to feel healthier.”
She said that her husband wanted to find the mothers of the kids and tell them what was said, but she told him it “wasn’t worth the energy.” Shimpl ended the video reminding people that they shouldn’t feel “ashamed” and their changing bodies.
People immediately blamed the parents for the kids’ unkind words.
“You created a human, delivered it, are caring for them, and on top of that went on a run. That is absolutely amazing and that says a lot about the education those kids are getting at home,” one person wrote.
“That’s a reflection on the parents of those kids! Keep being amazing mumma!”
“A terrible reflection on their parents and absolutely nothing to do with you! You’re doing amazing to be trying to prioritise your health ❤️,” someone else added.
“What are their mums teaching them?! I can’t believe they would speak like this. This is nothing to do with you! You can run any size you are you are. You don’t even have to be running to lose weight. This is their problem and the society problem not yours,” another person wrote.
Others reminded her that the postpartum body journey isn’t always an easy one.
“You made a human and now raising him! You are already a superwoman. Take day by day, you got this!” someone wrote.
“You got this Mumma! Postpartum is such a tough place to navigate. The mental strength to even leave the house is already a lot,” another person wrote. “And know all of us mums are cheering you on, we may not be right next to you, but we’re here and I bet if they all the people supporting you they’d be scared to even say a peep! 💪🏼💪🏼”
“Your body and self have just gone through a life changing transformation. Growing a human is no joke!! And neither is caring for one once they’re here. Keep showing up for yourself, being kind to yourself and remembering who you are and all the magic you bring to this world ✨💜”
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