Swara Bhasker reflects on Aishwarya Rai’s postpartum body shaming: ‘They didn’t spare her, so who the hell am I’; how it affects a mother’s well-being

In conversation with BBC News India, she said, “There’s always some scrutiny of what you’re doing, how you’re doing it, your life choices, how you’re going through it and so on. I remember Aishwarya Rai being put through so many negative, damaging and horrible discourses when she had her baby and when she had postpartum weight. Really unflattering pictures of her were taken, seemingly deliberately, and published everywhere. I remember watching an interview and the grace with which she’d handled all that. A less gracious person would have been angry. The interviewer was talking about her not getting back into shape as soon as other people had, for example.”

She added, “I remember her saying that, ‘I was just living my life with my baby… my real life.’ She answered it very beautifully. That resonated with me so much. I was like, she is the most beautiful woman in the world. She literally won that title. They didn’t spare her, so who the hell am I?”

This sheds light on the ongoing societal pressure for women to ‘bounce back’ quickly after childbirth. 

But how does this kind of scrutiny affect a woman’s physical and mental well-being? 

Psychologist Anjali Gursahaney tells indianexpress.com, “Postpartum body shaming can have a profound impact on a new mother’s emotional and psychological well-being. After childbirth, many women experience physical changes such as weight gain, stretch marks, and loose skin. When society, family members, or even healthcare providers make negative comments about these natural changes, it can lead to a range of issues.” 

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan faced scrutiny over her postpartum body after giving birth to her daughter Aaradhya. (Source: Express archive photo)

She adds, “For one, it can cause low self-esteem and body dissatisfaction, as constant scrutiny can make a new mother feel unattractive or inadequate. Additionally, this shame and criticism can contribute to postpartum depression and anxiety, heightening feelings of sadness, isolation, and stress. A mother may also experience reduced confidence in her role, doubting her abilities as a parent due to judgements about her appearance, which often leads to guilt and frustration. In some cases, these pressures can result in disordered eating or exercise habits, as some mothers may resort to unhealthy weight loss methods in an attempt to meet societal expectations, ultimately affecting their overall health and well-being.”

Navigating societal pressure while prioritising well-being

To maintain a positive self-image and focus on overall well-being, Gursahaney suggests new mothers can:

• Reframe self-worth: Recognise that their body has performed an incredible feat and deserves kindness and patience.
• Curate their social media feed: Follow body-positive accounts that celebrate postpartum bodies rather than unrealistic transformation stories.
• Set realistic goals: Prioritise strength, stamina, and overall health rather than an arbitrary number on the scale.
• Surround themselves with support: Seek encouragement from loved ones, support groups, or therapists who reinforce self-compassion.
• Listen to their body: Focus on nourishing meals, gentle movement, and rest rather than restrictive diets or excessive exercise.
• Advocate for change: Speak out against harmful narratives and encourage open conversations about the realities of postpartum recovery.

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