Body image is more than skin deep, especially during and after pregnancy. In a world that celebrates “bouncing back,” many expectant and new parents are pressured to maintain unrealistic ideals. But what happens when the mirror reflects something entirely different than what society expects? This episode invites listeners to rethink postpartum health through a lens of self-compassion, cultural relevance, and truth.
Simone Holligan is a Research Associate at the Work-Learn Institute at the University of Waterloo. With a PhD in Applied Human Nutrition and past roles at SickKids Hospital and the Public Health Agency of Canada, she’s committed to translating research into relatable insights. Her work focuses on the intersection of health, body image, and emotional well-being, particularly for parents navigating major life transitions.
In this candid and heartfelt episode, Simone dives deep into how body image evolves through pregnancy and postpartum life. She explains how physiological weight changes are not just normal, but necessary. By outlining how fat serves as a vital organ in pregnancy and how hormonal shifts support recovery, Simone reframes how parents can view their changing bodies with understanding, not judgment.
Simone also explores the mental and emotional toll that body image struggles can take. From societal standards of desirability to the silence around postpartum body dysmorphia, she emphasizes the importance of informed support from doulas, family, and culturally sensitive practitioners. Her insight offers a refreshing reminder that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to postpartum health.
Throughout the episode, listeners are reminded that health isn’t just physical, it’s emotional, cultural, and deeply personal. Simone’s emphasis on community care, nutrition accessibility, and diverse family experiences creates a broader narrative for what it means to parent in today’s world.
Postpartum isn’t about “bouncing back.” It’s about growing into something new. Simone Holligan offers more than nutrition advice; she brings perspective, compassion, and clarity to one of life’s most vulnerable transitions. Her message encourages every parent to listen to their body, honor their journey, and build support systems that reflect who they are and where they come from. Because when parents feel seen, they’re empowered to raise resilient children with confidence and care.
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