No one really warned me about this part of motherhood. They told us about stretch marks, puyat, and pagod — but not about how different your body feels after 40, especially after kids.
One day, you wake up and think, “Bakit parang mas madali na akong mapagod?” or “Bakit hindi na gumagana yung dati kong ginagawa?” And then you look in the mirror and realize — this is a new season.
So let’s talk about it. Gently. Honestly. Without shame.
What’s Normal for a Mom’s Body After 30
These are things many moms experience, even if no one talks about them openly.
✔ Slower metabolism
Foods you used to eat freely now feel heavier. It’s normal. Our bodies naturally slow down with age and stress.
✔ More belly fat (even if weight didn’t change much)
Hormones, stress, and lack of sleep play a role. This doesn’t mean you’re unhealthy — it means your body has been working hard.
✔ Getting tired faster
Between mental load, housework, and emotional labor, fatigue hits differently now.
✔ Body aches you didn’t have before
Lower back, knees, shoulders — especially if you carry kids, groceries, or life stress daily.
✔ Weight loss isn’t as quick as before
What worked in your 20’s or 30’smay not work now — and that’s okay.
What’s NOT Normal (and Worth Paying Attention To)
(Not medical advice — just when to listen to your body more closely)
- Extreme, constant exhaustion even with rest
- Sudden, unexplained weight changes
- Pain that doesn’t go away
- Feeling unwell most days
These are signs to pause and check in with yourself, not to panic — just to care.
What Helped Me Feel Better in My Body (Realistic Mom Edition)
Not drastic changes. Just small, doable habits.
🌱 I stopped punishing my body
No more “I need to lose weight” talk.
I shifted to “How can I support my body today?”
🌱 I focused on strength, not just weight
Simple walking, light stretching, home workouts.
I want a body that can carry groceries — not just a smaller number.
🌱 I ate better, not perfect
More protein. More gulay. Less mindless snacking.
Still enjoyed coffee, rice, and dessert — without guilt.
🌱 I slept when I could (and forgave myself when I couldn’t)
Rest matters more now. Even short naps help.
🌱 I learned to manage stress
Because stress shows up in the body — especially after 30.
The Biggest Lesson I Learned as a Mom
Your body after 40 isn’t broken.
It’s changed because it has carried, nurtured, worried, loved, and survived.
This season isn’t about “bouncing back.”
It’s about moving forward with more kindness.
Mom-to-Mom Reminder
You don’t need to look like your pre-kids self to be worthy.
You don’t need to “fix” your body to deserve rest, care, or confidence.
You just need to listen to it — and meet it where it is now.
And honestly?
This version of us deserves just as much love. 💖
