This story is from September 8, 2023

"My mother-in-law makes fun of my natural postpartum weight gain"

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"My mother-in-law makes fun of my natural postpartum weight gain"
Query: After giving birth to twins I have not been able to lose weight. My mother-in-law herself is so obese but I have never body-shamed her. But she makes fun of me in front of her side of the family and I feel she humiliates me deliberately. I have told my husband, but he brushes it off saying that I overthink. She once even compared my pre-pregnancy and post-pregnancy kurta sizes in front of my sister-in-law, I could not hold back my tears in solitude.
What am I supposed to do? I don’t want a fight at home, but I do want this to stop.
Response by Dr. Rachna: It can be difficult to be straightforward to your in-laws as you don’t want any fights or tarnish the beautiful relationship that you share with them. The initial step in addressing this issue is to approach
your husband or mother-in-law with compassion, respect, and kindness. Initiate a constructive dialogue while avoiding arguments and maintain a polite tone throughout the conversation. Express your love and care for them while explaining how body shaming makes you uncomfortable and affects your well-being. Actively listen to their perspective as well, aiming to clear any misunderstandings.
Share your feelings about the natural postpartum weight gain and communicate the importance of establishing healthy boundaries as an adult, mother, wife, and family member. Considering the potential impact of body shaming on your mental health, it may be beneficial to consult a mental health professional for guidance and support in addressing this issue.
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