Aja Naomi King’s message to her postpartum body is a must-read for every new mom

“How to Get Away with Murder” actress and model Aja Naomi King recently gave birth to a baby boy, and her first photo spread post-baby is the realness too often absent in celebrity mom photos. Pushing back on societal expectations and the media’s assumption that new moms should “bounce back” after baby, King is showing her postpartum body for exactly what it is: the incredible vessel that brought new life into the world.

King’s Instagram caption is one that I hope all new mamas will read and see in themselves: “No, this is not a pregnancy Before picture. This is the After. After days of labor. After experiencing what felt like my insides being ripped apart, no lie. After experiencing the unimaginable beauty of childbirth, this is what is left behind. This Gorgeous Body! So in celebration of myself and my body for “Doing the Damn Thing”, I wanted to share this photo. No make up, no editing, no filters (and you know I love a filter!)…Just Me…a woman in awe of her Body and her Baby! ♥️”

See below for the empowering photos of Aja Naomi King’s postpartum body:

Look at the joy on this new mama’s face! I love it. Your postpartum body is something to be proud of, and if you are ever having any doubts on this matter, just read Aja Naomi King’s words and remember: you did the damn thing.