A social media post by influencer Molly-Mae Hague, showing her in sportswear four weeks after giving birth, has ignited a discussion about the expectations placed on new mothers to return to exercise quickly.
Hague's fiance, boxer Tommy Fury, shared the image with a caption expressing pride in his partner for being "back smashing in the gym" so soon after their son Midas was born. The post drew criticism from commentator Clare Foges, who argued that such displays perpetuate a "damaging notion that women should be back in the gym straight after having a baby."
Foges noted that the National Health Service (NHS) advises women not to exercise until at least their six-week check-up, citing the continued presence of the hormone relaxin, which can loosen joints and increase injury risk. Beyond physical recovery, the commentary emphasized the potential mental toll on other new mothers.
"Millions of young people see Molly-Mae and Tommy's posts as a blueprint for their own lives," Foges wrote. "So when a new mum sees her celebrated for exercising so soon they might conclude that they, too, should chuck their baby at the nearest responsible adult and get down to the gym themselves."
This sentiment contrasts with the realities many new mothers face, described as a "swamp of soggy breast pads and zero sleep." The article points to other celebrities who have publicly resumed fitness or professional activities shortly after childbirth, such as singer Ellie Goulding three weeks postpartum and rapper Cardi B eight days after giving birth. Actress Sienna Miller also returned to promotional work three weeks after her baby arrived.
The commentary suggests that these high-profile "bouncing back" narratives often fail to acknowledge the extensive support systems, including nannies and housekeepers, that may facilitate such rapid returns to pre-pregnancy routines. "What the Molly-Maes of this world never show is the nannies in the background, the housekeeper hoovering and cleaning, the assistants ordering the shopping," the piece states.
Ultimately, the author urges influencers to consider the impact of their posts, arguing that the intense period of early motherhood is fleeting and precious, and should not be rushed in favor of unattainable expectations of immediate physical recovery.