Comedian and actress Milana Vayntrub is urging new mothers not to compare their postpartum bodies to others, emphasizing that it is uncommon to 'snap back' just six weeks after childbirth. She is best known for playing Lily Adams in AT&T commercials.
Her message follows debate over Victoria's Secret models Barbara Palvin and Elsa Hosk returning to the runway shortly after giving birth. While some praised their appearances, others expressed concern that promoting rapid postpartum recovery creates unrealistic expectations for mothers.
Vayntrub's Message to Mothers
In a social media post, Vayntrub advised new mothers not to expect their bodies to return to their pre-pregnancy appearance within a few weeks.
'Hi fellow moms. Popping in to say it's extremely unusual to "snap back" six weeks after giving birth. Please, please, please don't compare your postpartum body to anyone else's,' she shared on Instagram.
Vayntrub also shared advice she received, encouraging mothers to allow themselves time to recover rather than feel pressured to regain their pre-pregnancy appearance.
'I wish I could have heard it when wiser woman in my life told me, "Give yourself time to heal. You'll feel like yourself again, I promise."'
She reinforced her message by comparing childbirth to a significant physical challenge, stating, 'You just climbed Mount Everest. You don't need to look like you didn't. Be gentle.' She also indirectly supported Palvin, writing, 'Happy for her.'
muito chocante pensar que a barbara palvin teve um filho há 1 mês e a elsa hosk há 3 meses. MOTHERS INSANEEEE!!! pic.twitter.com/ux4Q3IzHw2
— MariBattos (@BattosMari) October 19, 2026
Palvin's Six-Week Return
Palvin walked in the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles on 18 October, about six weeks after giving birth to her first child. She and her husband, Dylan Sprouse, named their daughter Sylvie.
Speaking backstage to Page Six, the 33-year-old model said this timing matched her understanding of a typical maternity leave period. 'I tell everyone: This is normal. Maternity leave is six to eight weeks; I'm six weeks tomorrow, so I'm just doing what everyone [else] is doing. And I only need to walk down a runway!'
Barbara Palvin is just 6 weeks postpartum (!!) and is set to return to the 2026 Victoria’s Secret runway tonight. The VS Angel opened up to us about the support of her family and friends throughout her postpartum journey. 🥹🪽 pic.twitter.com/g4ARQv04Ix
— Page Six (@PageSix) October 18, 2026
Palvin explained that she prioritised nutrition during pregnancy and breastfeeding, did light exercise, and allowed her body to recover. 'Funny enough, my body bounced back – luckily – really quickly. And I think it's because I've never been healthier,' she said.
'During pregnancy, I really wanted to make sure baby girl was healthy, so I only did organic foods. And now postpartum, because I'm breastfeeding, I wanted to make sure I was eating good. So that's how I prepped: I just let my body heal on its own and did some light exercises, but nothing crazy.'
Elsa Hosk also walked the runway after welcoming her second child in July 2026. The appearances of both models prompted further discussion about expectations for women to quickly resume their previous appearance and routines after childbirth.
barbara palvin is a real angel 🪽 pic.twitter.com/Ly7UmkyppL
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) October 19, 2026
Instagram Users React
In an instagram post regarding Barbara Palvin and Elsa Hosk returning to the runway, some users described the images as upsetting and unrealistic for new mothers. One commenter wrote, 'As someone who is currently postpartum, I can tell you that this post ruined my night. I hope my own daughters never see something like this while they're going through it. UGH.'
Another user objected to the expectations these appearances could create, writing, 'Wow I hate this. No woman who gives birth so recently should be expected to be back at work, or coveted for how their bodies "bounce back" ...I find this deeply unhealthy and unrealistic'.
A different Reddit user argued that Palvin was entitled to resume her career but cautioned that her experience could serve as an unrealistic example for other women. The commenter worried that Palvin's return might suggest women should 'suck it up and snap back,' or give employers more reason to expect an early return to work after childbirth.
Comment
by u/NatashaRomanova7 from discussion
in popculturechat
While some women may return to work soon after childbirth, others require more time to recover or face financial and workplace constraints that limit their leave. A model's experience does not reflect every mother's reality. Vayntrub's message further reflects this idea by encouraging new mothers to find calm instead of worrying or comparing themselves to others or their past appearance.
