Brittany Cartwright Speaks Out on Postpartum Body Shaming

Postpartum body shaming remains a pervasive issue for new mothers, blending public scrutiny from social media with private emotional abuse. Reality star Brittany Cartwright, known from Vanderpump Rules and The Valley, has publicly shared how both online trolls and her estranged husband Jax Taylor targeted her changing body after giving birth, leading to significant mental and physical health challenges.

The Reality of Postpartum Changes

After delivering a baby, a woman’s body undergoes profound transformations. Hormonal shifts, weight retention, stretch marks, and loosened skin are normal as the body recovers from pregnancy and labor. For Brittany Cartwright, just three months after welcoming her son Cruz in April 2021, she appeared at a red carpet event in a form-fitting dress, only to face immediate backlash.

Commenters cruelly remarked that she ‘still looked pregnant,’ ignoring the short timeframe for recovery. Brittany responded directly on Instagram, affirming her pride: her body had created life, and she felt confident that night despite the criticism. This incident underscores a broader societal failure to grant grace to postpartum women.

• Common postpartum physical changes: Stretch marks, diastasis recti (abdominal separation), fluid retention, and breast changes.
• Timeline variability: Full recovery can take 6-12 months or longer, depending on individual factors like genetics and delivery method.
• Societal pressure: Media often glorifies ‘bounce-back’ culture, pressuring women to return to pre-pregnancy shapes quickly.

Private Battles: Spousal Body Criticism

Beyond public trolling, Brittany revealed deeply personal struggles with body shaming from Jax Taylor throughout their relationship. On The Valley After Show, castmates like Kristen Doute accused Jax of repeatedly calling Brittany ‘fat,’ ‘ugly,’ and comparing her postpartum figure to a ‘tree trunk’—even in front of friends and family.

Jax denied these specific insults, claiming comments were ‘misconstrued’ during arguments common in relationships. However, Brittany and multiple co-stars, including Lala Kent, Jasmine Goode, Zack Wickham, and Nia Sanchez, corroborated the claims. Zack noted witnessing Jax urge Brittany to ‘get on a treadmill’ countless times, while Kristen recalled post-birth cruelty.

Brittany described a pattern: Jax would praise her publicly but ‘tear her to pieces’ privately, eroding her self-esteem from early in their romance, worsening after leaving Vanderpump Rules in 2020.

Health Impacts of Emotional Abuse

Chronic body shaming isn’t just hurtful—it’s detrimental to health. Brittany linked Jax’s comments to severe symptoms: hives for a year, constant vomiting, and a 2023 episode of numbness on half her body, diagnosed as stress-related by doctors. These resolved after separating from Jax in 2023 and filing for divorce in August (year not specified in sources).

Research connects emotional abuse like body shaming to heightened cortisol levels, anxiety, depression, and somatic issues. For new mothers, already vulnerable due to postpartum hormonal crashes, such criticism exacerbates risks.

• Hives and skin issues from suppressed stress.
• Gastrointestinal distress like vomiting.
• Neurological symptoms like numbness from chronic anxiety.

Social Media’s Role in Amplifying Shame

Public figures like Brittany face intensified scrutiny. At three months postpartum, her red carpet photos drew ‘pregnant’ jabs, prompting her empowering clapback: ‘I’m proud of this body—it gave me the best blessing’. Yet, everyday moms endure similar online vitriol on platforms sharing real-life postpartum journeys.

This ‘troll culture’ perpetuates unrealistic standards, ignoring that every pregnancy uniquely affects bodies. Brittany emphasized, ‘Every body is different, every pregnancy is different,’ advocating self-compassion.

Reclaiming Confidence After Criticism

Brittany’s story arc shows resilience. By addressing trolls head-on and separating from Jax, she regained her ‘sparkle,’ as she told Andy Cohen on The Valley. She now focuses on healing, working hard to reshape her body on her terms, without apology.

Strategies for others include:

• Boundary-setting: Curate social feeds, block critics, share selectively.
• Support networks: Therapy, mom groups, affirming partners.
• Self-affirmation: Daily gratitude for body’s capabilities, not appearance.
• Professional help: For abuse signs, consult counselors specializing in postpartum mental health.

Broader Implications for Celebrity Culture

Reality TV amplifies these issues, turning private pain public. The Valley cast’s support validated Brittany, pressuring Jax amid their split. Yet, his denials highlight denial in abusers, charming on-camera while cruel off.

This narrative sparks conversations on toxic masculinity, accountability, and motherhood’s unseen labors. Fans rally behind Brittany, boosting her as a body positivity icon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What did Jax Taylor say about body shaming Brittany?

Jax denied calling her ‘fat,’ claiming arguments involved ‘mean things’ but not body attacks. He insisted he loves her appearance.

How did body shaming affect Brittany’s health?

She experienced hives, vomiting, and body numbness attributed to stress, which improved post-separation.

Is postpartum body shaming common online?

Yes, new moms frequently face trolls critiquing natural recovery changes, as seen with Brittany’s red carpet photos.

What advice does Brittany give on body image?

Proudly embrace your postpartum body for creating life; recovery varies, focus on feeling great.

Have other Valley castmates supported Brittany?

Yes, Kristen, Lala, Zack, Jasmine, and Nia confirmed witnessing Jax’s cruel comments.

Building a Kinder Narrative for Mothers

Brittany’s journey illuminates the dual fronts of postpartum shaming—external and internal. By voicing her truth, she empowers others to reject judgment, prioritize healing, and celebrate resilient bodies. Society must shift from critique to compassion, recognizing motherhood’s profound transformations deserve admiration, not ridicule.