24th April 2026
How Women Reclaim Their Bodies Through Lingerie After Having Children
The Otherland
Where Anything Goes
The Otherland is a parallel world, a realm that reveals your many personalities. You’re fearless, subversive, and transformative. Think of it as a mirror universe, where you can explore your darkest fantasies and indulge your sensuality for the many versions of you.
From lace to latex, corsets and fishnet styles—we’ve got all you’ll need for this Halloween and beyond.
There are few experiences as transformative as motherhood. Beneath the physical changes lies something more personal, a shift in how women feel in their own skin, and how they choose to express it.
Time becomes limited, priorities change, and self-expression can give way to practicality. But this disconnect is not permanent; increasingly, women are finding their way back to themselves in small, intentional ways.
As part of our Modern Sensuality campaign, we surveyed more than 1,500 women around the world on sensuality, sexuality and desire — bringing much-needed clarity to how women really feel today. The findings reveal a side of women’s experience that is often overlooked. For the mothers among them, the insights were especially striking.
The time during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth is when many women prioritize their parenting commitments over the way they express their sensual selves. Yet our survey found that women with children are 5% more likely to buy lingerie monthly (and 5.5% more likely to indulge quarterly) than women without children. While sexuality might take a back seat at first, this shift suggests a gradual, considered return to self. A quiet choice to reconnect, on their own terms.
As part of our Modern Sensuality campaign, we surveyed more than 1,500 women around the world on sensuality, sexuality and desire — bringing much-needed clarity to how women really feel today. The findings reveal a side of women’s experience that is often overlooked. For the mothers among them, the insights were especially striking.
The time during pregnancy and immediately after childbirth is when many women prioritize their parenting commitments over the way they express their sensual selves. Yet our survey found that women with children are 5% more likely to buy lingerie monthly (and 5.5% more likely to indulge quarterly) than women without children. While sexuality might take a back seat at first, this shift suggests a gradual, considered return to self. A quiet choice to reconnect, on their own terms.
Why Women Wear Lingerie
Our research found that wearing lingerie is often described as an act of self-love. A way to feel present in your body and create a moment that belongs entirely to you. Women also turn to fine lingerie to supercharge their confidence. Or they wear it to celebrate their bodies, adorning themselves with beautiful fabrics and intricate detailing.
For women who have had children, these motivations take on new resonance. Our Community Campaign participant Rebecca Clinton-Keogh shared this candid description of how she felt at first on this journey:
“Initially when I became a mother I found it more difficult to nurture and connect with my own sensuality…sleep deprivation, lack of time, body image issues…The expectation that [mothers] will be totally selfless and look after only the needs of their children.”
Even though at first it’s common to feel these constraints, our survey found that women are making space to reconnect with their sensual selves. They’re taking a moment to enjoy the way these pieces linger against their skin, dressing for their own desire in a powerful act of reclamation.
Even though at first it’s common to feel these constraints, our survey found that women are making space to reconnect with their sensual selves. They’re taking a moment to enjoy the way these pieces linger against their skin, dressing for their own desire in a powerful act of reclamation.
From Nursing Bra To
Opulent Lingerie
In the early stages of motherhood, practicality often leads. Soft, functional pieces designed for ease and comfort become essential. But over time, this relationship with dressing begins to shift. One of our respondents described how her go-to bras had changed over time:
“Prettiness, then comfort then practicality (breastfeeding) now it’s getting back to self love.”
For women whose bra size has changed since having children, our beautiful pieces are available in a wide range of sizes including DD/E+. Everyone deserves to express themselves with fine lingerie that features unrivalled design details.
Pieces crafted from satin, sheer mesh and intricate lace introduce a new sensory dimension, light against the skin, designed to be felt as much as seen. Bluebella’s signature bodysuits and delicate sets are created to adorn the body, moving with it rather than reshaping it. Worn beneath clothing or styled more visibly, they offer a quiet, self-defined confidence.
Another respondent told us:
“I went through a rut—boring underwear, wearing a nursing bra far longer than needed, and just wasn’t celebrating myself.”
For many women, lingerie is no longer reserved for a moment or an audience, but chosen as a way to feel present in their own bodies. One respondent described the simple pleasure of catching her reflection and feeling good in what she wears, an experience that is entirely her own.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to some pieces of elevated lingerie, one of Bluebella’s gorgeous bodysuits with our signature intricate details could be the perfect pick. You can feel free in our non-wired designs that move fluidly with the body, skimming the skin with ease. Or, slip into a perfectly fitted bra with underwire support that embraces your figure.
Pieces crafted from satin, sheer mesh and intricate lace introduce a new sensory dimension, light against the skin, designed to be felt as much as seen. Bluebella’s signature bodysuits and delicate sets are created to adorn the body, moving with it rather than reshaping it. Worn beneath clothing or styled more visibly, they offer a quiet, self-defined confidence.
Another respondent told us:
“I went through a rut—boring underwear, wearing a nursing bra far longer than needed, and just wasn’t celebrating myself.”
For many women, lingerie is no longer reserved for a moment or an audience, but chosen as a way to feel present in their own bodies. One respondent described the simple pleasure of catching her reflection and feeling good in what she wears, an experience that is entirely her own.
If you’re looking to treat yourself to some pieces of elevated lingerie, one of Bluebella’s gorgeous bodysuits with our signature intricate details could be the perfect pick. You can feel free in our non-wired designs that move fluidly with the body, skimming the skin with ease. Or, slip into a perfectly fitted bra with underwire support that embraces your figure.
Celebrating Your Body
In This New Chapter
It’s natural for mothers’ relationship with their bodies to change. But for many women, coming into their new identity as a mother is an opportunity to connect with themselves in a brand new way. As Tyler Kemp, survey participant from our Modern Sensuality Community Campaign told us:
“Pregnancy has shifted my relationship with my body in a way I didn’t expect. It’s no longer about perfection or presentation, it’s about connection and empowerment to myself, to this little life growing inside me and to the woman I’m still becoming.”
This evolving relationship is not without its challenges; nearly half of the women who took part in our survey told us that the ways their bodies have changed over time has had an impact on their sexual pleasure. External pressures, self-expectations and the realities of recovery can all affect your relationship with your body after having children.
Some women find a high-waisted fit feels better on the body after having children, including after a C-section. Our collection of high-waisted panties gently encircle your waistline a little higher up. They feel relaxed and lightweight, but details like embroidery, striking metal hardware, and sheer mesh elevate these pieces.
Celebrating your body is an essential step towards igniting your desire. As one respondent told us:
“Only in my late 30’s did I realize the power lingerie had to boost my confidence and make me feel beautiful after a long period of hate towards a body that changed so much since becoming a mom.”
Rebuilding that relationship with their body became an important turning point, with lingerie as an important tool. Adorning the body with luxurious pieces like basques and bras with provocative cut-out elements can release your confidence. As one respondent said:
“I love my sexy lace/silk strappy lingerie... It fills me with sass and power.”
Stylish pieces with details like embroidery, pearls, or metal hardware can make you feel bold and powerful, reminding you that you deserve decadence. Express yourself, and let elegant lingerie become your secret armor under your clothes.
Some women find a high-waisted fit feels better on the body after having children, including after a C-section. Our collection of high-waisted panties gently encircle your waistline a little higher up. They feel relaxed and lightweight, but details like embroidery, striking metal hardware, and sheer mesh elevate these pieces.
Celebrating your body is an essential step towards igniting your desire. As one respondent told us:
“Only in my late 30’s did I realize the power lingerie had to boost my confidence and make me feel beautiful after a long period of hate towards a body that changed so much since becoming a mom.”
Rebuilding that relationship with their body became an important turning point, with lingerie as an important tool. Adorning the body with luxurious pieces like basques and bras with provocative cut-out elements can release your confidence. As one respondent said:
“I love my sexy lace/silk strappy lingerie... It fills me with sass and power.”
Stylish pieces with details like embroidery, pearls, or metal hardware can make you feel bold and powerful, reminding you that you deserve decadence. Express yourself, and let elegant lingerie become your secret armor under your clothes.
Returning To Your
Sensual Self
Adapting to motherhood often means navigating new routines, new identities, and new demands on your time and energy. In that transition, it’s not uncommon to feel a sense of distance from your sensual self. One in five of our survey respondents told us that having children had impacted their sexual pleasure.
And yet, within this, there is an opportunity to redefine what sensuality looks and feels like on your own terms. Appreciating your multifaceted self and reconnecting with what makes your body feel good. For many women, returning to that sense of self is gradual: found in small rituals and in moments of intention, when they choose pieces that feel expressive and personal to them.
One member of our community told us:
“After getting married and having a child I went through a rut. As I near 40, feeling amazing in my own skin means enjoying everything I wear, including my lingerie, so I try to wear something that feels fun every day!”
Lingerie, in this context, becomes part of a wider experience of self-expression. Not something reserved for a particular moment, but something woven into everyday life.
Women who engage more regularly with lingerie also report higher levels of sexual satisfaction and pleasure, suggesting a deeper connection between how we feel and what we choose to wear, whether you’re dressed for an intimate moment with your partner, or just to make you feel good. As another respondent said:
“I used to only wear lingerie for my partners but now I wear it for myself. To embrace my sensuality. To feel sexy in my body.”
One member of our community told us:
“After getting married and having a child I went through a rut. As I near 40, feeling amazing in my own skin means enjoying everything I wear, including my lingerie, so I try to wear something that feels fun every day!”
Lingerie, in this context, becomes part of a wider experience of self-expression. Not something reserved for a particular moment, but something woven into everyday life.
Women who engage more regularly with lingerie also report higher levels of sexual satisfaction and pleasure, suggesting a deeper connection between how we feel and what we choose to wear, whether you’re dressed for an intimate moment with your partner, or just to make you feel good. As another respondent said:
“I used to only wear lingerie for my partners but now I wear it for myself. To embrace my sensuality. To feel sexy in my body.”
Dress For Your Own
Desire All Day Long
If you’re looking to start a new lingerie wardrobe after having children, nightwear and kimonos can be a gentle way in. These beautiful, silky pieces turn getting ready for bed or starting the day into a luxurious ritual. From teddies and chemises with delicate embroidery detailing to pyjama sets in lightweight satin, our collection of nightwear is full of pieces that create moments of indulgence, even at the start or end of a busy day.
Beyond nightwear, our collection spans refined lingerie sets and more daring, provocative pieces, each designed to feel as considered as they look. Whichever side of yourself you want to embody today – from bold and powerful, to full of sensuous sophistication – our designs are carefully constructed with your self-expression in mind.