Lindsay Arnold Challenges The Unrealistic Pressure to 'Bounce Back' After Childbirth: 'Stop Trying to Fit Back Into Your Old Life'

Lindsay Arnold is giving herself grace after giving birth to her son, Hayes Duff Cusick, in June.

“Motherhood changes you fundamentally – physically, mentally, and emotionally – and that isn’t something to fear or resist. You are allowed to grow into a completely new, more empowered version of yourself, and you don’t owe anyone a speedy 'bounce back,'" the Dancing With the Stars alum, 32, exclusively tells OK! while promoting her partnership with Stitch Fix.

The blonde babe, who also shares daughters Sage, 5, and June, 3, with husband Sam Cusick, shares the advice she would give to others who are postpartum. "Stop trying to fit into your old jeans and stop trying to fit back into your old life. Celebrate the small wins, and embrace who you are right now," she says.

No matter where they are in their journey, Arnold wants women to feel good.

"I hope women stop postponing confidence until they reach a future goal. You do not have to wait until your body changes, your schedule calms down, or you reach a certain milestone to feel worthy of showing up fully. I want women to recognize their strength and make choices that help them feel supported in the present, whether that's through movement with The Movement Club or simply wearing clothes that make them feel like the best version of themselves," she says.

Despite being a busy mom-of-three, the dancer attempts to make time for herself.

"I try to create a few simple moments that help me reset, even if I only have five or ten minutes. Moving my body, getting ready for the day or stepping away for a quiet moment can make a meaningful difference. It is less about having an elaborate routine and more about doing something that helps me feel grounded," she shares.

Amid the chaos, Arnold is "grateful" for her growing family.

"I am still very much adjusting to life with a newborn. Every day can look different. There are joyful moments, exhausting moments and plenty of in-between moments. I am trying to stay present and let the recovery process unfold without expecting myself to have everything figured out," she gushes, adding that seeing her three kiddos together brings her joy.

"Watching the relationships between my children develop has been so special. Each of them has such a distinct personality, and seeing them learn how to care for, play with and support one another is incredibly meaningful. Our house is definitely busier, but it is also filled with so much love," she adds.

Since Arnold is all about empowering others, it made perfect sense for her to partner with Stitch Fix to challenge the unrealistic pressure to "bounce back" after childbirth. It’s a mission grounded in eye-opening new data from the styling service: moms experience a staggering 30 percent drop in style confidence after childbirth, and 40 percent say they still don’t feel like themselves when it comes to their style two or more years after giving birth.

"There is so much pressure on moms to quickly return to how they looked and felt before having a baby. I wanted to partner with Stitch Fix because they recognize that postpartum isn’t about going backward – it’s about stepping forward into a new chapter. The data shows that 40 percent of moms still don’t feel like themselves style-wise two or more years after giving birth. That’s a huge number! Stitch Fix gets that your body and lifestyle keep evolving, and they take the mental load off of getting dressed so you can feel confident in the body you have today," she explains.

"First, stop trying to force yourself into your pre-baby clothes if they don’t serve who you are right now! Focus on building around your current reality rather than a past version of yourself. Start with a few high-quality, versatile foundation pieces that fit your body now – whether that’s great-fitting denim with built-in stretch or easy, elevated layers. Having a Stitch Fix Stylist has been my secret weapon here; they curate pieces based on your exact stage of life, so you’re not wasting hours scrolling or wandering around a mall with kids in tow," she adds.

For Arnold, "motherhood has helped me separate confidence from a number on a tag or a specific image of what I am supposed to look like. After three pregnancies, I have a much greater appreciation for my body and everything it has done. I now choose clothes based on how they make me feel, not how they're expected to make me look."

"The biggest lesson has been accepting that recovery does not follow a straight line. Some days feel like progress, while others require more rest, patience or emotional space. I have learned not to measure my experience against someone else’s timeline and to respect what my body and mind are asking for," she continues.

Before becoming a mom, the reality starlet could spend time planning outfits and dressing for any occasion. Now, she "needs pieces that can carry me through several different parts of the day."

"My style is more streamlined and functional, but I still enjoy fashion and finding ways to make an easy outfit feel polished," she dishes. "Easy layers and versatile pieces have been especially helpful because my body and daily routine are constantly changing. I have appreciated clothing that can be dressed up or down and does not require much thought. Having a few dependable outfits ready to go has made busy mornings feel much more manageable."

Additionally, Arnold gives herself at least five minutes to get dressed, which is a form of self-care for her.

"Putting on something that fits comfortably and makes you feel like you completely changed your mindset for the day. Stitch Fix found that nearly 65 percent of postpartum moms have skipped family photos or social events because of wardrobe anxiety. That breaks my heart! Putting on clothes that make you feel good allows you to show up and actually be in the moment with your kids," she concludes.