Barbara Palvin's Victoria's Secret return sparks debate on postpartum expectations

Barbara Palvin returned to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show runway on Sunday, just six weeks after giving birth to her first child, sparking widespread debate about postpartum expectations for new mothers. The 33-year-old model, married to actor Dylan Sprouse, walked in a '90s-inspired nightie and a white corset with snowflake wings, while noting that most U.S. workers must return to jobs after six weeks without federal paid leave. She credited family support but acknowledged her recovery is ongoing, saying "everyone's journey is different." Fellow model Elsa Hosk, also postpartum, shared her six-week workout progress on Instagram, drawing criticism for promoting "bounceback culture" while others defended the women's choices. Commenters emphasized that resources and individual recovery experiences vary widely, urging mothers to support rather than compare one another.