Hey beautiful mamas, navigating body image concerns postpartum can be challenging. As a proud mum to two wonderful children, I’ve journeyed through the magnificent and challenging transformation of pregnancy and childbirth twice. Each experience has left a mark- both physically and emotionally- but every mark is a testament to the incredible strength and resilience of my body and what it has achieved.
The transformation a woman’s body goes through during pregnancy is often praised. We look at our growing tummy with love and admiration. Total strangers frequently offer kind words, share their own experiences, or even touch the baby bump in awe of the miracle of life unfolding. There’s an acceptance and in some cases, a boost in body confidence that comes with being pregnant. This drastically takes a turn during the postpartum phase, and that once glorified body suddenly becomes a source of insecurity and self-doubt as the physical changes and the reality of recovery set in.
Society often pushes unrealistic standards of beauty, especially on women who’ve just given life. After giving birth to my first child, I didn’t give much headspace about getting back into my pre-baby wardrobe. I welcomed all the changes my body was going through and embraced the new version of myself. I was lucky, put it down to good genes or the treadmill effect of breastfeeding, but within a couple of weeks, I was back in shape. In fact, I was slimmer than I was before conceiving and felt better than ever. But after having my second and now 10 month old baby, it’s a whole different story. Now, I am greeted with stretch marks, a softer belly and love handles that I can’t yet say I have grown to love. My body remains a work in progress and honestly, I’m ok with it. I have no desire to “bounce back”. However, my nonchalant attitude towards the matter hasn’t always been this way. I initially felt the need to get back to my old self weeks after giving birth. I questioned why my recovery was so different than the first time. These changes were difficult to accept at first, but then I gave myself a well deserved break- I’ve had two kids months apart, it is what it is at this point! These marks, curves and new textures are symbols of the miracle my body has accomplished.
Treading the path of postpartum can be tough. You’re thrusted into the new world of parenting once you have your baby. You’re in a unfamiliar territory in an unfamiliar body. The identity crisis is real. It’s important that you are kind to yourself and appreciate the magnitude of what your body has gone and continues to go through following childbirth. Your postpartum body is not only beautiful but also powerful and is testament to the strength and resilience you possess as a mother. So with that being said, here are 10 reasons why you should love and feel confident in your postpartum body:
1. You Are Beautiful
Beauty isn’t defined by pre-pregnancy standards or societal expectations. You don’t need to have a flat stomach or flawless skin. True beauty lies in the love, sacrifice and dedication our bodies represent; your capacity to nurture and the love you pour into you family.
2. Your Body Created Life
Our bodies did the miraculous work of creating and nurturing life. From conception to birth, they housed, protected and nourished a tiny human being. This is truly a remarkable experience and a blessing and something worth celebrating!
3. Your Body Adapted
Throughout pregnancy, our bodies transformed to accommodate and support the growing baby. These changes, whether they be stretch marks, weight gain or a shift in body shape, are marks of adaptability and strength. You may have experienced Melasma (discolouration of the skin) which can occur during pregnancy and usually gets’ better postpartum. Consider these new features as a loving reminder of what you have been through and what you have achieved. Embrace the new you with love and kindness.
4. Your Body is Nurturing
Postpartum bodies continue to nurture, whether through breastfeeding or simply providing comfort and care to your baby. Our bodies are perfectly designed to support and sustain our little ones in the early stages.
5. Your Body Tells a Story
No two postpartum journeys are the same and our bodies reflect our individual experiences which makes us uniquely beautiful. Every stretch mark, scar and change is part of our individual motherhood journey. Our body is a map of our life. It tells the story of strength, perseverance and the love we have for our children. Our uniqueness should be worn as a badge of honour.
6. You Are What You Wear
How you dress can impact how you feel about yourself and thus, how you interact with others. Focus on the areas that give you confidence, completement you and most importantly, choose clothes that are comfortable. Comfort always wins post delivery! Don’t worry about fitting into your pre-pregnancy clothes right away. Use this time to explore new styles and find outfits that make you feel confident and beautiful.
7. Your Body Needs Time- Set Realistic Goals
Be patient with your body and set achievable goals. Turn your attention to health not weight. How you feel about yourself should not be determined by numbers on a scale. Shift your goals from losing weight to becoming healthier and stronger. Recognise and celebrate the small victories and milestones in your postpartum journey.
8. Your Postpartum Journey is Recognised and Supported
Connecting with other mothers and sharing your experiences can be incredibly uplifting. You’ll find that many are going through similar journeys and can offer support and encouragement.
9. Your Body Represents Mental and Emotional Growth
The postpartum period is not just about physical changes, but also significant mental and emotional growth. Dealing with your baby’s needs along with your own recovery process requires a great deal of patience, problem-solving and compassion. Your body is a major part of this holistic transformation.
10. Your Body Birthed a Child
From Carrying a baby for nine months to the physical demands of labour and delivery, our bodies demonstrate incredible strength. This strength continues as we care for our newborns and adapt to the demands of motherhood. Whether you had a C-section, or any other form of delivery, Your body accomplished the extraordinary task of bringing new life into the world.
Embracing and loving our postpartum bodies is an act of self-love and empowerment. It is a declaration that we are strong, resilient and beautiful in every stage of our motherhood journey. Remembering this can help you to cultivate a positive postpartum body image. So mamas, take a moment to honour and love every curve and perfect imperfection that made you an amazing mother!
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