5 Ways to Love your Body Post-Baby
Pregnancy is a beautiful yet challenging phase in a woman’s life. While being a mother is an incredible experience for most, you experience emotional turmoil, hormonal changes and physical discomfort which can continue even after you deliver the baby.
One of the challenges that pregnancy presents to a new mother is pregnancy weight. The stretch marks and sagging skin often throw us for a loop, yet these changes are not permanent and learning to appreciate your new body is all part of the practice. New moms have every reason to love their bodies, as going through the process of bringing another life into this world is nothing short of a miracle.
Still, at times, many women find it difficult to appreciate and love their bodies post-pregnancy. If you are one of them and are having difficulty shifting your perspective, then read on for 5 tips on how to learn to love your body as a new mom.
1. Social Sharing - See the Other Side
Remember that your body is still undergoing numerous changes even after you’ve given birth, and it will be a while until it gets back to how it was before you conceived. Don’t beat yourself up by looking at misguiding pictures of celebrity moms who get back to shape in no time, as it's their job to do so. Don’t lose patience and don't forget that you can take all the time you need to lose pregnancy weight healthily.
For now, change your focus. Try and follow like-minded moms on social media who are enjoying their time having just delivered a child. You can subscribe to popular Facebook groups and join online communities for continued support. And of course, focus on keeping yourself healthy and eating a well-balanced, nutrition-rich diet.
2. Take Pictures
Make beautiful memories of this postpartum journey by documenting it with pictures. Take full advantage of your camera and capture those beautiful curves that come along with pregnancy. And don’t leave your baby out, as they are the one who makes this time all the more special. Now is the time to savor, and you’ll cherish these images every second as life goes by. You can also make a scrapbook or a home video which you can enjoy with your baby years later.
3. Pamper Yourself with Self-Care
Pregnancy and delivery are physically exhausting for many mothers. Your body adjusts and adapts every day as the time progresses. Once the baby comes, you can reward yourself with a few of your favorite indulgences.
Make yourself feel special because you deserve it. Go to the salon, meet your girlfriends for a meal, enjoy some dark chocolates, have a spa day, take a yoga class, go shopping or fix a bubble bath and relax. Do what you want. Show some love to your body.
4. Dress Differently. Be a Stylist
Don’t feel low because you can’t fit into your old clothes. They might not fit the way you remember, but that certainly doesn't mean that you have to wear something unflattering.
Take out time to do some shopping. There are great options for new mothers in the market today. The fact that you look different now, try and make it a fashion statement. Buy cute oversized pullovers, printed shirts, some flowy dresses and funky trousers. You don't have to change your entire wardrobe, just buy a few things you feel good in and it will be worth it.
5. Enjoy the Intimacy
Your body looks different than what it used to be, and that’s ok. Take this time to bond with your partner, and celebrate the fact that you just created life. Enjoy some time cuddling with your little one, or just the two of you, or request a massage or foot rub from your partner. You deserve it!
Take this time to strengthen the bond with your significant other, as your partnership is now embarking on a whole new phase.
End of the line -
Don’t lose out on this time as it will not come back again. Appreciate and respect your body for bringing this new miracle in your life.
While there may be various situations in which you might feel beaten down, remember what an amazing journey you are in and pull yourself right up.
Rebecca Siggers is an avid reader who enjoys getting lost in the world of books. Holding on to her passion for fitness, she is also caught by the fashion bug. She has been writing for True Corset and Kinnaird for sometime now. A traveller by heart, she enjoys meeting new people and experiencing new cultures.
Also in Blog
Body Peace & Personal Empowerment
Yoga for Swimmers: Poses for Strength and Mobility
