Post Baby Body…If you’re a mom, we all have one.
We see in ourselves something far different than everyone else see’s. But our post baby bodies are the sign that a human was growing inside of us, that we managed to push out… And we still manage to be so hard on ourselves. My daughter looks at me with her big brown eyes, smiles and says, “I like your body mommy.” Adorable right? Then there is my husband who is constantly complimenting me on how I look even after having two kids… This should be enough, but it’s not.
Why
Because it’s hard getting use to the NEW body. Yes, the same one that has grown one or more humans and sustained their life for nine months, to them bring them into the world. That body!
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you’ve been guilty of feeling a little discouraged on where your post baby body is at when you look in the mirror. That is ok!! We have all been there.
I truly believe no matter what size we are, post baby body issues are just something that mother’s of all shapes and sizes have to deal with. It’s truly more in our heads than anything else and I believe it is something that as a group of woman we can really put a positive spin on.
What is causing these post baby body issues?
Unfortunately in our day and age, social media and what we see portrayed in the “celebrity” world puts a lot of unwanted and unnecessary pressure on mother’s to get that “post baby body back quick.” In reality though, we can’t afford a personal chef cook us the healthiest, most organic meals everyday. We don’t all have the funds, nor the TIME to have a personal trainer and most of don’t have someone to watch our babies for endless hours while we hit the gym…
What do we have?
We all have the ability to change or control our attitude toward our body image. Easier said than done, I know! I have been SO guilty of looking in the mirror and judging my stretch marks that haven’t quite faded yet (maybe they won’t), my looser skin that has a lot more jiggle to it right now, my varicose and spider veins that are still prominent from the extra weight and pressure I was carrying etc…
Now add your unbalanced hormones that are causing you to feel extra sensitive and emotional, being over tired and straight up exhausted (especially if you have more than one kid), AND the unrealistic body types we see slapped in front of our faces in the media…
It’s no wonder we have a lot to overcome with our post baby body. Again, the one thing we can control that will build our confidence in our post baby body issues, is our attitude.
Tips to overcome the post baby body issues:
Avoid Pessimism
Don’t dwell on your negative thoughts about your body. Don’t stand in the mirror, inspecting every angle of your body while comparing it to Beyonce’s after having twins (or whoever else your comparing it too), it is just not realistic.
Be Positive
Stand in the mirror and find one thing on your body you actually DO love or are so dang proud of. Focus on that! Turn your negatives into some form of a positive.
Exercise
Endless hours at the gym is not realistic. But you know what is? Taking a brisk walk with your baby or finding ten minutes to do a core strengthening workout in your living room. Include your kids in your workouts so you’re still spending time with them. Just aim to be a little active each day. Not only does it benefit our bodies but it immensely helps our mental health and it sets such a healthy example for our children.
Be Patient
Patience is a virtue, right? It’s true! We have all heard the phrase “if it took your body nine months to gain the baby weight, it will take your body nine months to lose the baby weight.” Thing is, I think we all can agree that it’s sure easy to put on five pounds, but to LOSE those five pounds is way harder. If we’re taking into consideration an average baby weight gain of 25-35 lbs, we really need to be patient to lose that weight. The tough reality is that it will take even more time to get the weight off and that is OK!! Give yourself a break and remind yourself of this when necessary.
Do Look at your kids
When you start getting discouraged, just stop and look at your kids! Dwell on the amazing things your body has done to bring that beautiful baby into the world and help it grow! I find myself constantly staring at my newborn and then over at my two and a half year old just in awe that these amazing tiny humans turn into the most fun, hilarious, little best friends you could ever ask for. YOU did that!! Our bodies carried that, we delivered it and we let our body provide and sustain that little baby.
Have Some “Me Time”
As mothers, this is probably one of the things we struggle with the most in taking care of ourselves. We have that “mom guilt” over doing something strictly for ourselves. Yet everyday you’re taking care of the kids and the household. Daily try and buy out a little time for yourself. Whether it’s a glass of wine and a bath or 30 mins to read your favourite book in peace.
My husband will spend time with our girls while I separate myself for a little bit and just relax. Sometimes my mom will take the kids if my husband is working and i’ll grab a coffee and just go shopping on my own and that feels like a treat. Whatever you find to be relaxing and enjoyable, buy out the time and do not feel guilty!
You’re Not Alone!
Mama, we all go through these feelings. After a VERY unsuccessful bathing suit shopping day today with my 10 week post baby body, I just went through these feelings, but I was able to turn it around with these five tips. If you need few more click here.
At the end of the day, don’t let these body hang up’s discourage you from feeling good about yourself. Be positive and set realistic goals regarding your body. Do not compare but rather be proud of those stretch marks and jiggly skin because it’s just another form of proof of the amazing thing you accomplished!
How did you deal with post baby body issues? I would LOVE to hear. Comment below if you want to share your experience with other mama’s
XO, Asia
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Love your point about exercise not needing to be extreme. So true!
Also-bubble baths and wine for the win! 🙌
yes always bubble bath and wine!!!
I would just like to say that this is my favorite post that I have read about a postpartum body. You really hit the nail on the head and I fully agree that finding a positive attitude about the body changes is the best way to go. This post has really helped me to feel better about myself. And when I’m feeling down I’ll just look at my baby because that was the best advice I could have gotten.
awww thank you so much for taking the time to write this! Means the world!! Looking at our kids is always the best way to forget about our own little insecurities!