Becoming a parent is easily the most joyful, exciting time in anyone's life. Sure, it's filled with ups and downs - lost sleep, body changes, emotional rollercoasters, and more. While more and more women are becoming aware of postpartum recovery tips, and there is much more to the fourth trimester than your changing body, learning how to not only accept but love your new body is an essential part of the postpartum period.
Accepting our bodies is an integral part of the human experience - whether we have had a baby or not. And while it's important to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, all healthy bodies do not look the same. Recognizing the miraculous feat of growing a human being will change the shape you were used to doesn't come easily to every new mother. Let us look at some ways to love your unique body and appreciate it for all the hard work it's done.
Dress for Today
So often, we fall for the images we see of celebrities and social media influencers who have "bounced back" ridiculously quickly. We want to be wearing our favorite skinny jeans six months postpartum too! Recognize that this isn't the reality for virtually all new mothers. It can take up to a year to return to your pre-pregnancy body, and for some mothers, that may never happen at all.
Instead of trying to dress in a way that you think you "should," dress for the day you're living in. If your favorite women’s plus size sweaters are what fit you right now and are what you feel most comfortable and confident in - wear them! If you feel your best in a nursing bra and leggings - wear them! Don't feel pressure from any outside influences to look or feel a certain way.
Limit Social Media
While you may be eager to post countless photos of your beautiful new baby on your social media feeds - which is a great way to keep loved ones in the loop - go right ahead! But, it's equally a great idea to limit how much time you spend on social media. Numerous studies have shown that social media has some serious adverse effects. Add to that the algorithms throwing photos of other babies and new moms onto your explore pages, and you're setting yourself up for a lot of comparisons. Comparison is the thief of joy, they say. So, limit how much time you spend on social networking sites if they're adversely affecting you.
Take Time for You
We all receive well-intentioned advice during pregnancy, from "Sleep when the baby sleeps" to others' opinions on formula versus breast milk. While some advice from other parents is excellent, try to tune out others when you can and focus on yourself. This is easier said than done if you're a single parent, but it's still doable. Make time to meditate, take relaxing baths and engage in hobbies where you find fulfillment. You can't take care of anyone else if you're not taking care of yourself. Lean on your partner or your village to make self-care a priority.
Listen to Your Body
No one knows your body as well as you do, so listen to it! While you may feel like you need to be exercising and burning off all the things you see as flaws, try appreciating the fact that you just grew another life inside you! Don't push yourself too hard to achieve something that may not be for you when you want it. You will get to a place where you feel comfortable with more exercise levels. The newborn phase flies by quickly, so enjoy those snuggles and bathtimes and soak in all the memories because this time goes fast.
Make Healthy Choices
It's imperative if you're nursing, but universally important nonetheless. You can show your postpartum body some love by nourishing it with healthy food choices. Additionally, fast-food and other convenience foods are over-processed and full of things that will rob your body of the energy and nutrition it needs, now more than ever. Love your body by giving it healthy, whole, unprocessed ingredients.
Our bodies change throughout our lives for many reasons, one of which will be carrying a baby. Don't put undue pressure on yourself to look or feel a certain way. Realize the expectation of "bouncing back" should be thrown out of the window. Stop setting time limits on when you should look a certain way. You will get to a point where you love and respect your body for all it's done for you and your child. If you're already in that place, consider passing along the ways as mentioned above to love your postpartum body to someone you know struggling. Here's to your health, and congratulations on your new baby!
