So I've actually become a much more confident person after having my son. I've been trying to cut myself some slack, body-wise, after having a baby. But this morning it just sort of hit me, as I stood naked in front of the mirror. It's been a year, it is what it is. I once heard a comedian talking about her body after pregnancy, and how all she had left for boobs was "the bags they came in". Couldn't have said it better myself. Except my empty sacks are two different sizes, too! And the belly pooch is getting worse since I stopped nursing (gotta get used do not burning those extra calories). Pregnancy gave me a nasty vericose vein on my leg, my hair is way thinner than it used to be, and I have all these two inch long little "sprouts" along my hairline where I had breakage. . . things just aren't the same! So, what did you moms do that helped you come to acceptance with your new body? I have been trying to work out more and work on my tummy, but it just seems like it's this weird extra kangaroo pouch that won't go away! I just feel like a broken-down shell of my former self. What makes you feel better about your body? Any tips? ;-) TIA moms!
I distract myself. I do not weigh myself or stand in the mirror for critical evaluations. I approach exercise as a "feel good" coping mechanism. Too many people are focused on results. If you feel good, you start to look good. Acknowledge your accomplishments: You're a great mom, wife, (whatever else you're great at!), have a great kid. Don't focus on the weight and wonderfully it won't become an issue.
I just wanted to say I'm right there with you one year post-baby and not feeling great about the way I look. I was just trying on dresses yesterday for a wedding we have next weekend-in the glare of the dept store lights with lots of skin showing I was dismayed. I feel kind of badly talking about it because in comparision to the joy I feel when I look at my daughter, it's really trivial, but stil......
Just weaned my daughter, and simultaneously joined an exercise class, but still have GAINED 5 pounds during weaning :(. Additionally, in spite of losing my baby weight, my midsection is a mess-flabby, stretch marked, jiggles when I run....lovely, huh?
I guess I do feel better when I do what I can, though....paint my toenails, wax my eyebrows, shaving my legs, dress up occasionally, exercise when time.
I do know what you mean, though, about being more confident after having my baby. I feel like this (being a mom) is my life's purpose, and that has given me a new confidence.
Sorry for the rambling...I just mean to say I feel your pain, and I'll bet to others (your son for sure!) you look great!
First of all, NO, one year post pregnancy is NOT your body.
Go walking. Walk a LOT. Every evening after dinner, pack up baby in the stroller and go walk for as long as you can (I walked for an hour each night).
You have to make time for yourself and get out of the house. This is a great way to get rid of stress too.
Be sure you're getting enough nutrients. If your hair is thin, it's likely that you're not.
Good Lord girl, you think it's tough now, wait til they're teenagers and perimenopause sets in!
BAHAWAHA! Just kiddin' (well not really).
I'm gonna guess your guy thinks you're hotter than all hell, even if you don't. Maybe try to BELIEVE him when he says you're beautiful to him, just entertain the idea that it's TRUE, you really ARE physically beautiful! If only to ONE person, and really, after yourself, the most IMPORTANT person, right?
And when you figure out HOW, send me a PM, cuz I really can't STAND lookin at myself either, sigh.
:(
i still havent accepted my body . Not after baby #1, or 2......not even now pregnant again do i accept this. I dedicate about 30 to 45 minutes a day sweating and toning to make very little progress, but progress all the same.
Im 30 now and im not sure when i will accept my body for what it is, im very hard on myself and my appearance.
Hi there,
I am a mother of two (now 12 and 10) and can tell you with certainty that you can get your old body back! I am a holistic health and nutrition counselor and moms are my specialty! Check out my facebook page facebook.com/eatingwell.livingwell for lots of health tips and contact info if you want to get in touch with me. Being a mom is the most challenging and rewarding job imaginable! Congratulations and enjoy your little guy.
L.
Go look into the face of your child and just remember that you made that - you created life and not just life but your child whom you would do anything for, Im sure. Cut yourself some slack because beating yourself up over it is only going to make it all worse. Trust me you are not the only women that sometimes feels like 'damaged goods' so to speak LOL - so you are not alone
Feel Better =)
I hear you. I had my second almost eight months ago. For me remembering that my body created and nourished two beautiful, healthy and over-nine-pound babies helps me see myself in a more forgiving light.
Obviously eating right and exercising are good things, but so is learning to love your new body. It may not be firm in all the right places, it may not fit into the same clothes, but there is beauty there, we just have to let go of our notion of how we should look and let ourselves see it.
Be proud of your body. Your body did something no man could ever do, you nurtured and cared for another human being.
It can take up to 2 years for your body to return to normal. Keep working on it. You may never look exactly the same but it's okay because you are not the same.
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Be proud of your body. Your body did something no man could ever do, you nurtured and cared for another human being.
It can take up to 2 years for your body to return to normal. Keep working on it. You may never look exactly the same but it's okay because you are not the same.
