Pregnancy, birth and being a parent can all take their toll on a person, both mentally and physically. For a woman, accepting that her body has changed in irreversible ways can be devastating. However, over time, there are ways in which they can be accepted. Continue reading for advice on how to do just that.
Don’t avoid the mirror
Many people can make the mistake of avoiding the mirror after giving birth, and then, the moment arrives, and it can be even more surprising than it would have been if the woman had only taken the time to look, accept and embrace. Consider that your body has been through so much over the past few months, making a safe and welcoming home for a baby and then giving birth to the baby, whether via caesarean section or vagina, is extremely traumatic. No one could expect to see their reflection in exactly the same way as prior to falling pregnant.
Take a deep breath, remove your dressing gown and take a long look at yourself. Notice the most significant changes, perhaps the stretchmarks on your tummy, the overhang, the larger breasts, filled now perhaps with vital sustenance for your baby. Then take time to absorb the smaller changes, still significant, but not immediately noticeable. Your hips maybe a little wider and you may also be suffering from hair loss, which is common after childbirth when your hormones gradually return to normal. Whilst admiring your body and its changes, remember your little one and how you went through all of this to accomplish something so perfect. Avoiding the mirror can be oh so damaging.
Style yourself differently
If you moved to a new house and the sofa didn’t fit properly in the lounge, you’d buy a new one, wouldn’t you? Trying to make do with your existing wardrobe after having a baby is similar. Your shape may have changed significantly, so you will probably need to buy a selection of new garments. Furthermore, if you are breastfeeding, you are likely to require tops that are easily accessible. When you are self-conscious about your tummy area, choose tops that float and do not cling.
Ditch the scales
Obsessing over the numbers on the scales will not help you to accept that you have gained weight for a good reason. In fact, many women retain some of the extra pounds in order to help with breastfeeding. However, whatever the reason for being slightly larger than you once were, weighing in on a regular basis will not serve you well.
Incorporate some light exercise when ready
A few weeks after giving birth, when given the go-ahead, you may like to incorporate some light exercise into your week. While this will serve to help you regain the fitness that you will inevitably have lost owing to reducing your activity levels in late pregnancy, the largest gain from this will be due to the endorphins that you get after taking part in exercise.