How to Embrace Your Postpartum Body
Mama, I know it’s hard. Looking in the mirror and seeing a stranger. The postpartum body looking back is not the same as it used to be. Getting dressed every day, not fitting into clothes you did before, feeling like your body is not bouncing back. That’s the promise, right? Your body will bounce back after you have your baby. The more mamas I work with I know that this idea of bouncing back is not true for most people.
I never bounced back. When Evie and Poppy were born I had an emergency cesarean and my body had a hard time adjusting. Around three months postpartum I still looked about 5 months pregnant. This was hard for me. I no longer fit into my maternity clothes but my regular clothes, especially my pants, didn’t fit. Nothing makes you feel worse than trying on clothes that don’t fit or are uncomfortable.
Mama, postpartum and a newborn are hard enough! Don’t try and squeeze into your regular jeans to prove you can. Be comfortable. Everyone’s postpartum body is different. Some women might be back in their regular clothes soon after having a baby where other can still be wearing their maternity pants three months postpartum. Neither is good or bad. Just like pregnancy, the postpartum period is different for everyone.
I’m here to say, Mama give yourself permission to BUY BIGGER PANTS. It’s ok. These might only be for a couple months or maybe longer. I guarantee you’re going to feel better, more comfortable and take the focus off your clothes. By buying bigger pants you are not saying you will never get to where you would like to be with your body, you are simply giving yourself space to lean into your new body and focus on healing and getting to know your little one.
Here’s the thing, not one person is coming over to see your family, hold the new baby and thinking, wow, it’s been two weeks and she hasn’t lost the weight yet. (If anyone is saying this, I give you permission to ask them to leave.) Take the pressure off yourself. Find transition pieces for the early days postpartum. If pants are uncomfortable, wear dresses! Not into dresses, get some killer yoga pants. Whatever makes you feel good in your new body.
That’s the key here, YOUR NEW BODY. It may never be what it was before, but is that a bad thing? You grew a little baby for 9 months and now they are here. Take pride in what you and your body accomplished. Being a mama is a new beginning and maybe your body, although it looks different, is also starting over. I know as a twin mama, my stomach has stretch marks, saggy skin and the shape is not the same. On the other hand I have never been stronger or had more energy in my life.
Mama, step into the spotlight! Feel good about your beautiful body. Show it off. Own it like a badge of honor, this body grew a baby and now nourishes it, what a magical thing.
