This post is for any woman who not only has ever given birth, but also, for every woman who has ever struggled with loving her body, no matter her weight and size. May it serve as a helpful guide for you to love your body, as it is, right now. May it also serve as a reminder of just how beautiful and miraculous you are (because guess what: you are).
motherhood changes you inside and out. After having a baby, your clothing size, breast shape, hip width and even your shoe size might be different. These changes are evidence of the work your body has done. As you adjust to your new life with baby, it’s important to remember that your mind and emotions are also changing, so be sure to give yourself the support you need.
1.Stop comparing yourself to others
You’ve probably heard this one before, but it still bears repeating: If it took nine+ months to gain the baby weight, you can’t expect it to vanish overnight. According to Jennifer Wider, MD, a women’s health expert and author of The New Mom’s Survival Guide, women are often too hard on themselves, both before and after baby. “We’re always comparing ourselves to the images we see in the media, trying to live up to some unrealistic body type,” says Wider. “Women need to give themselves a break!” As hard as it may be, stop comparing yourself to those who seem to return to their “pre-baby selves” quickly, whether that’s on social media or in real life. At the end of the day, everyone’s bodies and circumstances are different, and you never know what someone might be going through behind closed doors.Trust us, mommy brain is a real thing. Give yourself a break! Motherhood is HARD. It’s a huge life change. Sometimes we all need a little trash TV and a great glass of wine after bedtime. I know I do! You are no less of a woman. You are an enigma. And you are a life force to be reckoned with — eventually, you will feel more like your old self, maybe even more so like your true self. You just have to give yourself adequate time to heal and adjust.
2.Kegels to Strengthen Weakened Pelvic Floor Muscles
The changes in your body that you can see might be causing you some stress, but hidden changes can be anxiety-producing as well. After delivery, it’s relatively common to have some bladder leakage caused by prolonged pushing or a forceps- or vacuum-assisted childbirth. This is usually temporary. “Typically, you’ll see improvement over several weeks to months as you heal,” Lawson says. Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen your pelvic floor muscles so you can regain bladder control more quickly. If leakage is really bothering you, ask your gynecologist if seeing a pelvic health therapist would be of benefit.
3.Resuming Your Sex Life
Couple peeking out from under sheets
The elastic walls of the vagina stretch quite a bit during childbirth, but they do spring back into place. So you can resume sexual intercourse when you feel ready and have gotten the go-ahead from your doctor. If you’re breastfeeding, you may experience less lubrication because nursing causes your body to produce less estrogen. Having a vaginal lubricant available can help if you feel discomfort.
4.Wear black.
Celebrity stylist and fashion designer Rachel Zoe once told me in an interview that wearing all black became her go-to wardrobe choice post babies.
“It doesn’t show stains and if something spills on you, you can just wipe it up fast!” I took her advice to heart, and she was right. Wearing all black made me feel edgy, modern, on-trend and sleek… even though most parts of my body still felt foreign and/or in pain (hello, C-section scar). And, feeling like I was even a little bit chic—just like Rachel!—didn’t hurt my postpartum ego either.
5.Book a massage.
Your mother-in-law has been begging you to take care of the baby for an afternoon—so let her. You might be feeling uneasy about leaving your babe alone, but remember: you have to make time for yourself again. With those sleepless nights and tightness from stress and worry, a massage will do wonders mentally, and sensually.
“Self-care that will help you relax and remind you that you’re not just a mom,” Kirk says. Plus, you just carried a baby for nine months, then delivered it—you deserve it.
