Not sure how to love your body after having kids? I’ve got you covered, mama.
I’ve had a love hate relationship with my body since having kids. I mean, nothing can prepare you for the changes your body will go through before, during, and after childbirth. It’s one of those things that’s different for everyone and with every pregnancy. So you never know what to expect or how you’re going to feel!
Even when I knew it was my last pregnancy, I had a really hard time embracing it. I’ve always been petite and had a little frame so gaining weight of any kind is a tough pill for me to swallow. Even when I KNOW I’m growing a human and that doing that is no easy task. But now that I’m done having kids and reached a point where I love my body *almost* completely, I wanted to share a few things that took me awhile to appreciate and understand.
First and foremost, you grew a human life. For 9 months, you were the only person responsible for nurturing your baby, and that is amazing. And since it took you 9 months to grow that human and put on the weight to nurture said human, give yourself at least 9 months to see any changes.
Make working out a priority (once you’re cleared). And the easiest way to do that is to find something you ENJOY doing. I can’t stress that enough. If you hate it, it becomes a chore and you won’t want to do it. But finding something you love is not only good for your body physically, but also mentally. Focus on moving your body and do not pay attention to how many calories you’re burning or how long you’re doing it. Strive for 30 minutes a day but if somedays you can’t make it happen, don’t force yourself. I personally use and love my Peloton and now I actually look forward to my workouts everyday, but for you it may be a yoga class, walk outside, whatever!
Don’t let the numbers on the scale consume you. Try to go on feeling; how your clothes feel and how you FEEL. The numbers on the scale can be deceiving because muscle weighs more than fat, so do not get on the scale everyday and base your worth off that number.
Don’t let a size define you. Different stores have different sizing and a size 6 at one store may not fit the same as a size 6 at another store. Base the clothes you by on how you feel, not what number they tell you you are. And remember, it’s okay to continue to wear your maternity clothes for awhile. They call it a 4th trimester for a reason…
Accept that things are going to fit differently now. Your body has gone through a lot of changes and things may just fit differently now. Maybe you have excess skin or wider hips now, and as hard as it may be to see the changes your body went through, you have to embrace it! Get rid of the clothes that make you feel like a prisoner in them; you are in charge here, not the clothes!
I’m 34 and 3 kids later, I feel more confident in my body than ever before. Am I 100% satisfied with how I look? No. But I am happy with the progress I’ve made and how I feel. Instead of comparing your body to another body, work on feeling good for YOU.
In case no one told you lately, you’re a rockstar for carrying, delivering, and raising your babies. Be confident in who you are! Make small changes and go off feeling… you are BEAUTIFUL, friend. You’ve got this! xo