Accepting and loving your postpartum body
Carrying a baby for 9 months isn’t an easy job. You have had an actual human being growing and developing inside of you. This is one of the most amazing things in the whole world, and that obviously changes your body in one of the most dramatic ways you will ever experience as a woman.
A woman’s body blossoms like a flower. It changes at every stage depending on how well you handle it. So after bringing life into this world, you should hate that amazing body. You might not like the changes that come with it but hey, you are still beautiful.
What are some of the things that you can do to not hate that amazing body that you own? Postpartum time can be difficult. Self-acceptance and self-love will be the greatest gifts you can give yourself as you adjust to your new body.
Give yourself time to adjust to your new body
You must GIVE YOURSELF TIME. Let’s face it, your body just went through quite the ordeal. It takes time to recover from the 9 months of pregnancy, the hormonal changes you are experiencing, the labour and delivery, or the C-section.
The fact of the matter is, you are strong, healthy and fully capable of learning how to love your body again. Look at what you just accomplished, and appreciate and respect the champion that you are.
Also Read: Tips for coping with postpartum depression
Change the way you look at yourself
It’s about changing your perspective, especially as a new mom when your body still feels all wiggly and jiggly and your insides are just getting back to their original positions. The whole weird and wobbly internal organ situation can be a bit unsettling, but it will pass.
Be Kind to yourself
This really is the time for you and your partner to soak in those amazing newborn days and weeks. Bond with your baby and bask in the sheer miracle of it all. But at the same time make a conscious effort to practice just a little self-love.
Focus on self-care
Self-care is very important for every mum. Taking care of a newborn baby can be very draining. So if you have a spouse ask for their help and give yourself the most deserved rest.
Physical healing can take some times but you need to focus on that. Take some postpartum sitz baths, this hastens the healing process especially if you had a tear.
Eat a variety of fresh healthy foods, drink plenty of water and when you’re ready to get back to whatever exercise routine feels good as a starting point.
It can be as simple as pushing the stroller around the block or doing some gentle yoga stretches to start to work out the kinks. Start slowly and take as much time as you need.
Do Something Just for you
Do something kind for yourself, whatever it is for you that revitalizes your mental well-being. Take a long, hot bubble bath with some Epsom salts and essential oils to relax you. I always find throwing on some really zen music while soaking does wonders. Lock the bathroom door.
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