Pregnancy is something a lot of women talk about so when it comes to preparing and dealing with all things pregnancy I felt so prepared! One thing I was not prepared for was postpartum! I knew nothing about it, I was lost and clueless, left feeling helpless. For me, the “4th trimester” was by far the hardest one to deal with. It is something that should definitely be talked about more amongst women. Not only do you have a chance of developing postpartum depression due to the abrupt change in hormones and caring for a newborn, you also have to learn to accept the beauty of your body. I had no clue what went into dealing with my postpartum body, the pain, the bleeding, the cramping, and the hormones. Y’all, I was CLUELESS!!! I am still struggling, 13 weeks postpartum, accepting my new body. It is a body I no longer recognize. I look in the mirror and wonder who it is I am looking it. There’s stretch marks in places I didn’t know were possible and I have new bumps and curves. Don’t get me started on postpartum clothes shopping! Talk about discouraging, especially since my postpartum period falls in the summer during swimsuit season. The picture to this post is so important to me. When I first looked at it all I saw were flaws. I could have sat there for hours picking out everything I didn’t like about myself but instead I chose to see it as a beautiful picture of my daughter and I. Not only does my body not look the same, it also doesn’t feel the same. My back and my hips don’t feel like they used to. Short trips to the store can leave me in a lot of pain from walking around. The exhaustion of a baby who doesn’t sleep and in general the physical exhaustion from having a baby feels unbearable. So remember, your body had 9 months to prepare itself for birth and the change in hormones and building a tiny human. But all that drastically changes in a few short hours and it comes as a shock to your body. So when you are struggling to accept your postpartum body and healing remember these things:
- Your body is strong!
- You created a human!
- Your body has been through amazing things the past several months, accept it, because it created the most precious gift!
- It takes time to heal. It won’t happen over night so give your body time. It may take a few months or longer to fit back in those pre-pregnancy jeans.
- Your body may never be the same but it’s built to care for your child and you’re stronger than you know.
- We are all BEAUTIFUL!
- Even those that seem to bounce right back still have their own struggles they are dealing with.
- You’re never alone! If you feel that way, reach out to me for advice, friendship, or someone to talk with.
- Breastfeeding is hard! If you’re struggling, just remember, any amount of breastmilk is good for baby! To learn more about my breastfeeding struggles click the link below! https://onebravemama.com//index.php/2019/05/23/to-the-mom-struggling-to-breastfeed/
Beautifully spoken and understood. Embrace where you are because we are wonderfully and fearfully made.