Body After Baby
If you are a Mom already, you know exactly how sensitive this subject can be since you've experienced the whole process. If you have not experienced this yet, I am not trying to scare you because it is quite a remarkable process and our bodies have the capability to do some amazing things. Sometimes it's hard for us to look at ourselves and say that we just did an incredible thing because we do not feel incredible when we look at our body afterward.
I remember my second trimester, where I felt pretty energetic and I didn't feel as huge. I thought to myself this is not that bad. LOL Then comes the third trimester (homestretch) and you're feeling everything but glamorous. I was so religious about applying lotion all over my belly and sides that I was so sure that I won't have any stretch marks. I literally got to week 39 and boom, stretch-marks. My belly was burning. I was almost angry because I literally applied lotion on myself every morning and night as well as every time I took a shower. So now I have stretch marks to prove that I had a baby. Depending on how you deliver your baby, there is definitely some recovery time and it may mean 6 months to a year for you to really stabilize. It goes from lower back pain, to varicose veins, to stretch marks, to restlessness, to hormonal misbalance. I mean it is a very incredible thing that your body is doing but when you are a woman, you tend to be self-conscious about your body.
I am a very active person. I tried to walk pretty much every day when was pregnant and I even cut grass to keep myself occupied and active. I know that it has helped me tremendously in the long run but once I delivered the baby, I tried to get back to walking. The first time I tried to do that a few weeks after delivery, I came down with major body aches and fever. It was frustrating because I was forced to not do much of walking. Finally, after about 3 months I was able to do some walking without getting the same side effects. I was really ready to run but I knew that I had to take it easy. I am also breastfeeding and since I've tried to run a couple of times, I noticed that my milk supply would decrease which made me nervous. I know that some people don't have that problem but it was definitely a challenge for me. I have lost the majority of the weight that I gained but I still have about 15 to 20 pounds to go to where I want to be. So now I just have to wait until I wean Mila off of milk so that I can concentrate on my own body without having to be concerned about my milk supply.
I am not going to lie, there are days when I feel like I am in a dark place. I know, I know, I just produced a human being, which is pretty incredible, but I am also in a place where I do not recognize myself. This is just another thing to add to your overwhelming list of emotions. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining. I am just trying to be real here. The truth is that your body will never be the same after the baby because there is no way to reverse that experience. This is not to say that people don't get in a better shape after the baby than before because I've seen a lot of people achieve that through hard work and dedication.
What is important to remember, is to appreciate your body and treat it with kindness. Regardless of what others think and what they say, do what is right for you and for your body. It's good to look at another Mom for inspiration, however, don't compare your body to hers. Every person is unique and therefore requires a unique approach when it comes to healthy living. You know yourself better than anyone else and you know exactly what your body needs in order to be the best possible mother for you and your child. Listen to your body. This does not mean that you obey your body's every desire for a chocolate cake or your favorite cup of ice cream. (guilty) I am referring to the essential needs of your body in order to be healthy and enjoy your life to the fullest. Pat yourself on the back. Set realistic goals and work towards them one day at a time. Before you know it, you will be where you dreamed of being! You can do it:).
Create Coleture, Be YOU
Viktoriya Cole