So baby's out, body's gone through major transition, and you get what you get. Hmmm...good deal? The answer varies from woman to woman. Of course we love our babies and wouldn't trade them for the world, but let's just be selfish for a few minutes and think about our precious bodies that have been through major change.
Our bodies take a toll through child bearing (weight, skin, breasts, hair, etc.) and its perfectly ok to miss your old body or want something different for your current body. We may need to work at it for realistic results and we all know there are a zillion ads out there that tell us how to do it. For some women, nursing makes them lose more weight than they would like and for some women, just having a baby made them gain more weight than they would like. Whether we want to lose weight or gain some weight, nothing beats basic exercise and a healthy diet. Starvation or greediness is not a good look in the long run. We still need to eat...just make it healthy!
As far as the boobies go, well that one is tough. Some women end up a larger cup size, some smaller, or some feeling on the National Geographic's side from being a breast feeding pro. Let's face it, the boobies go through a helluva lot and can be their own separate dilemma or miracle. Luckily, there are many remedies for that as well. Some may involve surgery though and that's another story. I will say from experience, time does tell. For me, (because it has been consistent with my three babies) soon after nursing days its a bit depressing- me no like me boobies at this time...they seem like empty milk bags, but after a while (like almost a year after nursing) things kind of come back, firm up and fill out. Whew! Yeah, I was terrified after my first child. Anyway, from my experience when it gets back to normal it's not exactly my pre-baby look, but something I can tolerate much better than that right after nursing look.
A shout out to the hubby for putting up with me through it all (the hair, weight, and boobie complaints) and constantly telling me that I still "got it." What a trooper. I heart him.
The point is we all gotta do what we gotta do to get our "fly girl" back for ourselves. Don't let her get away. Just because you are a mommy don't mean you can't be fly and sexy. Sometimes we just have to redefine our "sexy" because we do need to accept that some things have changed.
One little thing to remember in the process that always gets me sad when I see this happen- ladies (myself included) , let's not hate on each other. We don't know the story behind every woman and there is nothing like feeling negativity from another woman when you are trying to find some confidence. Feel me? Okay enough on that.
One of my personal issues is that none of my dang pants fit! I am really having a hard time coming to terms with the fact that I have to get a new wardrobe as far as work/dress pants are concerned. After child number 3 and the longest period of nursing I've ever been through, I am just at a really different size and it feels like its not changing anytime soon. I'm totally ok with it, but while I do like shopping, buying all new pants is going to be costly ...and this is not the time of year for that. I know...boo hoo. When I put things into perspective there are worse problems.
Bottom line- It's a different and important journey for every mommy. Don't give up. Find that beautiful vibrant woman because she is still very much there whether you've recently had a child or have been a mommy for several years! Don't let her get away...get your groove back mama. If you need a cheerleader, I got you! Go ahead...find that inner Catwoman!
Here are some other helpful links on the issue of accepting our post baby body...even years after giving birth:
What's Up With Your Post Baby Body!
Women speak on body after baby
Get Your Sexy Back After Children
Also, a shout out to a special birthday girl
Sony Garner
Check out her awesome website for some bold feme inspiration!
