This is true whether it’s your first baby or you’ve had other children.
The postpartum period is always going to be transformative.
For many mothers, one of the challenges during this time is feeling comfortable in their postpartum body.
Childbirth is a huge physical ordeal that often comes with healing time and looks different for everybody.
This is normal and healthy.
The expectation is neither healthy nor realistic.
For many new moms, this pressure can lead to cutting back on calories orexcessive exercise.
Everyone is different, and pregnancy and childbirth will affect people differently.
Sharon Oakley spoke toBBCabout her postpartum experience.
But, she had difficulties that weren’t as easy to see.
“Ilookfine but I have these birth injuries that I’m still navigating every day.”
However, this may take months or not happen at all.
However, the effect is usually more discouraging than motivational.
So, you may not want to throw away all your favorite outfits right away.
The expectation of achieving the perfect post-baby body even gets to many celebrities.
“No matter what I do people are going to talk about my body.
“I have no interest in working out right now.
I’m too tired and too busy playing with my darling son … And that has altered me forever; emotionally, spiritually, and physically.
That change is permanent.”
Your body, baby, and postpartum journey will not look exactly like someone else.
There are many reasons postpartum recovery might take longer.
There are a variety of other medical reasons your recovery may look different.
Not comparing yourself to others is easier said than done, though.
If you notice yourself struggling a lot with self-doubt or sadness, consider contacting a mental health professional.
It also increases happiness, improves energy levels, and reduces frustration.
But this doesn’t mean you should dive into a rigorous exercise regimen right after birth.
Your body is healing, and it’s important to take things slow and go at your own pace.
For some basic postpartum exercises to start with, try thepelvic tilt,kegel exercises, andhappy baby pose.
Remember that your exercise routines and timeline may vary broadly depending on the key in of birth you had.
For guidance on what your exercise journey might look like, speak to your doctor.
Through pregnancy, your body has nurtured an embryo to grow into your baby.
You provided a home and sustenance for your baby before it was even born.
That’s nine months of work, not to mention the extreme accomplishment of giving birth.
And if you’re breastfeeding, your body is still sustaining your baby even after birth.
Work towards body neutrality
For most people, their body changes a lot after childbirth.
Add to that adjusting to your postpartum body, and you have a recipe for a dip in confidence.
If you’re struggling to accept your body, then loving your body might feel like a leap.
That’s exactly why some experts have instead started promoting the concept of “body neutrality.”
You don’t have to love or hate it.
it’s possible for you to feel neutral towards it.”
Poirier recommends body neutrality as a more realistic perspective to shift.
Having a new baby in the house often means sleep deprivation, stress, and many more challenges.
Taking care of everything on your own can feel next to impossible, and you shouldn’t have to.
Finding a support system and community for yourself and your baby can make a huge difference.
This support system can come in many different forms depending on your situation.
Your partner, family, friends, coworkers, or other new parents could all be vital.
Having people in your corner can make a huge difference in your mental and emotional state.
It’s also important to have people supporting you emotionally as you go through life changes.
Libraries and community centers often have info, or you could search formeetings online.
Social groups with those going through similar things can feel hugely supportive.
Keep your expectations reasonable
Becoming a new parent is a massive life change.
Lawson also reminded new mothers that their hormone levels will fluctuate greatly post-childbirth.
Try not to beat yourself up for these changes either, as they’re perfectly natural.
“Life after a new baby is not going to be the same.
There is a steep learning curve in parenthood,” Lawson said.
The first is identifying your thoughts.
give a shot to be more conscious of the way you think about yourself.
Once you’re aware of your thoughts, it’s possible for you to work on adjusting them.
you could challenge negative perceptions by asking if the thought is true or if it matters.
Finally, try counteracting that thought with a more positive or neutral perspective.
