Tackling the Post-Baby Body Issues

Tracey Clayton - 23 Apr 17

Having a baby is one of the most rewarding things in a woman’s life, but it comes with a fair share of challenges and hard times. Many women say that they forget about all those long nine months and labor pains once they can finally hold their baby, but it’s important to admit that the following few months are absolutely exhausting and that it’s very difficult for new moms to cope with all those sleepless nights and looking after a little human being they know nothing about. They struggle to gain control over their lives, and over their plus size bodies, although they already have a lot on their plate (no pun intended).

The shape of things

Coming to terms with the fact that their bodies have changed a lot during the pregnancy can be tough for new moms, especially if we bear in mind that the modern society imposes a certain body image and that even they’re expected to get rid of the extra pounds quickly. Magazines and tabloids are promoting subtle body-shaming by publishing stories about how top models got back in shape weeks after childbirth. Such articles are usually disguised as how-tos and tips & tricks, and they generally don’t disclose crucial facts, for example, that a whole team of people is working for those new celebrity moms with sculpted bodies, and that they have personal trainers, chefs, and nannies who help them. All this pressure leads to low self-esteem and insecurity. It’s even more difficult for women who still haven’t got rid of the baby weight when they go back to work after a long pause, and they feel as if their colleagues are silently judging them, which is usually not the case, but this doesn’t make things any easier.

Love your body

This may sound like a motivational quote, but it’s essential for women to develop and maintain a positive body-image. A woman’s body goes through tremendous changes during the pregnancy, and it’s nine months of hormonal fireworks, so it would be quite unreasonable to expect that everything should get back to normal within a few weeks. However, physical activity is good not only for the body, but also for the mind, and that’s the main reason why taking an energetic walk with your baby, or a 15-minute workout should become a part of your daily routine. It’s true that new babies can be a handful, and they need constant care, but you need to carve time for yourself. Me time will help you be a better mom because doing something that you love will replenish and boost your energy. When it comes to being self-conscious regarding your weight, it’s a good idea to get some stylish plus size jackets, pants, and dresses that will flatter your figure.

Cut yourself some slack

Instead of being angry with yourself because you’re not like those picture-perfect moms from magazines, you should realize that what you’ve been through is a life-changing experience and an achievement that you should be proud of. That’s why you should give yourself enough time to get back on track. Even though it’s important to have a healthy diet, treating yourself to some comfort food occasionally will lift your spirits. If you feel too tired to exercise, and if you’d rather just cuddle up with a good book or a TV show, then do it without feeling guilty.

Whenever you feel down and disappointed about your extra pounds, remember a sentence so frequently quoted in parenting books that “it takes nine months to gain weight, it takes nine months to take it off.” It may sound corny, but it stands to reason, and what’s even more important is that it’s not the end of the world if takes you more than nine months.  

Tracey Clayton

View profile for posts, events and more info