Body image is an incredibly sensitive topic for many women, especially for those who are currently or have recently been pregnant. Postpartum recovery can be a tough journey to navigate, and dealing with a body that doesn’t feel like your own can feel daunting. It is because of this that so many new moms are in a rush to ensure their bodies bounce back.
Fortunately, there are mountains of advice that you can take advantage of if you are in this situation. It can be difficult to comb through all of this information, and this post has thankfully been put together to ease this experience.
Have Realistic Expectations
After having a baby, your body will be different. You might forget this when faced with photos of celebrities who show off their slim postpartum bodies only months after giving birth. Your body has undergone significant changes, and it will require time to heal – and you don’t have the personal trainers and chefs that Beyoncé and other celebs do. This is why it is important to remember that postpartum recovery is a journey, not a race.
There will be some weight loss that occurs naturally after giving birth, particularly in the weeks before your first postpartum doctor’s visit. This appointment usually takes place between six and eight weeks after the birth of your child. Some women will lose roughly 13 pounds after giving birth, due to the baby, placenta, and amniotic fluid, and additional weight related to retained fluids will be lost.
But you must listen to your body during this time. Your experience will be unique, so comparing yourself to others can hurt your mental health.
Focus on Diet and Exercise
For anyone looking to change their body composition, exercise and diet are two key areas to focus on. This is no different for women who have recently given birth, although you are encouraged to begin with gentle exercise like walking and pelvic floor exercises. It is usually safe to begin exercises soon after giving birth, but it is best to consult with your doctor, especially if you underwent a C-section.
While progressing with exercise and hopefully beginning high-impact workouts after your postnatal checkup, you should continue to focus on hydration and nutrition. The right nutrition and the additional support from prenatal vitamins will help replenish nutrients you might have lost during pregnancy. It is vital to focus on whole foods, lean protein, fruits, and vegetables to fuel your body. This will also support milk production if you are breastfeeding.
Seek Professional Assistance
Although you might feel like handling this on your own, there are several different people you can ask for help during this stage. Your GP, midwife, or health visitor should be your first option to consider, as these healthcare professionals can provide initial guidance. They can assess your overall physical and mental wellbeing before referring you to the most appropriate specialists.
It might also be a good idea to speak with a physiotherapist or personal trainer who is experienced in postnatal fitness. While the physiotherapist can provide tailored exercises to help with abdominal separation and pelvic pain, a personal trainer can help you safely rebuild your strength and fitness.
However, if you continue to experience issues with your body six months to a year after giving birth, you might require more assistance. Some new moms will think about cosmetic surgery, especially if the changes their bodies have gone through are seemingly irreversible through natural methods.
Breast augmentation and tummy tucks are common procedures to return bodies to their pre-pregnancy states. A professional, like Dr. Brandon Ball, cosmetic surgeon, should be consulted beforehand to ensure your body is healed and ready to undergo one of these procedures.
Talk to Other Moms
As your body bounces back, it can begin to feel overwhelming. Speaking with other new moms can foster a sense of community that other individuals are unable to provide. These individuals will offer practical advice and understand the experiences you are currently going through. This can help validate your feelings and reassure you that this entire experience is normal.
Moms can also exchange practical advice on all types of topics, from breastfeeding and sleep schedules to dealing with postpartum body changes and managing stress. This type of support can have a major positive impact on your beginnings as a mom.
To conclude, there are numerous changes that you will experience after giving birth. The shock to your body might be one of them. While this is a natural change that occurs when growing and birthing a baby, you can find ways to help your body if it struggles to bounce back after pregnancy.
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