BABY BODY
The controversial issue of the post baby body has left me feeling quite perplexed these past few weeks.
I read many blogs and follow lots of mums on social media and every day I am shocked at the amount of negative comments that other MOTHERS post!
The topic that seems to create the most amount of discussion and the most amount of keyboard warriors is a women's body post baby.
It seems you're damned if you do and you're damned if you don't!
I see women slammed for getting back into exercise soon after giving birth and then I see women slammed for not doing any exercise.
As someone who has always struggled with Body Image issues I've tried extremely hard to be mentally aware of the transition that my body went through during pregnancy and the transition it is going through now post baby.
I feel as though 'we' (us mums) can't be honest about our thoughts and feelings when it comes to our post baby body, and as a result the discussion around this issue becomes toxic.
So I wanted to share how I'm currently feeling about MY post baby body
I gained 18kg during my pregnancy and for someone with a history of eating disorders, that weight gain was something that I had to really prepare myself for mentally. I told myself how crucial it was that I allow my body to change in order for my baby to develop, and I am pleased to say that for the majority of the time I enjoyed the experience of being pregnant and watching my body change. (I didn't really enjoy the back pain, heart burn or sleeplessness night though).
Now, almost 12 weeks since the birth of my gorgeous little girl, I have lost 12kg.
I've done absolutely NO exercise aside from a few 10 minute yoga routines in between feeds! That alone shows me how incredible our bodies are - our bodies work in the most mysterious and wonderful ways.
But does that mean I love my new post baby body ... The answer is No.
Don't get me wrong I don't hate my body nor do I stress about it all day every day. However I do feel slightly uncomfortable. My old clothes don't fit and I feel awkward trying on new clothes because my body simply doesn't look the same anymore. (not to mention I don't get a opportunity to get the shops anyway!)
I do not diet and never will (you can read old posts for my reasons) - So the next journey to try and regain my pre-baby body is something that I am preparing myself for. For me, nutrition is important for my mental wellbeing more so than my physical appearance.
I used to be an athlete so exercise is a huge part of my life, but for the first time ever I lack the motivation and I hear myself making many excuses as to why I can't find the time to fit in some sort of physical activity.
I do want my pre baby body back, because I know that I feel good when I'm fit and healthy - it has nothing to do with vanity and everything to do with my wellbeing. I realise that my body may never be exactly the same, and I'm OK with that - but I'd still like to try and get it back.
I applaud other mothers who take the time to exercise and put their nutrition and wellbeing as a priority, because after all - a happy & healthy mum, is a mum that is also less stressed.
I am inspired by other mums - as we ALL should be.
Rather than attack new mums for THEIR choices - we need to be more supporting. And for those women who do judge and post negative comments - perhaps it's time you look at yourself and ask why it is that you feel the need to say such things .... most of the time we project our own negativity onto others.
Wish me luck for my next transition! (Whatever that may be).
