Most women after birth are a little frustrated by their postpartum bodies. It is challenging to see your bodies looking different than they were before pregnancy. IT is challenging to see what is left after the baby is born.
I remember looking down at my belly after having my first and being os shocked by this deflated balloon left on me. No one can really prepare you for the mental challenge of a changed body when you’re used to feeling strong most of your life.
Some people feel guilt over these feelings. “It is a gift to carry babies!” and it is! But also, stuffing our feelings doesn’t do us any good. So acknowledge what you feel and then let’s work through it with some truth.
Your body has done such good, incredible work for you and your baby. God designed our female bodies to carry babies, and HE designed them to recover and HEAL.
Some women will lose weight more quickly when producing milk. Some women’s bodies will have a harder time losing weight so that you have enough supply for your baby. Not everyone loses weight quickly this way. If you don’t, no shame on you!
Some women will be ready to work out sooner than others. And you may not be there yet. But also, some babies sleep well while others don’t. Some women’s hormones are all over the place. Some will go back to work and others won’t. Some had a c-section, carried twins, were on Breasts, had a 4th degree tear, have babies who never hap have babies who cry through the whole night….
And any one of these factors will affect not only your physical healing but also your motivation, emotional health, and time/desire to move your body.
Stop comparing. Your postpartum journey is unique to you for a million different reasons. The goal is not to “bounce back.” What are we bouncing back to? A body that has never carried a baby? NO, you’re forever changed when you become a mother. Let’s aim higher.
Every day we extend our body grace. Every day we list a reason we’re thankful for the good body God gave us and what it has done/continues to do.
Every day we do the best we can with what we have to be kind to our body – nourish our body – strengthen our body – in the day/week/season we are in.
Some days this might look like protein and fruit and a walk/workout. Some days this might look like a nap.
But if you do one thing, do this:
Take off the timeline. Don’t weigh and measure too much. Let your body heal in its time. Strengthen in its time.
There may be a time to push harder, but the first year is a rollercoaster with babies. Take a breath, enjoy all the firsts. And trust God with your postpartum journey and his timeline for your unique body!
