How To Overcome Negative Body Image Postpartum

Many women are often afraid of what their bodies will become after having a baby. Research shows a quarter of 700 women in a study worry about their weight and figure during pregnancy, often adopting unhealthy weight loss methods to prevent the extra weight gain. When your body goes through huge transformations and changes, it can be a very frightening experience. And with the popular diet culture constantly in your face about achieving the perfect body, many moms are faced with the pressure of “bouncing back” just days and weeks after having babies. 

But the truth is that your body will change when you have a baby, which is natural. It’s not a bad thing for your body to change. The good news is that there are several things you can do to prevent yourself from descending into a pit of negativity and self-hate, starting with healthy weight loss practices and learning to love yourself. Here are some other tips to help you appreciate your body postpartum.

1. Appreciate your body

A woman’s body is amazing and is a work of art. It can grow a baby and even a whole new organ, the placenta. Your body is responsible for bringing life into the world, and with that responsibility comes a lot of adjustment and change to make it possible. Thanks to your body, you now have your child or children, who have become wonderful additions to your growing family and society. Even after giving birth, your body continues to change. It is now tasked with feeding your newborn, holding and snuggling your baby, and getting stuff done daily, all while healing. But despite all the hard work, it isn’t easy to be grateful to your body for doing all that, especially when you’re feeling extremely self-conscious. 

Whenever that happens, one way you can show appreciation for your body’s strength is by writing about 1-3 things you are thankful to your body for. For example, you express gratitude for having strong arms to carry your baby daily. It’s often the little things that show how amazing your body is. 

2. Don’t struggle to wear your pre-pregnancy outfits

Naturally, pregnancy causes your body to change in several ways. After all, your body has to take care of another life. With all these changes comes an increase in clothing sizes. Unfortunately, that only makes you aware of how much you’ve changed. However, the only way to showcase how amazing your body is is by wearing clothes that fit comfortably and enhance your beauty. 

Clothes that are tight and ill-fighting only draw attention to the areas of your body that cause insecurity and lead you to spiral further. While some moms can wear their old clothes, there’s nothing wrong if your new body can’t. Even if you are working towards losing weight, you must wear clothes that fit properly. You don’t have to spend a fortune getting new clothes. Instead, you can opt for more neutral-colored clothes that make it easier for you to mix and match. You can also check out thrift stores for some amazing finds at lower prices or check out stores that sell post-maternity clothing. 

3. Listen to and trust your body

Although you may be self-conscious about your body, you must listen to it and trust its cues. Your body needs to send messages to you to function at its optimum level. That means your body is responsible for telling you when to drink water, eat, and sleep. The last thing you should do is deny your body its needs. When you understand that your body is working for you, taking care of it is easier without feeling guilty. There’s nothing to be proud of in denying yourself food, rest, or water, all in the name of having busy or tight schedules as new moms. It will only worsen your situation and cause you to binge in frustration. Even when working out, ensure that you listen to your body. Don’t strain yourself or do exercises you aren’t prepared to do, especially after welcoming a baby. When you care for your body and provide yourself with the most basic needs, it doesn’t only help you feel better but also demonstrates how you appreciate and respect your body. 

4. Consider plastic surgery

Having a baby can take its toll on your body. But because these changes are natural doesn’t mean you should be stuck with them forever, especially if it affects your confidence. Plastic surgery is one of the ways to help you get the body you desire, and in the past couple of years, it has become one of the preferred options to help moms get their bodies back. Plastic surgery can tighten loose skin, lift sagging breasts from breastfeeding, and eliminate stubborn fat. Don’t look at it as something superficial; treat plastic surgery as a way of practicing self-care and giving yourself the body you deserve. You can visit orfaniotis.co.uk for information about the variety of plastic surgery procedures that are available to you.

There are different procedures depending on which areas you would like work done on. Breast lifts and augmentations are popular choices, as well as tummy tucks and liposuction. Liposuctions are a great way to get rid of the excess fat left behind from your pregnancy, and you can speak with your doctor about the various types of lipo available. 

5. Stop body checking

Most people body check without realizing they are doing it. If you look at your reflection anytime, you pass in front of a mirror, or you weigh yourself daily, that’s body checking and can negatively affect you. 

When you stop yourself from examining your body all the time, it will get harder to have negative thoughts about your body. To stop body-checking all the time, you must put away your scale, avoid the mirror, wear clothes that fit well, and stop comparing your body to others. It would be best if you also tried to examine yourself beyond your physical appearance. Think about all the things you love about yourself instead. 

Learning to love your body post-baby is tough, but with these tips, you will soon realize the joy in being appreciative of what your body has done for you.