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25 July 2013

Post-Baby Body Blues

There is so much stress women put on themselves to get back to their "pre-baby" weight. Even I find myself falling into this category, where I stress about getting back to my before baby body. But now I find myself with mixed emotions. I find myself getting upset with others who complain about all the weight they're gaining. I find myself thinking about all the women who long to get pregnant and can't, and it puts it all into perspective for me. Recently, a friend on Facebook posted a quote from Andreae Callanan. She put into words what I couldn't:

"If you ask me, our society is way too hung up on the idea of women getting their pre-baby body back. What’s wrong with post-baby bodies? They’ve made babies, for goodness’ sake! With all that we have to deal with in the early years of parenthood, do we really need the pressure of having to look like this whole baby thing never happened? And really, would we want that?

Having a baby is amazing. It’s something that changes your whole life. How could it not change your body? For every woman who feels terrible about her poochy belly and stretch marks, there is, no doubt, another woman who wants desperately to have those problems, and all that they signify.

And just think of what the quest for a pre-baby body says to that wonderful baby who gave you that belly. You may say the words, “I just want to get my body back to the way it was before you were born,” but how do you know that she or he doesn’t hear, “Mommy used to be so pretty before she had you”? What must that make them feel like?

When you look at your baby, you know with certainty that she or he is the most beautiful baby that has ever been born. It’s an indisputable fact.

You should know that, when your baby looks at you, she or he knows, with absolute conviction, that you are the most beautiful woman on the planet. Belly, stretch marks, and all."

I want my daughter to know that what's on the outside isn't what matters. It's what's on the inside that counts. I know that's cliche. But it's the truth. I want to be known as a loving mother, not as a skinny girl. Yes, there's a point to being healthy and fit, but why obsess over it? There is a new baby in the world that loves you unconditionally. 


I hope I haven't offended anyone with what I've said. These are my personal feelings, and I don't mean any harm.

8 comments:

  1. First of all, never apologize for what you write on YOUR blog...it's a place to speak freely. If someone doesn't like it, they don't have to read!

    I truly appreciate this post! THANK YOU for the reminder. I have been realy struggling not finding enough time to work out. Some days it's all I can think about. I know there's more to life than exterior apperances, but like you said...we have SO Much pressure from the world...

    ...then I have to remember that we are not to be "of this world".

    THANK YOU :)

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    1. I'm glad you got something out of this. I think we tend to obsess over the way we look when there is so much more important things. I am learning to accept my new body and be proud of my new body. I did something amazing. I grew a baby. I should be proud of that instead of ashamed and wishing my body to go back to the way it was.

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  2. What a great reminder! Thanks for writing this, I am the same way and sometimes get too obsessed with trying to get back in shape as quickly as possible. I need to remember that it's what's on the inside that is more important, like you said :)

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    1. I'm glad you enjoyed this. And just remember, your little one thinks you're absolutely beautiful just the way you are!

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  3. Thank you! I'm (almost) nine months post partum with my first baby. I'm still struggling some with accepting the way my body looks now. It takes time to realized (and accept) that my body isn't going to be the same as it was before pregnancy and birth.

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    1. It does take time and grace. Lots of grace.

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  4. I really love your post! I am 27 weeks pregnant right now and already find myself thinking about how i will try and lose the weight once baby is born! What's most important is that you are healthy and happy :) so glad you linked up this week I really enjoyed guest hosting!

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    1. Remember, your little one will think you're absolutely beautiful! No matter what :)

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