Connecting with your postpartum body
Over the last 10 years social media has contributed to and shaped how we view ourselves and the world. If you search ‘postpartum bodies’ you’ll be flooded with advice columns on how to ‘bounce back’ and photos of ‘post baby transformations’.
At some point in our lives, most individuals who identify as a woman, will have faced challenges surrounding body image. Struggles with disordered eating, excessive exercising and self-imposed restrictions is not uncommon, especially as we transition from teenager to adult. Whilst many of us, throughout our adult lives with the right support and mindset, can overcome these challenges, pregnancy can stir a lot of emotions and bring up old or new feelings about body image.
Our relationship with our body is complex and ever-evolving. In the postpartum it can be challenging to accept this softer and often seemingly unfamiliar body, however its important to be reminded of the strength and cleverness of your life bearing body.
Your stretch marks signify your ability to accommodate the needs of others, your swollen breasts show your willingness to provide, your softer physique provides a more comfortable resting place for your baby and your wider hips allow you to be strong and grounded.
As we witness others “transforming” post birth, I invite you to consider how you can celebrate your body, and all that it has done for you throughout pregnancy and birth, instead of trying to rush back to where it was before. Your body has changed, in ways that are irreversible, as have you. I invite you to meet yourself where you’re current at and take some time to show gratitude and love to your new body, even if it feels unnatural to do so at first.
