So new mamas, the talk about post-pregnancy beauty is relentless, don’t you think?
We get it, now that you’re more or less settling into motherhood, you’ve turned your laser-beam focus on “getting your body back.” And, let’s face it, the terrain has shifted, it has stretched and drooped in the most inconvenient spots and plumped up in others, right?!
Truth is that our body-obsessed culture doesn’t prepare us for our newly hewn post-baby body, or how to feel good about it. Celebrity moms have set the bar high for new mamas the world over. Barely a week goes by without another celebrity flaunting her enviable bikini body just weeks after having a baby! We are affected by Hollywood’s postnatal fat-shaming trend and are under growing pressure to get rid of pregnancy weight in record time.
Do you remember the vicious comment about Kate Middleton when she appeared in public sporting a post-partum tum a mere day after giving birth? “What’s left in there?” were some of the nicer tweets!
But, is this realistic – or even healthy – to slimdown after pregnancy with such lightening speed? Experts agree on a resounding “NO”!
Remember ladies, your body created, nurtured and performed phenomenally to give birth to an astonishing human being; don’t be ashamed to carry some of that for a while. Experts warn that that when it comes to getting your post-pregnancy body back in shape, neither a stringent exercise routine or a crash diet is the way to go; particularly if you’ve had a difficult pregnancy, or a C-section delivery, or are breastfeeding.
New moms are warned not to put major stress on their joints – such as jogging, jumping or running – for at least 6 to 8 weeks. Why? During pregnancy the hormone Relaxin is produced, which makes joints loose and consequently more prone to injury; you’ll have significant amounts of this hormone in your blood for at least several weeks after childbirth. Putting too much pressure on joints during this time could cause serious injury.
Here’s the thing, if you stick to a healthy diet, start walking with your baby in the stroller, and if you’re breastfeeding on top of that; the weight will shift in no time.
It is so important to give your body the time it needs to recover and in return it will do amazing things you never thought it could do. Your body will not fail you as you get up for the fourth time in the middle of the night to feed your hungry baby. You’ll be able to hold your child for ridiculously long periods of time – cuddling, soothing, shushing – and your biceps will grow strong and defined from it. Your core will tighten and hold you firmly in place as you lift your baby from the crib. And, soon you’ll realize just how fast you can sprint when your toddler slips away from your grip!
It’s time, new mama, to include yourself in this expanded version of beauty. Be proud, love and embrace all of you. And that rounder booty? It’s hot. Period.
Source: www.fitpregnancy.com, www.parent24.com, www.girlsgonestrong.com, www.babycentre.co.uk, www.dailymail.co.uk, globalnews.ca, www.harpersbazaar.com, www.glamour.com, www.mom365.com, www.babble.com, www.webmd.com, www.scarymommy.com, www.self.com
