How To Deal With Post-Pregnancy Body Image Struggles?

We have so many people talking about motherhood and how beautiful it is. Let me burst your bubble, it is not filled with rainbows and bubbles! There are beautiful moments that you’ll cherish for life but there are challenging and stressful moments too. 

Every mother is elated to hold their babies in their arms until she looks in the mirror. Now, not all mothers face body image issues but many of them do. Why does someone face body image issues after having a baby? I don’t know, reasons can be internal as well as external. 

All body image issues can be because of how you’ve been made to feel about your body or your obsession to fit into a society-defined type of body image. It’s extremely sad to see a new mother struggling with body image issues because she already has a lot on her plate. 

What Are Postpartum Body Image Issues?

The postpartum body is very different from the body of a woman before pregnancy. There are a lot of changes, your body looks and feels different. Some women lose that baby weight within a year and some don’t. 

Body image issues begin when your body looks different from how you want it to look. It becomes either too dull, too lean, or too fat, and a million other things. The way their body looks begins to bother them.

Body image issues that arrive post-pregnancy are known as postpartum body image issues. These issues are more difficult to handle because there are already a lot of changes happening and processing so many emotions simultaneously takes a toll on their mental health.

Also read: Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts: How To Overcome

However, if you are someone dealing with postpartum body image issues, know that you’re not alone and that you can overcome these challenges. Let me share with you a few tips to help you overcome postpartum body image issues…

Tips On Dealing With Negative Body Image Issues After Pregnancy

I know you must have read a million times that you shouldn’t be paying attention to the societal set standards of how one should look. Or how important it is to accept yourself the way you are but is it that easy? Can you really change your thoughts at a snap of your fingers?

However, you need to come up with realistic strategies to manage your body image issues post-pregnancy. Now, these strategies need to be set according to your personal idea. If you find it difficult, we can help you with some suggestions;

1. Try affirmations:

One of the best ways to boost your self-image is to tell yourself all good things. Whatever you send into the universe comes back to you, therefore, you need to let it out in the universe that there is nothing wrong with your body and you love yourself. Instead of feeding your negative emotions, replace them with positive and justified thoughts.  

2. Give journaling a try:

Some thoughts are so deeply ingrained in our system that getting them out of your head becomes impossible. Journalling is a very creative way of getting those stubborn thoughts out of your head. It will help you process your emotions and also uncover your core beliefs. 

Also read: Postpartum Eating Disorder: Signs, Causes & Treatment

3. Avoid social media:

Social media is full of edited pictures and filtered videos… Most mothers on social media are not showing the true picture. Therefore, trying to match up to what they are showing online is just impractical. Moreover, each body is different and takes a different amount of time to heal and get back in shape. Social media feeds comparison and nothing else.

4. Cherish the present and live your life:

Locking yourself in your room and just taking care of your baby will not have any effect on your body image issues. Therefore, cherish the fact that you grew a human inside of you. Go out, meet people, socialize! It will help you grow as a mother and become confident in your skin. 

5. Buy clothes that fit you:

There is no point trying to fit into your old clothes. Pick up your wallet and go out to buy some good-fitted clothes for yourself. The more comfortable your clothing is the better you’re going to feel about yourself.

6. Groom yourself:

I know you’re staying at home most of the time but that doesn’t mean you’ll neglect yourself. Get that skin care kit out and pamper yourself with a good grooming session. Make sure that you get up and dress for the day, whenever you get time. 

7. Do not check your weight constantly:

This is not the time to worry about your weight. You need to take a nutritious diet so that your baby can feed properly. The weighing scale is only going to make you feel stressed. 

8. Physical exercise:

Keep moving. Trust me, if you want a healthy and strong body, you need to keep that body moving. Get approval from your doctor and get back to exercising. It’ll keep your mind and body healthy.

9. Talk to a professional:

If things are going downhill even after trying so hard, talk to a professional. There is no harm in getting help. Find yourself a body image consultant and let them help you love yourself again and not be so conscious about what size you are. 

That’s All Folks!

I hope you found this blog about postpartum body image issues helpful and informative. Do share this blog with your friends and family, especially new moms who might be struggling with body image issues. 

Thanks for reading.

Take care and stay safe.