The Postpartum Body: A Brave New World

Remember how your body changed during pregnancy? Well, the changes don't stop after delivery. Your postpartum body is like a shape-shifter, constantly evolving as it recovers from pregnancy and adapts to your new role as a mom. Here's what you might experience:

1. The Incredible Shrinking (and Not-So-Shrinking) Uterus

Right after birth, your uterus is still about the size of a watermelon. Over the next six weeks, it'll shrink back down to its pre-pregnancy size. You might feel cramping (called afterpains) as this happens. It's like your uterus is saying, "Hey, remember me? I'm heading back to my old digs!"

2. The Breast Chronicles

Your breasts go through a lot postpartum, especially if you're breastfeeding. They might feel engorged when your milk comes in, and you could experience issues like sore nipples or low milk supply. Many moms worry about low milk supply, but remember – your body is designed to feed your baby. If you're concerned, don't hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant.

3. The Belly Situation

Your belly won't bounce back to its pre-pregnancy state overnight. In fact, you might look a few months pregnant for a while after giving birth. This is normal! Your abdominal muscles and skin need time to regain their tone.

4. The Hair Affair

Remember that luscious pregnancy hair? Well, around 3-4 months postpartum, you might notice more hair falling out than usual. Don't panic! This is just your hair cycle getting back to normal after pregnancy hormones kept it in the growth phase for so long.

5. Skin Changes

Your skin might have some new additions – stretch marks, loose skin, or maybe some lingering pregnancy melasma. Think of these as badges of honor, showing the amazing feat your body has accomplished.

6. The Pelvic Floor Party

Your pelvic floor muscles have been through a lot. You might experience some urinary incontinence (hello, sneeze pees!) or feel like things are a bit different down there. Kegel exercises can help, but don't hesitate to see a pelvic floor therapist if you're concerned.

Embracing Your New Normal: It's a Journey, Not a Race

Now that we've covered the changes, let's talk about embracing them. This isn't always easy, especially in a world that seems obsessed with "bouncing back" after pregnancy. But here's a radical thought – what if, instead of trying to bounce back, we focused on moving forward?

1. Be Kind to Yourself

Your body just did something incredible. It grew a human being! Give yourself grace and time to heal. Negative self-talk? Show it the door. You wouldn't talk to a friend the way you might be talking to yourself, so extend that same kindness to your own body.

2. Focus on Function, Not Form

Instead of obsessing over how your body looks, focus on how it feels and what it can do. Can you pick up your baby? Feed them (whether by breast or bottle)? Rock them to sleep? Your body is doing amazing things every day.

3. Nourish Your Body

Eating well isn't about dieting – it's about giving your body the fuel it needs to recover from pregnancy and care for your baby. If you're breastfeeding and concerned about low milk supply, focus on staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet. Remember, breastfeeding burns calories, so don't skimp on your intake!

4. Move Your Body

When you're cleared for exercise, find ways to move that feel good. This isn't about "getting your body back" – it's about feeling strong, energized, and connected to your new body. Start with gentle walks or postpartum yoga.

5. Dress Your New Body

Your pre-pregnancy clothes might not fit right away – or ever – and that's okay. Invest in some comfortable, flattering clothes that fit your current body. You deserve to feel good in what you wear.

6. Connect with Other Moms

Talking with other new moms can help you realize you're not alone in your body changes. Join a mom group or connect with friends who've had babies. Sharing experiences can be incredibly validating.

7. Document Your Journey

Take photos of yourself with your baby. Years from now, you won't be looking at your postpartum belly – you'll be treasuring the memories of those early days with your little one.

8. Address Concerns

If you're worried about any of your body changes, including low milk supply, don't hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider. They can address your concerns and provide solutions if needed.

Remember, Your Body is Amazing

Your postpartum body tells a story – a story of strength, resilience, and the incredible journey of bringing new life into the world. Those stretch marks? They're like a map of your pregnancy journey. That softer belly? It was home to your little one for nine months. Those changes in your breasts? They show your body's ability to nourish your baby, even if you're dealing with low milk supply or have chosen not to breastfeed.

Embracing your new normal doesn't mean you have to love every change. It's okay to have mixed feelings. But try to approach your body with gratitude for what it's done and continues to do every day.

The path to embracing your postpartum body is not always straight or easy. Some days you might feel like a warrior goddess, and other days you might long for your pre-pregnancy jeans. Both feelings are valid. The key is to be patient with yourself and remember that this, like every phase of parenthood, is a journey.

If you want to feel your best mentally & physically postpartum, The Postpartum Shift is for you!