Dealing With Your Body Post Delivery

Photo by Alekon pictures on Unsplash

Nope. I am not talking about workout plans or diets that will knock of the extra kilos in a jiffy. I am talking about being in a happy space, irrespective of the shape of your body. In our world obsessed with flat stomachs and perfect figures, the extra weight that usually follows delivery causes a lot of anxiety which is the last thing a new mother needs.   

LOVE THAT BODY

Every time you look in the mirror, try not to get upset over your stretch marks, your bulging belly, or flabby arms. Love yourself. It is the first step to get fitter and healthier. When you love something, you taking care of it comes easily. If you look at ‘flaws’, it will only add to your worry. So, next time you look at your reflection, blow a kiss! Celebrate your body – it gave you your bundle of joy after all!

GIVE IT TIME

No matter how many books you read or pre-natal classes you attend, nothing prepares you for the complete turn your life takes once your baby is born. There is suddenly a new life that is entirely dependent on you, hormones are going haywire, and your emotions are all over the place. Whew! That is a lot to handle. Do not add the stress of ‘Oh my God, I can’t fit into my jeans’ to all that. Your body has just made an entire person. Give it time to recover.  

BE MINDFUL WITH YOUR FOOD

In India especially, a new mom is fed a lot of high calorie food which is not required. Before you start gulping sheera loaded with spoonfuls of ghee or eating extra rotis even though you are full, have a word with your doctor. There are a few age-old beliefs that are proven to be incorrect. Get logical and professional advice and do your research about post-delivery foods before deciding your overall diet. If you eat food that is right for you, you will be happier and guilt-free.   

HAVE A SUPPORT GROUP

The first few months are exhausting and there will be times when tiny things will make you sob. It is important, at such times, to have your own support group of people who love you, like your family and close friends. If you find yourself panicking over your body (or anything else) pick up the phone and talk to your loved ones. It is better to get it out of your system than mulling over it.

ACCEPTANCE

Accept your body. As long as you are healthy and energetic, you are doing great. Cut yourself some slack. Each body is different. We need to stop telling ‘I need to get thinner’ and start thinking ‘I need to get healthier.’ If you happy, have excellent stamina and are active, you are awesome!

EXERCISE

Whether a mother or not, each person needs some workout every day. It is imperative for a healthy body. Consult your doctor and do some light exercises regularly post-delivery. Exercising is known to reduce stress and increase positivity. Even basic movements will make you feel good.

Motherhood is a huge change and entails a gamut of emotions. Take it one day at a time and don’t let inches and weight hamper this precious time. Be positive and focus on your emotional and physical health – the rest will fall in place.

Prachi Shah is a creative writer who enjoys writing stories for children and adults. She is avid reader and fascinated equally by dark, weird stories as well as fantasies. A former freelance feature and script writer, she is now juggling work on her own book of short stories and being a mother. Connect with her on Facebook and Instagram.

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Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this post are the personal views of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of The Mom Store.