Rebuilding Your Body Image After Baby

Having a baby can be one of the most exciting, yet challenging, life events someone can experience. Pregnancy comes with many physical, mental, and emotional changes, some welcome and some that are a bit harder to navigate. The most common physical changes women can experience during pregnancy are changes in weight and body shape. Understandably, these changes to the body can cause some women to feel insecure or uncomfortable in their skin. No matter what your body may experience, it is incredibly common to feel self-conscious as any change to the body can be an adjustment.

Ashley Askins, Clinical Supervisor at Centerstone says, “after birth, women usually report an increase in stress levels due to loss of sleep and caring for a newborn around the clock which can impact one’s ability to engage in exercise.”

Askins offers her top six tips for women rebuilding their self-confidence postpartum:

1. Fuel your body with nutritious foods and drink plenty of water.
2. Move your body to the best of your ability. Low-impact exercises like walking, yoga, and swimming are great options to help you rebuild your strength and confidence. Not ready for a workout yet? Find small moments during your day to take a few extra steps or do some quick body stretches to help reset. Moving the body is good for both our physical and mental health.
3. Remember that things take time. It takes nine months to make a baby and for the body to change, so it will take time for your body to adjust after having the baby, too.
4. If you are able, buy clothes that fit your current body, not the ones you wore before pregnancy. And remember that clothes are made to fit you, you are not made to fit them.
5. Keep in mind that your feelings are valid. You are not alone: feeling different about your body post-baby is common.
6. Challenge negative self-talk by practicing mindfulness and using positive affirmations.

No matter what changes your body may experience during this time, focus on the fact that it has done something amazing. However, if you find that you are experiencing repeated negative self-talk and are experiencing trouble with your self-image, Centerstone is here to help. With Centerstone’s counseling services, you can work with a trained professional to help you heal and start feeling more confident in your skin. Get connected to care today.