We all know that our bodies go through immense changes during pregnancy and birth, but no one prepares you for how you might feel about your body once baby is here.

Now that we are in the depths of the hot summer months, insecurities come up for so many people, not just women who have had babies, but all genders and people, about clothes fitting the same, being in a bathing suit, and over all showing more skin.

This week in therapy I discussed my struggles with body image after having a baby. I have been having a hard time fitting into clothes that previously were too big or looked good on my body shape before. Trying on all of my pre-pregnancy clothes has been discouraging even over a year postpartum.

Social media has a way of showing how quickly people can “bounce back” - especially celebrities. The reality of the matter is, celebrities, influencers, etc can hire nannies, personal trainers and chefs to make their weight loss journey easier. Obviously this is not the case ALL the time, but it is important to realize that having unrealistic standards of ourselves is damaging to our mental health. Seeing pictures of women who are 6 weeks postpartum who already have a flatter stomach than I had before baby is hard.

There’s a few ways you can choose to deal with this. Unfollow or mute people who trigger you, be happy for them and realize all bodies are different just as their lifestyle is probably different from yours, or, you can remind yourself that most things people share on social media are the highlight reel and not reality.

I do want to say I appreciate more and more accounts who share positive posts about postpartum body image and accepting your new self. It is encouraging to know you are not alone in feeling sad or missing your pre-baby body.

One exercise I have been implementing when I feel bad or down about how I look is thanking my body or body parts for what they do for me. This is something my therapist suggested. Yes, it might sound cheesy but I have found that it is working for me.

Examples:

I am so thankful I have arms to hug and hold my baby with.

I am grateful my body was able to create a human life from scratch! It is so amazing what my body has been though.

I want to thank my eyes for allowing me to see my baby grow each day and notice the new skills he continues to learn.

I encourage you to try out this exercise if you are having similar thoughts and feelings about your body. Write them down if you have a chance. You are so loved, mama!