10 Ways to Show Love to Your Post Partum Body
I never felt more powerful than after giving birth (definitely medicated FYI), but for some reason, I was so hard on myself in the newborn days. As much as I was ready to become a mom, transitioning into new motherhood was far from easy. Nursing was a struggle. None of my clothes fit and my maternity clothes just looked baggy and sloppy (duh...but for some reason this was a surprise). And of course, the baby blues and sleep deprivation made things rough as well. Instead of giving myself grace and love, I just felt sub-par because things weren’t what I expected. I didn’t expect to need help! I look back and wish I could give myself a hug. As the months passed, I realized that showing myself love was the key to feeling my best. Here are 10 ways to show your postpartum body love.
If you wouldn’t say it to your daughter or your best friend, don’t say it to yourself! Show yourself some love with the uplifting tone you would use with someone you care about. Close your eyes, mentally scan your body and think about what you love about each part of your body (i.e. my strong legs carry me and my baby up and down stairs all day, my lips give a million kisses to my baby’s head each day).
Alone time. Each day, take a few minutes (or hopefully more) to yourself. When the baby is napping take the time to do something you want to do (not the laundry). Blow dry your hair, take a longer than usual shower, or just sit in silence. Call your best friend. Read an uplifting article or scripture. Do something that will lift you up and leave you feeling refreshed.
Move your body. When your body is feeling up to it, get out for a walk or even just walk around Target for a while. You will feel better by getting out of the house and getting moving. Your baby will probably like getting out for a walk too!
Speak your mind. There are people around you who love you and truly want to help. Unfortunately, they can’t read your mind. If you’d rather dinner be dropped off without conversation, let them know. Tell your partner what you need help with most. It makes things easier on everyone if you voice your expectations. If you need to vent, call your mom or BFF.
Look at yourself in the mirror and say “I love you. You are doing the best you can.” Repeat it every single day.
Drink plenty of water and have healthy snacks on hand. You will feel better eating nutrient dense foods and staying hydrated. A few of my favorite snacks are an apple with peanut butter, Greek yogurt, and fruit, or lunch meat with a string cheese and pretzels.
Only what matters. Relieve yourself of the burden of doing everything perfectly. If something that you thought you would like to do as a mom isn’t working out (being a stay at home mom, breastfeeding, using cloth diapers, etc.) move on! Life (and the newborn days) are too short to waste time doing something you don’t care about!
Follow up with your doctor if anything doesn’t feel right. You deserve to feel your best. If the baby blues aren’t going away or you suddenly are feeling anxious, depressed, or angry (or any other symptoms listed here) just call your doctor!
Best of luck to you mama. You are doing great.
Author Bio:
Cassandra Padgett is a nutrition coach who loves helping new moms feel amazing in their postpartum bodies. She spends her days with her daughter Elle and Bulldog Buddha. If you ever meet her in real life, there’s a 99% chance she will be wearing leggings. You can find out about her coaching programs on her website at www.vivfitness.com or follow along on social media for simple nutrition tips.
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