Let's Be Real: Post Baby Bodies | Reality

Okay, let's be real. Your body post baby is not going to look the same as it did before. It's not going to bounce back the moment you deliver your baby. You are not going to leave the hospital in skinny jeans with no mum tummy, excess fat, loose skin or even swollen feet/face. It can be frustrating when you are online and scrolling through your instagram feed and see all these mama's who are fresh home from the hospital with their little one and looking like a Victoria Secret Super Model. Let me just say, if that's you, right on! That's great. Some women's bodies can bounce back in an extremely short period of time; however, this is not the norm. Furthermore, although you may see some women who have "bounced back" fast, their bodies are not the same as they once were. It can be frustrating when people tell you that you don't look like you had a baby. It's a great compliment, don't get me wrong, but it's also incorrect. I am currently almost 7 weeks post partum and although I can hide a lot of my excess weight with a nice outfit, slimming jeans and a flattering top, the body underneath is no where close to looking like it once did. Is that okay? Of course it is! Does it mean that I am not insecure about the extra weight I carry? The rolls on my back? My thicker thighs? No, by no means. It's a whole body and life change when you are pregnant and give birth. You are doing a such a selfless thing. You are giving over your body and saying, "Here I am. Change me and do what you need to do". Pregnancy allows you to go through a journey of changing your perspective on "beauty" and that "perfect body".

Learning to embrace the "Mom bod" has been a long process for me. With my first pregnancy, I gained a lot more weight than I did this time around. It was harder to heal and bounce back. I shed countless tears trying to embrace the new normal that was my body. It's difficult as a woman to look into the mirror and not recognize the person you see starring back at you. If you're breastfeeding, your body sometimes is not your own for over a year after giving birth. For me, this is one of the hardest parts of post partum and embracing my body. When you're nursing you are giving over your body to someone else, to ensure their health and growth. What comes with this is aches, pains, leaks and enlarged breasts. (which I guess can be a good thing?)

Regaining your health/fitness takes time. It also takes effort. Putting in the effort will allow you to see the results you are hoping for. But be easy on yourself. This is something I am learning. Learning to embrace the changes your body has gone through will help you make realistic goals for yourself. Embracing your new mom bod doesn't mean that you are settling for how your post partum body looks now. It just means that you are learning to love the new curves and setting realistic fitness and weight loss goals for yourself.

Tips for bouncing back:

1) Speak kind words to yourself! This doesn't make you lose weight. I'm not crazy. I know that. However, the bible says "kind words are like honey- sweet to the soul and healthy for the body". (Prov. 16:24)

Speak nicely to yourself because those positive words and the truth that you tell yourself will help you stay motivated.

2) Don't eat fried foods.

3) Drink plenty of water! (This is also key if you are nursing)

4) Do little workouts while watching your baby. Squats while nursing (no joke, i love this!) Or do lungs while trying to rock and sooth your baby in your arms. Do whatever works for you.

5) Do small things to keep active. Go for walks with your baby.

6) Use a belly band

7) Breastfeeding

8) Drink Smoothies for breakfast (add cinnamon to regulate blood sugar levels. Add Oats and protein to keep you full for longer)

9) I love to eat when I am bored. If you're bored and find yourself going to get food, pop in a stick of chewing gum. I find this helps to satisfy that need for a snack (when I don't need one cause i'm only bored)

10) Eliminate refined sugars.

I've been starting my workouts slowly. I am not engaging in any hardcore workouts yet because I'm trying to allow my body to recover and heal first. I have begun light cardio such as, tredmill, biking (indoor workout machine) and the rowing machine. I was struggling to find a good workout bra I could wear that would provide me with the support I needed. It's difficult to find a workout bra that can support your breasts during this "season of nursing". For you mama's who are nursing, you know what I mean! I tried to do a workout the other week where jumping rope was involved, and let me tell you, this DID NOT TURN OUT WELL. I didn't have the right bra on and those puppies were SORE! I found a Sports Bra that I think is supportive and multi-functional. Its both a nursing bra and sports bra.

Love and Fit carries apparel/active wear for moms. I have the Strappy Back Nursing Sports Bra and I could not rave more highly about it! Since I am only doing light cardio/work outs this bra works perfectly. It is suited more for light workouts/yoga/active lifestyle and busy on the move mama's. If you are looking into more intense workouts, then I would recommend purchasing the Fit Mama Nursing Sports Bra.

Personally, I have trouble finding a nursing bra that fits right, provides the correct support needed, and feels comfortable for my busy on the go mom life. Most nursing bra's are priced highly as well. I'm not one to spend $100 on a bra. The Strappy Back Nusring Sports Bra is only $55.00, which is very reasonable for a nursing bra. It also is by far the most comfortable and practical Nursing Bra I've found. I have mine in a size medium. The strappy back detailing is adorable! But more importantly very breathable, which helps with workouts! You can use my discount code MILLER10 for 10% off.