Postpartum feels.....

Pregnancy is beautiful. Yes. Cute little bump, feeling kicks and movement on the inside. But the Postpartum phase is BRUTAL. Society has us thinking that as soon as the baby comes out or even 6 months PP, that we should be back to our pre-pregnant size.

I have a husband who adores me and my body. Anyone struggle with the feeling of unattractiveness after having baby #2? The irritability, hormonal rage, Hormonal sweats, extreme exhaustion, weird PP curly hair, the weight gain, depression, anxiety, ect. The struggle is real.... I am 2 months PP with baby #2 and my body just isn't the same--- BUT I'm understanding that it's not suppose to be! The reality is that my jeans don't fit, my belly is squishy, and if I toot I may pee myself. Here is the thing, we are going to have to CHOOSE to show ourselves some grace. I wallowed for a bit, chose to see the negative side of not having the perfect body, No, I'm no longer a size 8 and the time is coming that I have to buy bigger jeans. Who cares??!?!?!?! I can focus on the number & be sad or I can find some clothes that fit and make me feel confident.

If you struggle with self image after giving birth, I want you to do two things. First, look at your baby. And I mean really look at him/her. Every detail of their face, length of their body, and their breathing pattern. Momma, YOUR body housed that sweet baby for 40 weeks! Amazing right? We are basically superwoman in a nutshell. Secondly, I want you to strip down and stand in front of the mirror. I know this will be super uncomfortable but be loving to yourself as you do. Speak life over yourself as you admire what your body has done. It stretched. Remember that it won't always be like this. Yes, There will be good body image days and bad body image days. In my experience, Im learning to show grace on the days where I hold the baby all day and get nothing done around the house/ exercise.

If you are wanting to make changes in your life as far as eating, drinking water, and exercise, I recommend to start small. It gets very overwhelming thinking of how I need to drink 1 Gallon of water, eat X amount of protein, X amount of carbs, walk this much, lift this 3 sets of 15, yatta yatta yatta.......... Baby steps, my friend!

I started by walking one mile, 3-4 times a week and I added in light exercises to help with diastases recti. I finally started drinking more water. Then I recently upped my protein intake. It's a lot. I didn't bounce back like I did with my first. Do I wish I had, sorta.... But I also Love the body I have and am grateful for all that its given me! Try to love yourself and the baby you created as much as you can. This too shall pass <3

Momma is zonked, time for bed!