Postpartum Body Acceptance
Let me start by saying, I've never loved my body. I have struggled with my weight for most of my life. I'm very self conscience and it keeps me from doing things that I love, like swimming. Trying on a bathing suit is a personal nightmare for me. I know this is a common issue for women who are overweight and also underweight.
When I got pregnant, I felt great. I loved every second of it, it was the first time in my life that I felt comfortable in my own skin. I loved my growing round belly and my boobs never looked better! With my first pregnancy I only gained 13 pounds, every time I went to the OB she would tell me everything looked great and the baby was healthy. At one appointment towards the very end of my pregnancy, the receptionist at my doctors office told me I looked beautiful. I immediately got embarrassed because I wasn't used to anyone other than my husband saying that to me. Thinking back on it now, I could tell that she was being genuine and her words meant a great deal to me that day. I make it a point to compliment pregnant women, some days you need to hear the words.
I got pregnant with my second son when my oldest was only 7 months old. This is exactly what we wanted, two kids right in a row. We were so excited when we found out.
This time my body changed so quickly because my pregnancies were so close together. I needed to wear maternity pants at 6 weeks, the first pregnancy I was 24 weeks before needing them. Although I felt great, the body changes were a lot to handle in such a short amount of time.
After my second son was born, I had a very hard time with my body image. The loose skin, I was losing a lot of hair and my skin was terrible but I had two of the most well behaved baby boys who I love more than anything else in this world. My body had done exactly what I wanted it to do and I am forever grateful for that.
Little by little I am beginning to accept my body for what it is, imperfect. I put on a bathing suit and go into the pool with my boys and make memories with them that will last a lifetime. My happiness isn't defined by my body. I have a husband who loves me exactly the way I am and two beautiful boys who mean more to me than every stretch mark and scar left on my body.
So the next time you look in the mirror and see stretch marks, c-section scars, saggy breasts or loose skin remember that your body is amazing. You grew a life inside of you and did everything possible to keep that baby healthy and safe. Those are your battle scars.