Pregnancy takes a toll on any woman’s body. You can’t expect it to bounce back and look the same as before the baby. But, that doesn’t mean that you need to fret. Pregnancy brings a wonderful new life into the picture. This is a time to be celebrated, not to be distracted by body dysphoria and depression.
However, if it does affect you negatively don’t fret. Getting your confidence back will take a bit of time but if anyone can do it, you can. Before we get into the real long-lasting tips, there are options available if you’ve tried everything. A Mommy Makeover can get you back to the body you had pre-pregnancy. You should make sure, however, that you’ve done whatever you could naturally before opting for surgery.
At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with choosing surgery, just do what feels best for you and your lifestyle. In the meantime, here are some ways to help build your confidence.
Develop Positive Self-Talk
This might seem cheesy or too simple but positive self-talk really works wonders. If you’ve always said things like “oh I’m too fat to wear that” or “I wouldn’t look good in that”, it’s time to turn it around. Say things like “I could pull that off” and “That suits me really well” even if you think that it can’t.
Positive self-talk at first seems really difficult but it gets easier and easier as time goes on. Eventually, you’ll start to believe that you are the beautiful person your really are.
Avoid Negative People
Avoiding things that do not benefit is not petty or weak like some might try to tell you. If it is toxic, dangerous, or not helpful to you, it’s not slacking off or being selfish to avoid it. With relationships, it’s especially important to avoid toxicity. Some people just never shut up about your weight and how you need to lose it after the baby is born. Those people are not really looking out for you.
If you can, cut the negative people out. If you can’t, try to talk some sense into them. Express your feelings clearly and without getting angry. Just let them know that you don’t appreciate the negative body talk and that it hurts you. If they love you, they’ll understand.
Take a Social Media Break Every Once in a While
Everyone is becoming aware of the fact that social media can be a dangerous place for those not confident in their bodies. There are plenty of social media influences who post highly edited (or starved) photos of themselves under the hashtag “body positivity”. There’s no need to be constantly on your phone looking at these photos and videos. It’ll only upset you.
Try to take a break from social media when you can. Try one week off and see how you feel. If you can’t make it, start from a day and work up from there. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.
Practice Mindfulness
Last but maybe the most crucial is to be mindful. This doesn’t have to mean doing yoga or breathing exercises. It just means being extra aware of how you’re feeling. Take note of the things that make you upset and the things that make you happy. Cut out the things that make you upset as best as you can.
This also means focus on things that make you feel good. Whether that’s exercise or playing with your kids (or whatever else).
No Matter What…
Your body is beautiful and has carried you through life. It’s time to appreciate and love your body once again.