It is hard to accept your postpartum body. I only have one daughter but I gained WAY too much weight with her pregnancy and my body's changed a lot because of that. My waist line in thicker, my breasts are softer, etc. However, in many, many ways I'm a lot happier with my body now. My secret is really learning to dress myself WELL. Now that I'm older I don't just buy cheap clothes that don't fit. I purposely seek out tailored clothes that suit my body type and I have to say that in pictures I look infinitely better than I did in the past!
I have pictures from when I was a teen and the clothes were baggy, my bra size was way, way, way wrong, and I just didn't have the confidence that I have today. However, I took a picture about a week ago. I had the correct bra size so I had amazing lift, the dress was tailored in to show off my waist, my hair was nicely done, I had my beautiful daughter next to me too
, and the difference was amazing! Even though I was bigger in that picture vs. the pictures when I took as a teen.
First off, are you sure you're wearing the correct bra size? Breasts change quite a bit postpartum (especially if you nursed for awhile) and they're
softer. I've found that finding a well-fitting bra is very, very important now. Make sure that your band size = underbust (measured tightly!). If you don't believe me check out the difference in
these pictures. You very well might have to go up a cup size or two. If you need any help with fitting check
here.
I know this might sound nit picky but I strongly believe that for us moms we really have to rethink our wardrobes (first and for most our undergarments!!) after having kids. Personally, I look for highwaisted underwear now that provide a great smooth effect and I've also found that dresses tend to work better than t-shirts and pants because they help mask some of my flaws.
I think there's just a level of acceptance that we need to have when it comes to our bodies. Yep, I have stretch marks, yep, I have some flabby spots, yep, my waist is bigger than I'd like but this is who I am. I got a wonderful daughter out of the deal and I'd never dream of living life without her!
Understand too that many of the women you're comparing yourself too might not have the body that they want either. I have a large bust size and, trust me, it was the BANE of my existence growing up. I never found bras/clothes that fit, I was always self-conscious about it, it made playing sports more difficult, and I HATED guys staring at me. Body image issues are rampant on both ends and I think a big part of it is thanks to the media only showing only airbrushed models. I love seeing women of all shapes and sizes, young and old, light and dark etc. When we only see ONE body type over and over again when think that that is what is expected of us when in reality we can be beautiful just as we are.
