So, I am wondering if anyone out there feels this way:
I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember... Putting myself down for not losing weight... For not exercising more. Focusing on my flabby parts and just generally being unhappy with my body. This January, I started eating healthier, exercising regularly, and bit by bit, I lost a little weight, and really started to feel good about myself. It was my goal to be below 200 lbs. by now... but Oops! I got pregnant. Now I am trying to continue with my healthy eating habits and my exercising reguarly... And it occured to me the other day, that I am not looking down at my flab and saying mean things to it... instead, I am looking down at my tummy in awe at what it taking place... I am giving my body the respect it deserves for the amazing thing it is accomplishing right now.
Too bad I didn't tell my body these things sooner!
Any other preggos find that they have a new found respect for their bodies now, no matter the size, shape, or firmness??
Yep, I do that too. I have been freaked out about gaining weight back, but I'm really in awe of how God created me to house this baby. I feel very privileged to be able to be pregnant and carry a baby.
I just had a little girl 4weeks ago and I really enjoyed watching my belly get big (as opposed to the usual sense of dread I get when I see my stomach) All the little kicks when they are inside and knowing your going to meet them soon, makes it all worthwhile.
I had a similiar revelation after my son was born and I was nursing. I realized that it was my body that enabled me to take care of and nuture my family - to hug, touch, hold, feed, etc...Before I always thought of my "true self" as being separate from my fat body. I think before I was telling myself that what people see isn't the real me. But then I realized my body enables me and I shouldn't let it dis-able me. And my body is as much a part of the real me as my mind and soul.
I def. felt that way when I got pregnant. I was about 215 when I got pregnant and though I really wanted to be losing weight I couldn't help to be happy about my belly and what was taking place. The only thing that kinda made me unhappy was I didn't show very soon like skinnier women. But once I did begin to show and got huge lol my daughter was 9lbs 11 ounces it was the most beautiful thing in the world. I love pregnant bellies. lol. I think pretty much every women big or small sees their body differently when they get pregnant, it's a beautiful thing.
I actually think that I get prettier, and sexier, when I am pregnant. I was actually 3-4 months pregnant (performing in a stage performance) in my avatar photo!!!
I don't know what happens...but my hair gets thicker and fuller, and grows like MAD, my skin gets clearer and brighter, my already big breasts get HUGE...and I actually DRESS nicer when I am pregnant, if you can believe that! I am one of the few women on this planet who ADORES maternity clothes. I love them.
I had an awesome maternity wardrobe when I was pregnant with all three of my children. This is funny, because normally I am a total tightwad when it comes to purchasing clothing for myself. I dress to the 9's when I am gestating, however.
I feel the same way! I would beat myself up for not taking the weight off, not exercising as much as I thought I should, etc. I take better care of myself now than I ever have before and I feel better about myself too. I'm proud of the fact that when people bring doughnuts into the office for breakfast, I don't give in to their "you're pregnant, eat one" encouragement but stick with my cottage cheese & fruit instead. But, when I snag a doughnut hole in the middle of the afternoon, I don't feel guilty about it either! Its such a liberating feeling to see and feel every day what my body is doing to grow this baby girl and I hope I continue to have this respect for it when she's born!
Pregnant For the First Time
