Body Image After Babies

Emersyn and Mckinley are now 11 weeks old. Thankfully, my hormones seem to have settled down and I feel much more like my usual self. Don’t get me wrong, I still have anxious moments when I feel overwhelmed but sheesh…I am thankful not to be crying at the drop of a hat anymore. Those first weeks postpartum were rough. It was the same after I had Baylen…I remember wondering why no one had warned me about how emotional I would be! I think I cried almost every evening for really no particular reason except for those crazy hormones being out of whack…that coupled with pure exhaustion can be quite the recipe for lots of rides on the emotional roller coaster.

So now that I’m somewhat settled in that regard, I’ve had more time to think about my physical recovery. If you know me, you know that I like to work out. It’s my primary way to relieve stress. It’s also the primary reason that I’m able to eat cookies like the ones I shared yesterday…I very much believe in a balanced life. 🙂

Anyway, I started working out again when the girls were six weeks old, and that first trip to the gym was a doozy. I no longer had the bump to hide behind – I mean, when I was pregnant and working out, people were usually pretty quick to give me praises, so even when I felt HUGE toward the end of my pregnancy I was always greeted with smiles from strangers followed by those fun questions of “When are you due?” or “Girl or boy?” But it was a totally different experience going back after the girls were out. I walked in with my flabby stomach, still wearing the oversized workout gear that served as my maternity wardrobe, hoping to hide the flab. I know it sounds silly, but after looking in the mirror I had one of those moments when I felt like everyone was staring at my midsection, and I was completed humiliated. Satan was in my head and I couldn’t shake it. I quickly finished my workout, drove home, and called Jake in tears. Per usual, he was nothing but affirming, telling me that I was beautiful and it would get better.

The next time we went to the gym together, and he helped me get comfortable there again. Each time I go it has gotten easier, especially when I remember to say a prayer before I walk in – I love how God cares about us and wants us to feel beautiful! When I surrender my body image to Him, he changes my perspective every. single. time.

If you’ve given birth and have experienced anything similar to what I just described, I want to encourage you. YOU are beautiful. Each time you notice something about your body that is different than before you had your babies, praise God for it! Let those things be precious reminders of the blessing it is to go through childbirth, and the privilege it is to be a mommy. And give yourself grace. Most of us want to lose the baby weight and feel our best, but that doesn’t happen overnight. One day at a time, God will help us get to where we want to be.

I still have quite a ways to go until my body is where I want it, but having those extra inches is SO worth it because I get to hang out with these amazing kiddos!

How do you/did you keep your body image positive during those postpartum months? 

May you truly feel beautiful as you go about your day today!

Love,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!