Having a baby is a very exciting and emotional time in your life. Bringing another person into this world can be one of the most memorable experiences that one can have. This can also be a time when you don’t feel as beautiful as you did before you were pregnant. This can be caused by those raging hormones, stretch marks and the extra weight that you packed on during your pregnancy.

I remember when I first came home from the hospital with my new baby. I was so excited to finally have him home. I was still very much sore and could hardly walk after my C-Section. So my mother decided to stay with me for a while. I was so emotional that I broke down crying to my mother. I remember looking in the mirror naked and could not hold back the tears. So I turned to my mother for comfort and said “What has happened to my body”. My mother quickly responded without any hesitation that “You have just had major surgery and brought another life into this world. Your body needs time to heal.” Although I see now that she was correct, at the time I really didn’t see my body getting back to the way it was before pregnancy. Even now it is not 100% like it was before. I have just learned to accept and embrace my new body. There are several things that I did to help my body to recover close to what it was before.

Getting Your Body Back After Pregnancy:

Exercise, exercise, exercise. Once the doctor gives you the okay to exercise get to it! Exercise will help to clear your mind and improve your body. It also helps to stay active during pregnancy so that your body will snap back quicker. This will also help to maintain a healthy pregnancy weight.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will not only be good for you, but if you are breastfeeding it will provide nutrients your baby needs also.

Moisturize your skin during and after pregnancy. Cocoa butter worked wonders for me during and after pregnancy. There are also many creams that you can try. It is not proven that they prevent stretch marks but moisturized skin feels so much better.

After pregnancy wear a tummy band to help the stomach get back to its original size.

Surround yourself with positive people and be positive yourself. Being around happy people will lift your spirit and your mood.

Breastfeed your baby. Breastfeeding provides vitamins and minerals your baby needs and it will also help you to burn extra calories. In addition it will work those stomach muscles to help it snapback in no time!

Continue to take your prenatal vitamins if you are breastfeeding. This will also help to make sure your baby gets the nutrients that they need.

Drink plenty of water. It is important to stay hydrated during and after pregnancy especially if you are breastfeeding.

If you are depressed after the baby or having thoughts of hurting your child call your doctor immediately.

Remember it took 40 weeks for your body to get that way. So give it that much time to get back to normal.

Make time for yourself. After the baby it is very important to have “Me time”. Use this time to go shopping, pamper yourself, or have lunch with your friends.

Above all understand that having a baby is a major change in your life and for your body. Even if your body is not exactly how it was before the baby embrace the way it is now. Every woman is beautiful, so just work with what you have and love the new you. Your baby will love you regardless of how your body looks; just think of the sacrifice that you have already made for your child.