Learning to Love Body after Baby

I recently took part in a series by  Burlington VT Moms Blog called Body After Babies, "Redefining Beauty". I was happy to be a part of this and for me it was a celebration of my body and the amazing thing that it did, grow my children!

After Chase I gained a lot of weight. I was at the heaviest I had been. My skin was squishy, I had cellulite now in areas I wasn't fond of. For awhile I didn't notice it. I was too busy enjoying my first born. I also fell into the myth that if you are nursing you will also loose weight. I wasn't fortunate to be one of those women who could indulge a bit here and there and get away with it. I actually lost all the baby weight initially, then put on more. When Chase was around a year I looked in the mirror and knew I had to do something about my new body.

I started with watching my portion sizes and limiting the not so clean stuff that was going into me. I began to lose weight pretty quickly just practicing a few good habits. I also used My Fitness Pal to help track what I was eating. After a couple months I worked in exercising. I did some at home work out video's, walking, and started a bit of running. It took about 6 months but I dropped 30 pounds. It wasn't easy. Nor was or is it easy to maintain. I continue to try my best to eat well and exercise. Don't get me wrong, I sure do indulge! For me I needed to have a cheat day. I love food. I enjoy a drink or two (okay so maybe more than two sometimes). Fridays are my indulge day. We usually order out and I try to get something sweet from the bakery as well.  Saturdays I try to follow my normal weekday eating, but also am sure I have some dessert. I need these moments of indulgent. And hell, I sure deserve them! That's my balance. It has worked well for me and I have been doing this for 2 years.

When I got pregnant with my second son I did worry about all the work I put in. How that would change my body I worked hard at achieving. I stuck to my diet the best I could and continued to be active. This time around it has been easier to lose the weight and I feel better about myself. There are still area's that I want to work on. There will always be those. I am not perfect and I never will be. I am okay with this.

Having babies changes your body. After two children I know that my body has taken on a different form, so to say. I have a scar from having both boys by c- section. That is something that will always be there. I look at my boys and know that every change is worth it. I think it is important for women to be proud and not ashamed. Look at yourself and your new body and embrace it! If you aren't happy then work for what you want. Change does not happen overnight, have patience! I believe you can always have what you want, if you believe you can!