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Post baby body

Bluelady-sing profile image
14 Replies

How long did it take to get back to how you were before?

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Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing
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14 Replies
MissEd profile image
MissEd

My lo is 13 months and im still 1 stone more than when i found out i was pregnant lol

Seb9 profile image
Seb9

I think this a really quite a horrid and insensitive question to ask of new mums.

Becoming a mother isn't about when you will get your body back! For some people they'll get it back quickly and for some it'll be hard work. For some it'll be never.

It could really upset people to read how easy some have found it if they're struggling with stuff like this already. Especially if they're already finding just being a mum hard.

I'm really hoping no one comes on here and answers with how long it took them as it could be hurtful to another mum.

Maybe post this on a weight loss or fitness forum where people are actually trying to lose weight?

cmbxm profile image
cmbxm in reply toSeb9

Think the last thing on a new mums mind should be weight loss! 🤦🏻‍♀️

Seb9 profile image
Seb9 in reply tocmbxm

I agree, the person that's posted this hasn't had a baby and isn't currently pregnant so she's not asking from the point of view that she is trying to get her body back. So maybe doesn't realise how this can be a really sensitive issue for mums.

Sevy571 profile image
Sevy571 in reply toSeb9

Hi Seb9, you've been very kind to me in other posts and comments so I feel comfortable in jumping in and adding a little contribution here :) I just wanna say that, I believe it is also part of the terrifying process for a future first-time mum, to wonder and ask about those things, before making the conscious decision of jumping in and having a baby. For me it is like a grieving process - before deciding to get pregnant by choice, I want to know what I might loose and how my life will change, and changes in the body can be huge and permanent, so I think it is a valid question. I mean, I can cope with things that happened out of my control, but taking the active decision to do something that will potentially incur big physical changes, that's a lot of responsibility to take, and it's one of the things that kept me frozen and unable to start a pregnancy. Women who don't have a child yet might have a distorted view of all teh horrible things pregnancy entials, without having any real proof that there will be rewards and good things too (such as how your priorities change once you hold your baby in your arms). So, from my point of view, such a question would never be asked in a way to make mums feel bad about their own body changes - even though I totally agree that from new mums' point of view it can indeed seem insensitive ^^ So I kind of understand where OP is coming from, because I was there myself (and sometimes still am ^^). I agree that this question would have better answers on a fitness forum, however on a fitness forum people might be insensitive to the fear-aspect of deciding to be pregnant, and so OP might receive an answer of "go ask that question on a pregnancy forum as most people here are not your parents anyway", or the such. I hope you see what I mean ^^

Seb9 profile image
Seb9 in reply toSevy571

I do see what you mean, but I really think there's a better way to maybe ask about how you cope with the changes to your body rather than to imply that we are all trying to get out bodies back the way they were.

Sevy571 profile image
Sevy571 in reply toSeb9

I see what you mean, indeed. More tactfulness in general is always a good thing, isn't it ^^

KayCan profile image
KayCan in reply toSeb9

Totally agree, theres enough pressure on new mums getting used to having this new person to look after, getting into routine etc. Personally, getting back into shape will come secondary to me, I've just grown a whole person for God's sake!! Well said Seb9 😘

cmbxm profile image
cmbxm in reply toKayCan

Let’s also be honest, a new mums body just grew a human so it’s never going to be the exact same again and as someone going through fertility problems I couldn’t care less how I look after as long as I get there, but there’s definitely a more tactful way to ask about the way your body changes over the course of pregnancy and post partum x

KayCan profile image
KayCan in reply tocmbxm

I'm exactly the same. My husband says how beautiful I look even though I'm the size of an elephant, and is in awe of what my body went through when we had our treatment. Don't get me wrong, I don't intend on sitting on my butt for the rest of my life and I will get back into fitness etc but I'm under no illusions that I will be like I was before!! And I'm ok with a few lumps and bumps, as I'm extremely proud of what my body has done, its kept a baby safe and nurtured for 8 months. Us ladies should be proud and not under pressure to look like a stick when we have just come out of the delivery suite xx

Bluelady-sing profile image
Bluelady-sing in reply toKayCan

I mean toileting etc...no we leaking etc

Seb9 profile image
Seb9 in reply toBluelady-sing

Again really insensitive way to ask a very personal question. Maybe have a think about what you're asking people and why you're asking them these questions. Incontinence after pregnancy is a really sensitive topic which people find really hard to talk about.

AngeAnge profile image
AngeAnge

I agree the wording could be better for this post. I have had two boys 5yrs apart, my youngest is 2 and I a l’m back at the weight I was pre-pregnancy. I am NOT the same shape though. And have serious image issues over my ‘shelf’ after two emergency c-sections. I am working through these. Friends of mind have slid strict back into their pre-pregnancy clothes. The recovery from child birth is different for everyone. And everyone will have different issues to deal with. Happy and healthy is the way ahead. If you want to wear your maternity pants for x amount of months/years. Do it. Just focus on healthy and happy xx

kellyormerod profile image
kellyormerod

Before getting pregnant this was a question that I was really concerned about too but gone after going through pregnancy and birth you realise it’s not important at all because your body just grew a whole human being, pushed it out and starts to produce milk to nurture the child.

Watch YouTube videos of people after birth and you get a more realistic view of what your body will look like after birth. This helped me. Ignore Instagram completely as it is completely unrealistic.

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