Body image

[SpringCrane]

I'm having a tough time with body image post baby #2. I just want to whine about it. I'm trying hard to love my body and appreciate it for giving me two beautiful, healthy boys. And I've been feeling pretty good about things... until recently when I've been trying to find some dresses for special events this summer and everything just looks frumpy on me. And my boobs are just stupid big for my frame and I can't find a single bra that makes them look nice. I'm naturally slim, but I'm so soft and toneless that I just look ridiculous. I've had a few weeks of success with staying consistent with exercise but life just gets in the way. I know I'm not even 3 months postpartum, I know it's totally shallow to be worrying about it, and I know no one here can magically make my body perfectly how I want... but I still want to just whine about it.

 

[Starlight32]

I'm having body image problems too. I'm only 9 days postpartum and down to my normal weight but still look pregnant. I have a belly above my csection incision. I'm hoping it goes down with time but it doesn't look like it's really gotten any smaller despite being at my normal non pregnant weight.

 

[jessmke]

I'm having the same problem. We are getting married in September and I thought that would be plenty of time to get my figure back but I just don't see that happening at this rate. It's not for lack of trying, I exercise a lot and eat healthy, my body is just hanging onto this flabby belly and thunder thighs for dear life! I've had to order a back up dress for my wedding because I don't think I have any hope in hell of fiting into my original dress which is quite form fitting. Luckily we are having a very casual wedding at our house so I am not having to buy fancy, expensive dresses. It also doesn't help that my LO now refuses to nurse on the left side so now my right boob is substantially and ridiculously larger than my left. Not feeling great about my appearance these days!

 

[AP]

Oh honey I think you know, it's only 3 months, you are putting massive pressure on yourself!
Exercise is hard to keep to if your heart isn't in it. l could not shift any weight until I found something I truly loved. Why not consider other forms of exercise you haven't thought about? I do pole fitness, one of my friends does clubbercise, and these are great fun alternatives to the gym.

Complaining about it is not shallow, and of course we are entering that time of year where people don't cover up at much - so it is hard not to be thinking about our own body image.

Don't do any drastic diets- you need your energy to keep up with the kiddies!

 

[Marumi]

Yes what the PP said. After 3 months we are all still squishy and soft . It normalizes with every month. After about 9 I felt back to normal without excercise.
I also have the boob problem, but these will also shrink down a bit with time even while nursing Once my lo started solids they even shrank back to normal.

 

[LoveCakes]

For the special events why not try support underwear? I could never feel comfortable in it but have friends who said its a fantastic confidence boost.

Also go and get measured properly for a new bra its amazing what a difference it makes. I'm a dd normally and an f during pregnancy so know how important the right support and shape is

The other thing maybe would be to get your hair cut or nails done its often these things that add to the whole look and if you feel better you'll look better too

 

[Left wonderin]

I'm so glad you made this post and I'm not alone . This is baby #2 for me . 3 month s pp and I feel disgusting ! My boobs are huge !!! My bum matches them and as for the jelly belly !! Uck !!! ...... I just try not think about it .. Its hard finding things to wear so am living in sweatpants and leggings ... I need a makeover !!

 

[Spudtastic]

Me too. I can't even look in the mirror so when I go into our bathroom or in a room with a mirror I look down.
I know it comes down to me to do something about it though but it can be so hard when you have a new baby.