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Pregnancy is an incredible experience, but it can also be a life-altering situation for women. Most of the time, the effects of pregnancy don’t just end with the labor for the moms. The postpartum recovery period can take months, not just weeks. This period will even vary from person to person.
But many women will want to bounce back quickly after pregnancy. This is often an unrealistic expectation that society places on their shoulders, so understanding what can actually be done and what cannot be done is essential. Thankfully, this post has outlined three of the main tips that moms have to remember when they begin to bounce back after pregnancy.
Set Realistic Goals for Yourself
With social media presenting everyone’s best moments at the click of a button, it is difficult to be realistic with your progress. You might see some moms go back to their old routines within a month or two of giving birth and wonder if you should be doing the same, but you mustn’t compare yourself to others.
Everyone’s journey is different, and getting your pre-pregnancy body back will take time and effort. You cannot expect to lose all of your baby weight within a few weeks, and expecting this to happen can lead to frustration and negative thoughts about yourself. Instead, you should set a pace that suits you best; this should be comfortable and promote good health for you and your young baby.
Remember Body Changes are Normal
A lot of changes occur during pregnancy, and many of these changes will affect your body. After all, growing and birthing a baby is no small feat. However, this can make many women feel self-conscious, and these changes are not quick to reverse once you have gone through labor. In fact, some changes that your body has experienced, like broadened hips and stretch marks, might even stay long-term. For some new mothers, this will greatly affect their self-esteem.
Making gradual changes once you have been cleared by your doctor can help you tone your muscles and regain strength. Completing the right exercises can help to reduce the loose skin you might notice on your abdomen. You should prioritize cardio and strength training; both types of physical activity can help you lose fat as well as tone muscles. Building an exercise routine is important for more than just the physical benefits; it will help you mentally, too.
But if you struggle with a noticeable bulge or sagging belly, you might opt a tummy tuck. This is common for women experience diastasis recti, which is a condition that involves the separation of the abdominal muscles, or loose skin. You should consult an expert before undergoing this procedure; for example, Dr. Brandon Ball, a plastic surgeon, will check the condition of your stomach muscles and how much excess fat and loose skin you have before proceeding.
Ask for Help
Not only will you have high expectations for your physical appearance, you might also think you should be a one-woman show. There’s no such thing as being the perfect mother, though, and you should ask for help when you need it. It’s normal to lean on other people after you have given birth. Asking for help might be needed more frequently for some mothers, but everyone’s experience is different.
You should not feel ashamed asking for help. It is important that you take care of yourself to ensure your baby is happy and healthy, and receiving help from your family and friends can ease the burden. This will stop you from becoming overwhelmed too.
To conclude, it will take time to bounce back after pregnancy, but this doesn’t mean its impossible. With the correct expectations, you will have an easier time accepting your body and working towards making improvements.
Image Credit: depositphotos.com
