I have a confession to make. Last summer was the first time in almost 15 years that I was brave enough to wear a bikini. After having 4 kids, I was unhappy with my body and didn’t want to show all of my imperfections (i.e. my belly rolls, stretch marks, thigh dimples, leg veins etc.). But last year, I put all my insecurities aside, and I had a new-found confidence about my body.
And no, I did not lose a bunch of weight or get a make-over. The major difference was my mindset. I decided that although I had not reached my ideal weight, I was going to appreciate the body that I had. And having a positive self-image was really all that it took for me to start loving my body.
So here are 5 things I would tell my pre-mommy self to prepare her for a post-pregnancy body:
Appreciate the now.
When I was 25, I wish I had my 20-year-old body. When I was 30, I wish I had my 25-year-old body, and when I was 40 I wish I had my 30-year-old body. Don’t waste so much time thinking about the body you had. Spend more time appreciating the body you have.
Change your mindset.
I have friends of all shapes and sizes that would not hesitate to put on a bikini and wear it confidently. If you start with loving yourself inside, you will also love yourself on the outside.
Embrace your curves.
As you mature, your body is going to change. Every stretch mark and wrinkle tell the story of your journey. Love your journey and love your curves.
Turn your pain into purpose.
Take Action! If you’re not happy about your body, don’t just complain about it…do something about it.
Talk to others.
When you open up and talk to other women about the changes you’re experiencing, you will find that you are not alone. Sharing with other women will help you put things into perspective and will make you feel comforted.
Since we’re speaking of post-pregnancy bodies, did you know that 1 in 3 women experience bladder leaks1? Or that African American women experience bladder leaks at a rate of 1 in 21? Also, women who experience bladder leaks feel 9 years older than are1.
But perhaps, they would not feel that way if they shared with other women about what they are experiencing in their bodies. (As a side note: When I told my friends that I would be talking about the stigma around bladder leaks and how Always Discreet pads and liners provide superior bladder protection, at least half of them shared that they experienced bladder leaks after childbirth. I was so shocked…I never knew that.)
Bladder leaks, stretch marks, or belly fat….none of these things should stop you from living your best life.
Having a sensitive bladder not only affects your confidence, but it can affect your style and your relationships. But as women, we don’t have to compromise. These days, products such as Always Discreet pads and liners not only provide great protection, they provide the right form and fit to allow you to live confidently despite having a sensitive bladder. Bladder leaks, stretch marks, or belly fat….none of these things should stop you from living your best life.
At a conference on Saturday, a woman walked up to me and said: “I just wanted to tell you that you are beautiful.” Normally, I would have started to fidget. I would have given a goofy smile, snorted out a goofy laugh, and found a reason to return the compliment. Then, I would have hightailed it outta there because I wouldn’t want anyone watching me. But I didn’t do any of those things. I just smiled and said “Thank you!” because I am confident enough to receive compliments now. So, to my pre-mommy self I say, “Always be confident in being you!”
BMWK – If you could go back in time, what would you tell your pre-mommy self about your body?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Always. The opinions and text are all mine.
1Fem Care AI analysis – Nielson Homescan Panel ending Mach 2012 looking a Fem Care purchases in HH 50+ that have no teenagers at home.