I realize this post may be unintentionally controversial, and I’m not here to have a discussion about modesty & whether bikinis should be worn.
The fact of the matter is, occasionally, I wear them. Sometimes I don’t when I know I’ll be super active or prefer to have more coverage.
Many moms just tell themselves that after they have kids, that’s it…they will never be the “same”.
Well, that’s true. You’re forever changed…for the better. Your heart changes in all the best ways, and while yes, pregnancy & birth can leave their marks on our bodies, I believe that these are things that we should acknowledge, share, and celebrate.
I could easily run down the list…the belly button will never be quite the same as it was before being stretched & expanded to a breaking point 4 times…stretch marks are a reality for many, varicose veins for some, and the list of undesirable goes on…
But, at some point along the way, I realized that my kids deserve for me to:
a) Work hard to be at my best, for them. To not use anything as an excuse for taking care of myself, nutrition, exercise, rest, general self-care, and almost the most important, mental health habits that allow me to be a positive, present, (mostly) calm momma.
b) Be an example for them of joy, energy, health, loving the gifts of their life, including the body they have to care for. I witness this self-acceptance (especially important for my girls), and face my own demons, in working towards this everyday, gently & with intention.
Mommas, our bodies have done incredible things in creating, birthing, feeding and raising these humans. Let’s celebrate them, and build each other up as well (it makes me so sad to see moms sitting around telling each other about all their body & life complaints & then validating for each other that it’s ok to do nothing about it, and to stay frustrated & unhappy).
The 2 main tools I use in postpartum (well, starting in pregnancy) for my core strength, and fighting gravity and the “mummy tummy” is to rely on the Every Mother workout programs…for a strong core in pregnancy, which is key for birth and early recovery. They have an amazing early reclaim program that offers safe simple exercises (via an app) starting a week after birth–and then you can transition to their standard “reclaim” program at 6 weeks PP. The second tool I use (besides my full postpartum nutrition regimen, see here)…is the 7 day healthy cleanse, always after about 6 months PP. Here’s an example of how this helps me (in conjunction with the exercises) to fight bloating and unnecessary extra weight around the middle…resetting metabolism, digestion, and more in the months following baby.
This is safe to do in postpartum, with modifications.
These 2 tools, and the PP stretching series I created (below) have helped countless other mothers I know, and truly, it’s not just about looking good in a cute suit (though that’s important too). It’s about avoiding back pain, core weakness, tendencies to hernias, pelvic floor weakness, and so much more that comes with the territory (if we aren’t actively working on fitness & strength during childbearing seasons).
A mindset shift I like to make in pregnancy & postpartum is not bemoaning the inevitable changes to our bodies (which are many)…but in focusing in on what we CAN do…celebrating and being grateful for all that our bodies are doing to care for, support, grow, nurture these little perfect humans, as well as what we’re able to do for ourselves, our communities…it’s a simple but crucial shift. If you need to, start an affirmations list that includes the things that you’re grateful you can do–run after your kids in the yard,
I used to be a fitness junkie…I did HIIT almost every day after my 2nd chid…but with a less than strong core, it wasn’t entirely what my body needed. Mindul movement and gentle approaches to fitness and health in pregnancy & postpartum will serve us best in the long run. Of course, each person has a different starting point, and it’s good to celebrate the fact that our bodies are designed to recover well & be even stronger than before, with the right tools & support.
To all the mommas out there who are wondering whether they should show off the ways in which their children have changed them, my answer is YES. You are more beautiful than you may ever know. Look into their eyes and you’ll see the answer there…you’re their everything, and deserve to feel that way no matter what.
If you’re curious to try the Every Mother program, it’s literally never to late (or early) to heal or prevent diasistis recti & all the conditions that come with it.
You can access my link to the Every Mother program (best part–it’s all available on an app!) here.
And use code MPIDEL15 at checkout for 15% off.
If you want to check out the 7 day healthy cleanse, you can order your kit here, and email me hello@maddypidel.com to get your guide, meal plan, healthy modifications, and all the tools you need to get started.
Finally, check out this postpartum stretching series & postpartum body image chats series I recorded for all the moms who are in the same place, of looking to regain strength, confidence, groundedness, and vibrancy after birth.
You’re truly incredible momma, and you deserve to feel & look amazing! Vibrancy starts with the inside out, and that special glow & spark you bring to everything you do!
xx
maddy
PS, email me hello@maddypidel.com to learn about my new INSPIRED MOTHERHOOD coaching offerings, to help you live your motherhood, inspired.