Body image is a huge concern for a majority of new moms.

Some women are more than okay with their pregnant bodies. But there are many others who are shocked at, and sometimes in complete denial of, the changes their bodies may be going through. Pregnancy is a big deal because your body is subjected to hormonal changes and physical adjustments that prepare it for the baby. As a pregnancy progresses, breasts grow, uterus expands, feet grow slightly larger and skin suffers for the worst. And these are just the physical changes. Also, many women experience increased fatigue, food cravings and mood swings.

Your Post-Pregnancy Body Is Still Yours!

After the baby is born, it is possible to get back to their non-pregnant shape. It does take a bit of hard work i.e. exercise complimented by the right diet. How soon it happens depends on how high you prioritize it. Some moms prefer to enjoy their new found mommy status and take a year to get back in shape, while others are back in pre-pregnancy form within 6 to 8 weeks. There is no right or wrong, it depends on your priorities and lifestyle.

Don’t beat yourself up for not having toned abs within a week of delivering a baby. Remember, your body has been through plenty and needs time to recuperate. Instead, rest and sleep when you can.

The American Pregnancy Association recommends exercising as an effective way to help get the pre-pregnancy shape back.

Celebrate Your New Body!

A distorted body image post-pregnancy usually has its root in critical comments on body image at a young age. That’s why it can be difficult to change these perceptions during pregnancy. However it is completely possible to feel positive about yourself by understanding why you look the way you do and what you can do to look the way you want to look!

Here are some ideas to help you accept your amazing pregnant body:

• Focus on your baby. Your body is getting ready to help your baby grow and develop.

• Talk about how you feel. Keeping it all bottled up isn’t productive at all.

• Get some exercise. It can help clear your mind and get the attention off the negative aspects of your body.

• Do self-massage. This will help you become more familiar and accommodating of your changing body.

• Seek out counselling, if all else fails.

Your body is stronger post-pregnancy. Sure things may have shifted south just a little, but there’s nothing a good belly band can’t fix. Use the right abdominal binders to get your tummy back in the pre-pregnancy position, exercise, and eat healthy. Take a look at the selection of products and advice for new moms here at Belly Bands, Australia’s leading belly binders!