Body after baby

abteamb · January 2016

So it's getting close to me being six weeks PP and DH is very happy that we're going to be intimate again. However, I've become super self conscious about my body after baby. I especially have a hard time with my tummy. I've never had a big tummy despite being curvy. I still have stretch marks that have not faded. Anyways, I'm just insecure that I don't look the way I did before. Anyone else feeling this way and hesitant about being intimate again?!

heatherkennedy021 · January 2016

Me!!!! I feel self conscious about everything it takes me a million hours to find something to wear if I have to put something on other than PJ's....

brittbee0715 · January 2016

I definitely am. I got a lot of stretch marks when I was pregnant and now my tummy looks all stretched out and flabby. I don't feel cute at all. Also just the thought of being intimate makes my lady part hurt. Idk when I'll be comfortable being intimate again

Mizuiro007 · January 2016

I'm struggling with this which surprises me after my first pregnancy. I struggled finding clothes that fit because of weight gain but it really didn't bother me with intimacy. This time it's the opposite. I'm down to my previous size and shape so it isn't the same struggle finding clothes, however I'm now extremely self conscious of hubby seeing me without clothes. I was just honest with him that after two pregnancies in two years I'm flabby, saggy, and most things leak. This does not lend well to feeling sexy.

redfallon · January 2016

I've never had a flat belly, but I got a "pregnancy apron" after my first baby that never went away and of course, I still have it after DS. My belly is going down, but isn't gone, and with another 30 lbs to lose, it will be a while before it goes down to an acceptable look for me. It doesn't really bother me too much as far as being intimate.

This is a "pregnancy apron" - the belly that hangs down

Image: https://liposuction-abroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pilvo_plastika3.jpg

thatgirlree24 · January 2016

I struggle too with my belly but this is my third. It never really went down after the first due to a section and having an infection and not being able to exercise for three mos afterwards. That's why it's good to exercise right away (of course with permission from doctor and if you're feeling good) I envy those who haven't had a single stretch mark and go back to having a flat belly

Court11152325 · January 2016

For me I've had to reframe how I think about myself. DH wants to be intimate, for me that speaks to the fact that he still finds me sexy. And now I have huge boobs, off limits huge boobs, but they make me feel kind of sexy. So I guess I've been finding new things about myself that I like. I have a pregnancy apron, but my body grew a human and is now feeding it. That's pretty awesome.

neanerbeaner4 · January 2016

We just got the all clear today and I think my husband is beyond excited. It's been monthsssss. I only gained around 18-20 pounds (which I've somehow lost on my diet of pretzels and soda) but it was enough that my stomach was uncomfortable from about 5-6 months, so it's been since then that we've done anything in our bed that wasn't passing out immediately, or, lately, getting up to check LO. I'm kind of excited, kind of scared that things will be very different down there or possibly painful.

ammnam14 · January 2016

I've always had a tight stomach so now that I have a flabby tummy it's very discouraging for me. I know my husband is counting down the days until I'm cleared (heck, so am I) but I'm going to be so darn self conscious! Even now I change into my PJs in the restroom because I'm embarrassed. DH loves me no matter what but it's still uncomfortable for me. Maybe wear a tank or somethin during.

katy4128 · January 2016

I think it is harder for me this time around because I know how long it took to get my tummy back to not being huge. I also have a zillion stretch marks and a pregnancy apron. Two csections less than two years apart. I guess that's what I get plus two super cute little dudes!

lalg28 · January 2016

I'm more afraid because I've heard it can be painful. I was already fat so that's no big lol.

ACarter0914 · January 2016

My stomach is my biggest issue. I'm only two weeks PP and I look way better then I did after I had my daughter but I'm really worried I'll never feel good about my stomach again.

BrookeBrown2015 · February 2016

thatgirlree24 said:

I struggle too with my belly but this is my third. It never really went down after the first due to a section and having an infection and not being able to exercise for three mos afterwards. That's why it's good to exercise right away (of course with permission from doctor and if you're feeling good) I envy those who haven't had a single stretch mark and go back to having a flat belly

Wait, whattt? There's a window of opportune time to exercise and get results and I may have missed it?!!

angelicac06 · February 2016

In a way I'm relieved I have to keep my nursing tank on due to leaking as it covers my belly and buys me more time but how sexy can that be?

ammnam14 · February 2016

How does one find the time to exercise?! I'm lucky if I shower and eat. DH has a mini gym in the garage but when in the world will I have time to get in there? I fit into a few pairs of pre pregnancy jeans but they were big to begin with. Plus, all of my shirts from pre preg are tight..because that's how I liked it. Not anymore with this pooch! I need a new wardrobe lol.

BrookeBrown2015 · February 2016

ammnam14 said:

How does one find the time to exercise?! I'm lucky if I shower and eat. DH has a mini gym in the garage but when in the world will I have time to get in there? I fit into a few pairs of pre pregnancy jeans but they were big to begin with. Plus, all of my shirts from pre preg are tight..because that's how I liked it. Not anymore with this pooch! I need a new wardrobe lol.

I need a new wardrobe too! Know where I can find some flowy shirts?? I go to the YMCA some days and lo goes to the day care there while I work out- usually spin class if I can make it on time and then I shower there too when I go there. Lots of gyms have day cares. I only pay $35 a month for a family membership at the Y, which is the low income rate though. If you live near a YMCA, I recommend it! I love the Y!

oregonmommy-2 · February 2016

I started doing Alexajeanfitness 30 day ab challenge and so far I'm loving it! It's only about 15 minutes 4 days a week! I do it at night after my LO goes down and before I get in the shower! It's my first baby and I only gained 30 pounds and lost 26 so far I just want my stomach to be toned. I work at a hospital so I'm sure I'll loose more weight when I go back to work from all the walking I do..

ammnam14 · February 2016

BrookeBrown2015 said:

ammnam14 said:

How does one find the time to exercise?! I'm lucky if I shower and eat. DH has a mini gym in the garage but when in the world will I have time to get in there? I fit into a few pairs of pre pregnancy jeans but they were big to begin with. Plus, all of my shirts from pre preg are tight..because that's how I liked it. Not anymore with this pooch! I need a new wardrobe lol.

I need a new wardrobe too! Know where I can find some flowy shirts?? I go to the YMCA some days and lo goes to the day care there while I work out- usually spin class if I can make it on time and then I shower there too when I go there. Lots of gyms have day cares. I only pay $35 a month for a family membership at the Y, which is the low income rate though. If you live near a YMCA, I recommend it! I love the Y!

We are building our own mini gym just to save on a monthly gym membership otherwise I would love to go to the Y! I have no idea where flowy shirts would be available lol but I need some as well.

laurabwalker · February 2016

Am lower than pre pregnancy due to BF and no dairy but my tummy is soft, so I will need to exercise but not till after 10 weeks I think for me. And my baby will have to take a bottle lol

preggoandglowing · February 2016

I also need a whole new wardrobe. Some of my clothes might fit me but I just don't like anything anymore. My problem is how on earth am I going to go shopping with a baby? I've always hated trying on clothes and now dealing with the stroller, crying baby, feeding and diaper changes.. ugh no thanks!

teachmegs817 · February 2016

I'm back to my pre-pregnancy weight, but my body is def. not the same it was before. I worked out pretty regularly before I got pregnant, and was purposeful in going to the gym. I didn't want to just get pregnant and realize I was out of shape. Working out was a part of our trying to conceive plan. My stomach, butt, and arms need toning. I went back to the gym twice already, but that was 2 weeks ago. I haven't been since and I start back to work next Thursday. I want to get back into some sort of work out routine, and may have to invest in a few weights and maybe some videos to do at home, because I have no idea when I will find the time to go.

I have zero drive to be intimate at this point and it's not because I don't feel sexy. I do have a new appreciation for my mom body, and I don't hate how I look. I feel bad for DH because I got the okay last week to have sex again and he knows this. He thinks that the green light for me, means we're back on how we were pre-baby. I wasn't one of those horny pregnant ladies either, so DH really started getting used to less intimacy shortly after I got the BFP. =/ Hoping it comes back soon.

Gingermom15 · February 2016

I'm down to pre pregnancy weight but for some reason most of my old jeans don't fit past my thighs. I'm useless at clothes shopping, it's boring and I hate it. I don't even have a new coat yet this winter because I can't stand shopping. SO picked out all of my maternity clothes and did a good job, looks like I'll be dragging him out of the house soon.

esscapelle · February 2016

Had a breakdown with DH last night re: my body and weight. Tears and all. I gained 45lbs during my pregnancy and I have 15 left to lose now to get to pre-pregnancy weight. My old jeans won't even button up. I'm too scared to try on my work pants and I go back in a month. I haven't worked out (seriously who has time for that) but went to the mall today for the first time to get some walking in (I live in a cold state so no outside walking right now) and I did lots of laps but only could do it for an hour before it got incredibly boring.

I know I shouldn't be in a rush to lose the weight...my LO is only 7 weeks old for goodness sake...but I didn't realize how emotional I would be about not fitting into my old clothes so soon.

Holdmomma · February 2016

I am back in my post pregnancy clothes that I wore with my first, though my weight is no where near what it as pre pregnancy I feel pretty good most days. I gained over 40 pounds (I quit looking after a while), but started off with a very low BMI so my doctor never batted an eyelash at my weight.

I made the mistake of jumping back into running too quickly with my first and paid for it with lots of injuries. This time I am focusing on walking and doing yoga to strengthen my core before doing high impact exercise. As far as finding time, I walk with baby in a carrier or both kids in our double Bob stroller. Most afternoons I pull out the yoga mat while my older one is sleeping and put baby on a blanket near the top of the mat. I can do most poses with him cooing at me while I practice. Plus he is great motivation to hold a plank when he is smiling at me under my arms.

I keep having to remind remind myself that it is more about being healthy than fitting into old clothes. Also, with my first I did eventually lose all the baby weight plus some, and felt stronger than ever before getting pregnant again. I never dieted, just followed my passion for running and entered a few races which made it fun. I did it before and will do it again when the timing is right.

caketimes · February 2016

I just went back to my personal trainer at 8 weeks PP with an ambitious plan of toning and working on a couch-5k... She quickly discouraged the c-5k idea until my core is back, which will take a few months and is a bummer. For now I will walk daily (as long as LO will tolerate and the weather continues to be above freezing) and I will do about 10 minutes of ab work after baby goes down. It's not a fast fix, and I am very scared of having no clothes to wear by the time I go back to work, but I can understand exercising caution in the high impact work out department.

Holdmomma · February 2016

@caketimes I ended up in weeks of physical therapy for a disk injury to my back while training for a half marathon after my last baby. My PT made me start from scratch with Kegels and pelvic bridges to to tone my pelvic floor. He basically said that my core was crap because of baby (this was over a year after delivery), and I would continue to reinjure myself until I took care of my core. My PT explained that my larger muscle groups were overcompensating for a weak core, but the tiny muscles that help provide balance and stability were not working in unison with the rest of the muscles.

I begrudgly switched my half marathon to a 10k, and looked for a new Half to enter once I healed up. It was the best decision I made. I won my 10k, and set a PR on my half marathon.

The lesson I learned was that pregnancy takes a lot more than 6 weeks to recover from. When the OB says you can resume normal activities they don't actually mean you can go work out at the intensity that you used to.

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