Postpartum body image

Your postpartum body soon after birth

Like many other stages in the perinatal journey, there’s great variation in how our bodies physically adjust to pregnancy. This is also true of postnatal body changes that happen weeks, months and even years after giving birth.

Our postpartum bodies can take some time to adjust. It is important to go gently and to be kind to yourself as you recover both physically and emotionally from your birth. 

Here are some common experiences reported by new mums:

• Feeling pride for what their body has achieved while also not feeling comfortable in their skin
• Grief for their pre-baby body
• Not feeling as if their body "belongs" to them anymore
• Feeling insecure when comparing their bodies to new mothers online or in their mothers' groups or friend circle.
• Torn between wanting to prioritise their own needs and the demands of caring for their babies.

Try not to place too much pressure or expectations on yourself and how you look. Of course, in today’s society where mothers face extreme pressure to “bounce back”  this can be easier said than done. 

Remember, however, that much of what you see on social media isn’t reality – and many celebrities have a support system of chefs, personal trainers and nannies.

Your postpartum body in the months following birth

Adjusting to parenthood often results in changes to your usual patterns of eating, sleeping and leisure time – as well as most other facets of life! You may find yourself eating more, due to there being less structure in your day. Others may turn to comfort-eating. For some, the stress and demands of parenthood can mean skipping meals as there’s less time to eat properly. Breastfeeding can also impact women differently, leading to weight loss in many women but not in others.

"I lost a lot of weight while breastfeeding – too much! I wasn’t expecting that. I had to focus on eating well so I didn’t become too thin."

As a result, while some people may remain similar in size and/or shape after pregnancy and having a baby, others may experience significant weight loss or weight gain. These changes to our bodies and body image can impact our energy levels and self-esteem.

There are many things we can do to look after ourselves during and after pregnancy. In particular, this includes eating well and exercising if you feel able to – both of which are great not only for our energy levels and self-esteem, but also for the prevention and even treatment of mild postnatal depression.

"On the days I felt down about my stretch marks or saggy boobs, I tried to remember the amazing things my body had done to give me my beautiful baby. It wasn’t always easy though."

For many parents, however, depending on your other commitments, priorities and available time and resources – this may not be possible, nor your highest priority. And that’s completely okay.

Adjusting to your postpartum body is likely to require some level of self-acceptance as there may be short, medium- or long-term changes in the way your body looks and feels.

While your body may not feel like yours, in time it will. 

Finding help for postnatal body changes

For some women, body changes after birth can have a significant impact on their wellbeing and mood. If you’re struggling, please know that you’re not alone and help is available.

You can find a health professional skilled in the treatment of body image concerns on the COPE Directory.