Today I cried. At 3+ months postpartum, I’m feeling like Regina George because sweatpants are all that fit me right now! This is my second baby in under 15 months and I guess it is taking a little longer for my body to recover after 2 c-sections. I am learning to accept it, although I try to fit into my pre-pregnancy ultra skinny jeans once a week and I get a little sad when they don’t fit. And yes, it is a little frustrating sometimes to look at myself in the mirror and see a wide waist that once was 24 inches and see flabby skin with stretch marks across my lower abs.
I cried, not because I feel ugly or overweight, I cried because it can be discouraging when you don’t fit into clothes that once did. But Dear C-Section Mama: It is OK to cry! At least for a minute, let it OUT. Because unlike many women I’ve heard of that fit into their jeans right after their natural birth, we simply won’t be able to fit into our jeans for a couple of weeks AND that is OK.
Why? Because a c-section is a surgery that leaves you swollen for a couple of weeks or months. It takes us mamas longer to recover our body because our bodies take a moment to realize that there is no longer a baby inside. Yes, you may be sore for a couple of weeks but this too shall pass! And THANK the LORD for c-sections, because without it, I don’t think my firstborn son would be here.
So what can you do in the meantime instead of moping around? Embrace your superwoman body that hosted a tiny human for 9 months. View those stretch marks as a lovely reminder of growing a strong and healthy baby. However, if you feel like crying once in a while, it is OK, but then wipe your tears away, look in that mirror and say THANK YOU belly for bringing me the joy of mamahood!
Before we know it, you and I will fit into those skinny jeans. Until then, rock dresses, yoga pants (typical #momlifer), cool mom tees, etc. But best of all, don’t forget to rock a big ol’ smile, that shows off your pearly whites because being a mom is the most rewarding unpaid job title this world has to offer.
Below are photos from a Sunday after church with my big “baby”, Caleb Beau. Special thanks to my husband for making me feel like the sexiest woman alive in all of my phases and big thanks to Pink Blush for making me feel lovely in all their clothes in every stage of motherhood! (Black Dress by ShopPinkBlush.com)
Disclosure: I have been gifted clothes by PinkBlush as part of being a brand ambassador. Although the product was a gift, all opinions in this review remain my own and I was in no way influenced by the company.
What an encouragement. My first was a csection too. It is mega surgery after hosting a baby for 9+ months our body goes through. It’s powerful!
I’m tucking all your words of self love away to remind myself for after this baby #4 in just a few weeks. Love this body who has carried 4 babies full term and has birthed both through surgery and through my vagina (sorry if that’s too blunt? Lol) I need to remember to love this temple when I’m going through the post partum stage. Also, you are beautiful!
Thank you Sarah! And LOL never too blunt when it comes to birth and motherhood! 🙂
Thank you for sharing you heart and you look amazing!
Thank you sweet sweet Bethany! ♡
What an honest look into post baby body! I’ve definitely felt the same way. Thanks for sharing 💗
I loved your perspective on giving thanks for what your body did for you and child. I too have to remind myself of the amazing things my body has done, even though it won’t ever be the same. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in that!
you look lovely lady! it’s so hard to feel good after our surgeries, but with time, our bodies will go back (let’s hope), in the meantime, I have found high waisted jeans help tuck it all in. Pretty sure I was swollen for months after the 2nd c section.
I LOVE high-waisted jeans! Thanks so much Selmira.
Such a great post! I’ve had three csections, and I feel like my body takes longer to get back each time. I have to remind myself it took 9 months to grow that sweet baby, and that it’s going to take time to get my body back.
I felt the same way!! Not gonna lie I still do. I used to tear myself apart for the longest time, i am able to remind my self a bit more that i went thorough a big thing. Love this post so much!! Your such a gorgeous Mama
Mama you look gorgeous! I never had a c section but I think this article is great and appreciate your words of encouragement to other moms. let’s help lift each other up!
That means a lot! Thanks Kim! #MotherhoodUnited
I haven’t had a c-section, but have friends who have. You are beautiful, momma! Thanks for sharing!