4 Ways to reConnect with Your Body After Giving Birth

I am always amazed at the power of birthing bodies. Our bodies hold life, our DNA mingles with another being’s DNA. Our skin stretches to accommodate the growing organs, the new organ, the shifting and re-arranging of our internal structure. Our bones give and adjust, our tendons and ligaments stretch. Did I mention that WE GROW A NEW ORGAN??

Our bodies also grow the new bones, organs, skin, muscles, and fat of the babies we gestate. For those of us who choose to body feed, we feed our child perfect nutrition from our bodies - THIS IS SOME POTENT AND MAGICAL SHIT.

So, why is there so much pressure to go back to our pre-pregnancy figures when we have done so much amazing and powerful growing?

Society tells us we’re too fat
Our boobs are too saggy
Our stretch marks should be hidden
the jiggle of our bellies is ugly
We should be snatched
we should “bounce back”

I call bullshit. AND I would be lying if I don’t look at my naked body in the mirror and wish it were different. I’ve absolutely scolded the ways in which my belly hangs over my pubic mound, days I wish my boobs were less downward facing and more perky. It’s a process and we’re all doing our best.

If you gave birth last week, last month or ten years ago and are still gazing at your body with a critical eye, I offer you moments of appreciation and gratitude. I offer you to be curious and work towards gratitude.