Pregnant women experience voluminous hair, glowing skin, and a cute baby bump, but once baby arrives, these pregnancy benefits quickly disappear. Combined with limited sleep, changing hormones, and a postpartum body, it can be difficult for many individuals to adapt to their new and changing bodies.
1. Buy the Right Bra
Throughout pregnancy, a woman’s breasts change in size, often growing more full and perky. After the birth of her child, the breasts continue to grow, especially if she decides to breastfeed. In fact, a woman’s breasts can increase two to three times in size during lactation.
For many, bigger breasts are considered a beautiful asset, but for a lactating mother, the constant change in size can be a challenge. An additional challenge for a lactating mother includes some pain and sensitivity with breast engorgement. These two variables can make finding the right bra difficult.
By working with a professional lactation consultant to better understand how your breasts change throughout your breastfeeding experience, you will become more aware of what to expect, and receive great information on how to best support your breasts.
A lactation consultant can provide recommendations for the different nursing bras on the market and have a knowledgeable understanding of what other mothers prefer. Seeking professional lactation care at an office or in-home with an IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultant) can help guide your breastfeeding journey and help with any unanticipated obstacles.
An important aspect to consider when selecting the right nursing bra is ensuring that your nursing bra does not have underwire, as that can impede the healthy flow of milk through your milk ducts.
2. Purchase Clothes that Fit
Despite the pressure to “bounce back” from pregnancy and after giving birth, this is impractical. Women’s bodies need time to heal as they continue to nourish and provide for their child(ren). For some individuals, it can be difficult to justify spending money on clothes that fit their current bodies.
Even if you plan on returning to pre-baby weight, your body shape will still have changed, and returning to your previous size takes time. It is important that a person can feel comfortable and beautiful in their clothing, especially with all of the other changes and stresses that they are experiencing after the birth of a new child.
It is important to dress your body not how it was, or the hope of what it will be, but how it is now. When you forget about the size and instead focus on what fits you, giving your body grace and understanding, you will be able to better adapt to the changes your body is experiencing. Remember, it is not about the clothing size, but what clothing looks good and feels good on you.
3. Change Your Hair Care
During pregnancy, women’s hair grows more full, long, and luscious. Postpartum, she will continue to experience the beautiful hair she gained during pregnancy. It won’t be until around months 4 and 5 postpartum that her hair will begin to change.
It is normal for women to experience a large amount of unprecedented hair loss postpartum. During her pregnancy, and with the different hormones, a pregnant woman does not shed as much hair. Some say that the hair loss that occurs by month 5 is pent-up hair loss.
This is one of the reasons why some women will cut their hair shorter within the first year after giving birth. This shorter cut typically is a more blunt or layered cut to help create more body and movement in her hair, helping to counteract the look of her thinning hair.
If cutting your hair shorter is not for you, it is recommended that you treat your hair more delicately, using volumizing products that help create a more full look. It is also important not to put your hair in tight hairstyles that pull on your scalp. Remember losing hair postpartum is normal, and if you continue to nourish your body with a healthy diet, there should not be much cause for concern.
Conclusion
Women’s bodies are truly magnificent. They grow human beings and are able to nourish them for 2 years both inside and outside their body. It is important to appreciate the true miracle that this is, and give your body love and understanding. Just because your body is different does not make it any less beautiful. Embrace the changes, strive to see the current beauty, and dress it accordingly.
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