Saturday, September 19, 2009

Pre-Baby vs. Post- Baby Body

Lots of moms talk about how they wish they could have their pre-baby body back.  I can't say I would agree.  My pre-baby body wasn't all it was cracked up to be!  Now...I might want my high school body back, but let's get real right?!  I listen to moms all around me who complain about their stretch marks.  Talk about how they tried their entire pregnancy to avoid them, and are just devastated when they appear.  

I wouldn't want to change my post-baby body.  The stretch marks on my belly, breasts, hips, thighs, and calves are permanent reminders of carrying my babies, the most important thing I've ever done.  

Why are women ashamed to have visible proof of their motherhood?  Isn't that part of what God created us to do?  Become mothers (whether through pregnancy or adoption)?  Why would we be embarrassed of that?  Now, while you won't find me running around town flashing my stretch mark tattooed stomach, I am proud of it.  

I know that my body did an awesome thing...I don't ever want to change that.

4 comments:

Bld424 said...

This post makes me sad.

I know you wrote it to empower moms.

But it makes me sad because I thought that you would say your stretch marks had faded! Your babies are older than mine... and I had in my head that the belly marks would surely fade by next summer.

Alas, you have dashed my hopes.

:D

But, its good to hear your point of view so I can have a different internal voice to listen to when I get into negative self body talk... you are so positive and reassuring! And so-pro-mothering.

Chrissy said...

Stretch marks don't bother me. No one can see them but me. Forty extra pounds bother me. Everyone can tell that I am bigger. But I understand what you are saying.

Ashley said...

Yeah, Chrissy, unfortunately I have them in places where people CAN see them!!!

Jess said...

It is so funny that this was your blog for today, I was just thinking about writing about my body changes after this pregnancy. I put on a pair of pre pregnancy jeans today and they fit, they were a little snug, but I've lost some of my shape. This may sound a little vain, but I've always had a little extra junk in the trunk, but I've always had a somewhat bubble, round shape and now it's just flat and flabby, I told Ross to clean off my treadmill so I can get back in shape! The second pregnancy definitely changed my body more than the first did. And I have all those beautiful stretch marks too!!!