Mamabee

Easy Ways New Moms Can Boost Body Confidence

Many women are unhappy with how their bodies look during and after pregnancy – 50% of women aged between 18-45 reported feelings of body satisfaction, a new study by Massachusetts General Hospital reveals. As a new mom, you’re dealing with changes to your hormones, appetite, sleep schedule, and energy levels, which can naturally throw your weight and appearance out of whack. Fortunately, by working to strengthen your body confidence, you can feel proud of your body and appearance once again. 

Eat a balanced diet

Restricting your diet can easily end up backfiring by triggering negative thoughts and damaging your relationship with food. So, it’s important to eat a balanced diet that nourishes your body and mind. Aim to stick to regular meal and snack times throughout the day. And, don’t even think about skipping your meals! Not only does this leave you with less energy, but it also lowers your metabolism, which leads to weight gain. So, fill up on healthy wholefoods, such as, brown rice, quinoa, beans, lean chicken, tofu, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. Easy, freezable, and veggie-heavy dishes like soups, stews, and casseroles will give you the essential nutrients you need postpartum, as well as keep you energized throughout the day.  

Wear clothes you feel good in 

Wearing clothes you feel good in can instantly boost your self-esteem. So, dress yourself with both comfort and style in mind. Wrap sweatshirts, in particular, are great for breastfeeding. They’re stylish, cozy, and also quick and easy to slip on and off whenever you need. And, if you’re dealing with body image issues, a day at the pool or beach doesn’t have to be something you dread – just be sure to pick a swimsuit that suits your body. Just because you saw a new mom rocking a particular swimsuit, doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for you – and that’s okay. No one’s body is the same, after all. So, for example, if you have a small bust, you can get away with a variety of different styles without feeling overexposed. A bandeau top, in particular, lets you choose how much coverage you want. Simply stretch the top flat out for full coverage.

Manage negative thoughts 

Whenever you’re hit with negative body image thoughts, pay attention to what’s triggering them – what are you doing? What was your mood leading up to the thoughts? What kind of day have you had? Understanding your triggers is the first essential step toward neutralizing them, and building your self-esteem. Mirrors, in particular, can be a big trigger. If that’s the case for you, simply hide them. Also, try writing your thoughts down, and sharing them with someone you trust – whether that’s a therapist, your partner, or friend. Although at first it may not be easy to open up to others, it can benefit your mental health greatly, as well as help create a healthier home for your child to thrive in. 

Body image issues can be common among new moms. By eating a balanced diet, wearing clothes you feel good in, and combating negative thoughts, you can feel proud of your body and appearance.

Photo by Kampus Production

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