MY BODY

Weight is such a big thing these days. Everyone seems to be happier when they are a smaller size. Pregnancy is one of those things in life that affect ones weight.  I always wondered how pregnancy will affect my body, I prayed  to be pretty and pregnant, I didn't want a big nose or to have pigment problems.  #VainMuch. 

In light of creating, carrying and bringing forth life, looks just seem so 'bottom of the pile'  Here are a few things I learnt in relation to my body during and after pregnancy.

There will always be weight BANTER. Don't get OFFENDED!

I've been a size 8 for as long as I can remember. A friend always teased that when I get pregnant, I would add so much weight and I may never lose it. At first I would argue and  say 'no, that won't be me' He would give me examples of people that were 'lepas' (skinny) and had now moved a few sizes up. We had these sort of conversations almost every time we saw and I would just laugh it off, truly no need to argue. 

Once I had a consultation with a patient and she asked how far gone I was, I told her and she said 'My grand daughter is due this weekend and she is not as big as you' I was like oh WOW,  Thank you. She was elderly and old ladies don't have the time for political correctness.  Like frozen, I just let it go! lol

26 weeks!

You will GAIN weight!

Just get comfortable with the idea. Pregnancy does change your body. Another life is growing in you, if you stayed the same it would be a cause for concern. While I was pregnant, I added weight. I went up to a size 14 in some clothes. My tummy grew per second. We all have different body types. Everyone does not have to be skinny and no matter what size you are wear it with pride as long as your health is not in any danger. Don't let skinny people intimidate you.

Losing weight takes TIME!

Like we commonly hear, it takes 40 weeks to grow a baby and gain all that weight so why don't we give ourselves time to shed it? Why do we feel so much pressure to snap back?

In my case snapping back has taken some time. its just now that my baby is 9 months that I have been able to fit in some of my pre pregnancy clothes. Still working on my mum-tum till tomorrow. So annoying. 

You may not look like your normal self but you are not UGLY!

You may not be able to control your weight, the way your nose looks or your bum and pregnancy is not the time to go on a diet. EAT. You are creating life, you are creating beauty. You are not ugly. You may have days when you feel down or when you don't have the appropriate outfit that is your size for a certain occasion but relax, this wont last forever. Pregnancy is 42 weeks maximum.

EAT for one!

My midwife told me I don't need to eat for two. She said, 'eat when you are hungry, don't starve yourself'. A friends doctor told her 'babies in the tummy are like parasites, they will take what they need and you will be left dry' If like me you are working almost up till the very end on your feet, you don't want to be hungry.

Pregnancy Cheeks of LIFE!

You will need need NEW CLOTHES

So rather than buy so many maternity clothes, as I knew I won't be pregnant for ever, I just got a few basic items in size 10 and 12. I got this idea from a friend of mine, Allys god-mother. If I bought too many maternity things, I may not be as motivated to get rid of the excess weight. Most of my nice clothes are size 8s and I want to wear them. Invest in maternity bras, you will need them. Once your milk comes in, hmmm, your breasts will be huge. I went up 3 cups sizes. My midwife, said I should enjoy this. lol, you and who?  

It's most important to be HEALTHY!

Personally, I think if you are taking care of yourself and your health is not at risk, then cut yourself some slack. I mean don't get comfortable if that's not the size you want to be or if you want your body to be a bit more toned. 

WALKING in golden

So I went to the gym for a bit after I had Ally, but It was walking that really helped me shed most of my baby weight. Make sure you attend your post natal appointment and your doctor says its ok to start exercising. If you've had a C-section like me, you're advised to take things easy for the first 6 weeks at least.

29 weeks!

ASK people what they do

I like asking questions, I hate to think that someone (or google) knows and I'm here cracking my brain. Mums have various tricks they have used to deal with baby weight.

Have a PLAN fo you.

If you want to keep your pregnancy acquired weight, that's up to you. Some people feel they look nicer.  If you don't want to, then have a plan for shedding it. Are you going to gym, walk, not eat certain things... Have a plan and tell your spouse so that when you are getting lazy he can remind you. Trust me it can be annoying when he says 'how far?' but in the long run it helps.

Let CELEBRITIES be!

I see a lot of things online, about diets and exercise to get your pre -pregnancy body back. We live in a very body conscious world. We have celebrities who snap back almost immediately after they have a baby. Its miraculous, its inspiring, its intriguing...is it real?  Lets not debate what celebrities do to snap back but I won't want to compare myself to someone who has their doctor at their beck and call, a personal trainer and probably a dietician that can make sure you are still getting the essential nutrients from one tiny piece of something edible.

Ready to pop!

Overall, CONTENTMENT

Contentment does not mean a lack of desire to be better but just to be at peace with this stage. While you work towards where you want to be, be content with where you are now.