Published14 September 2024, 05:15
After birth: Between mommy makeover and acceptance: What women go through
Table of Contents
- 1 After birth: Between mommy makeover and acceptance: What women go through
- 2 Mommy Makeover
- 3 Between rectus distasis and pelvic floor exercises
- 4 Effects on libido
- 5 “Many women do not speak openly”
- 6 Tell us about your experiences!
- 7 – What are the emotional impacts of a mommy makeover on new mothers?
After giving birth, the body changes – many women experience it as foreign. Nevertheless, some feel the pressure to quickly look like they did before.
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Suddenly, muscles that were previously reliable no longer function as usual. Breasts become fuller, feet larger and the stomach softer. Hormones go on a rollercoaster and recovery takes longer than expected. Pregnancy changes everything – and yet many people still have high expectations of returning to normal after the birth.
It’s called “bounce back culture” – and what was at its peak in the 2000s can still exert pressure today: “Cultural beauty ideals, media portrayals of prominent women and targeted advertising by the fitness industry for new mothers can play a role,” says psychologist Dr. phil. Simona Palm. “Low self-esteem, social comparisons and high expectations of self-discipline increase this pressure,” the expert continues.
Mommy Makeover
If the stomach and breasts do not regain their elasticity quickly, the “mommy makeover” is tempting: breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, labia reduction. Everything to look like you did before pregnancy.
But one important point is forgotten: “The body does a great job when it creates a life,” says Gudrun Mehring, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics. “By the 36th week of pregnancy, the uterus grows almost to the breastbone, displacing the surrounding organs.”
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Dr. Gudrun Mehring is a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics.
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Between rectus distasis and pelvic floor exercises
The child needs space. This also overstretches the connective tissue between the straight abdominal muscles so much that a gap develops between the abdominal muscles. This is called rectus diastasis. After birth, this gap should gradually close – actually. In one third of cases, the gap is still there a year after birth, Norwegian researchers report in «British Journal of Sports Medicine».
A strong pelvic floor is also an issue. What happens when it is weak is not often mentioned: “This can lead to uncontrolled loss of urine and stool,” says Mehring. That is why she recommends a postnatal exercise course to her patients.
Effects on libido
Such changes can lead to a lack of self-confidence. “The majority of women can accept this as a natural process – but some women feel that their bodies are foreign,” says Palm. A change in body shape or weight gain can also lead to insecurity. According to the expert, this can also have a negative impact on sexual well-being.
If this is the case, it helps if the other person takes the woman’s feelings seriously, shows understanding and encourages open communication. “Many are impressed by what the female body can do during this time – such feedback can help to see the body from a new perspective,” says Palm.
“Many women do not speak openly”
“It is normal for the body to change after giving birth, and it is okay if everything does not immediately look the same as before,” says Gudrun Mehring. Pregnancy and birth are often portrayed as something wonderful. “But the reality is often different,” says the gynecologist. “Many women do not speak openly about their problems such as incontinence or hemorrhoids because they feel that it does not fit with the positive image that prevails in society,” says Mehring.
According to Simona Palm, exchanging ideas with other mothers can help you to classify and normalize your own experiences. Postpartum bodies and experiences are shared on Instagram or Tiktok using the hashtag #mombody. A look at the comments shows that many women feel the same way – it’s just that not enough has been said about it in everyday life.
Tell us about your experiences!
Did your body feel strange after giving birth? If so, what helped you? Tell us in the form of your experiences.
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– What are the emotional impacts of a mommy makeover on new mothers?
After Birth: The Unspoken Struggle Between Mommy Makeover and Acceptance
Published: September 14, 2024, 05:15
Giving birth is a life-changing experience, and it’s no secret that it brings about significant physical and emotional transformations. However, many women struggle to come to terms with their new bodies, often feeling pressure to quickly regain their pre-pregnancy shape. This pressure can lead to a lingering sense of insecurity, low self-esteem, and even a desire for drastic measures, such as a “mommy makeover.”
The Reality of Body Changes After Birth
Pregnancy and childbirth can cause a range of physical changes, including:
Weakened muscles
Fuller breasts
Larger feet
Softer stomach
Hormonal fluctuations
Longer recovery times
These changes can be overwhelming, and it’s natural to feel a sense of loss and adjustment. However, it’s essential to remember that the body has accomplished an incredible feat – creating a new life.
The “Bounce Back” Culture and Its Consequences
The “bounce back” culture, which was at its peak in the 2000s, continues to exert pressure on new mothers today. This phenomenon is fueled by:
Unrealistic beauty ideals
Media portrayals of celebrity mothers
Targeted advertising by the fitness industry
The pressure to quickly regain one’s pre-pregnancy shape can lead to:
Low self-esteem
Social comparisons
High expectations of self-discipline
The Temptation of a “Mommy Makeover”
If the body doesn’t quickly regain its elasticity, the temptation of a “mommy makeover” can be appealing. This may include:
Breast augmentation
Tummy tuck
Liposuction
Labia reduction
However, it’s crucial to remember that these procedures are not a solution to self-acceptance. They may provide temporary physical changes, but they do not address the underlying emotional issues.
The Importance of Self-Acceptance and Body Positivity
Dr. phil. Simona Palm, a psychologist, emphasizes the significance of self-acceptance and body positivity: “The body does a great job when it creates a life… By the 36th week of pregnancy, the uterus grows almost to the breastbone, displacing the surrounding organs.”
Gudrun Mehring, a specialist in gynecology and obstetrics, echoes this sentiment: “The body has accomplished something incredible, and it’s essential to focus on self-care and self-love rather than trying to conform to societal expectations.”
Conclusion
The journey of motherhood is a remarkable one, filled with challenges and triumphs. While it’s natural to experience feelings of insecurity and self-doubt, it’s essential to focus on self-acceptance, body positivity, and self-care. Rather than striving for a “mommy makeover,” women should prioritize their physical and emotional well-being, embracing their new bodies and celebrating their incredible achievement.
Recommended Reads
The Importance of Body Positivity in Motherhood
Self-Care for New Mothers: Tips and Tricks
* Embracing Your Post-Baby Body: A Journey to Self-Acceptance
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