40 weeks postpartum

Well here we are, 40 weeks postpartum! I cant quite believe how fast its gone! (much faster than pregnancy). We've had our ups and downs, highs and lows, breakdowns and elation's and our lives have changed completely!

While i was pregnant my bump was huge. i am tiny at 5ft 1 (and a bit) with a short torso and have always been a petite size 6/8 so i always imagined i would have a big bump...but my god i was enormous! I'm not going to lie my bump took a couple of months to go down completely and then i was left with the bit of extra weight id gained.

I have been quite chilled out with my postpartum journey and for months i felt like the only exercise i could do was just walking and very gentle core strengthening. (I had an episiotomy and very fast delivery). My main focus was to let my body rest, heal and recover whilst providing for Reuben. (I truly believe it takes 9 months to fully get over pregnancy and labour). It wasn't until about 7/8 months that i started to add in some weight training again (and this is as and when i get time/can be bothered).

Now at 9 months postpartum i weigh slightly less than before i was pregnant (4lb) but i don't have as much muscle. My bum is no where near as peachy and my abs are minimal. BUT i'm happy with where i am, i fit in all my pre pregnancy clothes and feel confident in my figure which is what its about.

I have never been more proud of my body and what its achieved, not only did it grow and provide for Reuben for 9 months it has continued to provide for him for a further 9 months. That doesn't mean i love every aspect of my new body (and that's fine) I have loose skin on my stomach and my belly button looks strange now as it hasn't gone back in. I know these will never look the same again (and i'm fine with that) but i would like to try and improve them over time. (They have improved massively already)!

Body positivity is important and i feel its our responsibility to set a good example to the younger generation by having positive relationships with ourselves, food and exercise. And if my post helps even one person to feel better about themselves then I've achieved what i set out to.

So Mamas, give yourselves a break. You're amazing, your body is amazing, be happy in your own skin and if you aren't be confident to achieve your happiness in a healthy positive way. (There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself, just as there is nothing wrong with loving the way you are)!

We are all different, some people snap back, others don't. There is no right or wrong and body shaming is never acceptable at either end of the scale!