Why you need to love your post partum body…

The internet is an amazing thing that allows you to connect with people and research the heck out of life. Yet it also has the ability to us a great disservice in regards to social pressure to keep up with what appears to be the norm. One of the most unrealistic messages I have seen lately is in regards to women and bouncing back to their pre-baby forms. After having my twins I actually had to… gasp…unfollow some accounts with hashtags like #prebabyweight or #mombodygoals. I know those women work hard for that amazing physique but women do not need the pressure to remove all traces that they just gave birth! So I’ve partnered with Icon Underwear to share some ways I am owning my Mom Bod, dealing with some post baby issues and still loving myself along the way.

1. If you follow me on Instagram than you know I have talked about all the joys that come with motherhood. We are magical unicorns that birth humans, and it is an experience you will never forget! You know what else you will never forget?  The first time you pee your pants when you laugh, sneeze or try to workout! The last bootcamp I was at I had to tell the instructor that I could not do one more burpee because II literally just peed my pants (don’t judge me…it happens!). I don’t let a little leakage deter me from living a healthy lifestyle post partum. I found Icon undies that provide absorbent, comfortable and cute underwear. They have several styles ranging from hi-waisted, hip huggers, bikini and thongs…ain’t no granny panties here. Use code ABBY 5 at Icon for $5 off your first pair.

2. Do you realize the stress your body endured for you to carry a baby or multiples for up to 9 months? Then your body went through the marathon that is childbirth! So obviously your body has changed! My twins are 7 months old and to this day I still wear maternity clothes. I have hips and a butt, and some pretty stretched out skin in places. I tell myself every morning that if I am strong enough to birth three kids… well I am officially a badass and my new body is beyond strong. It is possible to be strong and healthy while having curves! I suggest putting these mantras on post its and sticking it to your bathroom mirror or computer to remind yourself of how magical you are!

3. Pregnancy doesn’t only change your body, it can also cause some unexpected changes to your hair! Usually once your hormones balance out after  baby, there is a dip in estrogen which causes you to shed the hair your body held onto while you were pregnant. I am talking clumps of hair coming out people… and short randoms hair sticking up all over your head! I actually embraced this one and used it as me time! I got a sitter, and off to the salon I went for a cut and color. Even if you don’t have the time to swing that, go to your drugstore, buy a hair mask and sit in the bath having 5 minutes of alone time. Thus caring for your self and your hair. Don’t worry new hair growth is happening, it just takes a minute to catch up!

4. Your feet might swell during pregnancy, and stay bigger even after your delivery. I was a size 8 my entire life until I had children. My doctor relates this to the relaxing of ligaments during pregnancy that can cause your feet to spread. For some people the change is permanent, but not for everyone. I am now a proud size 9… and apparently it is here to stay. Silver lining, I sold some of my shoes to put towards new pairs that actually fit. After all who doesn’t like shoe shopping!

Remember to be kind to yourself. Remember that you created life from that gorgeous body! Remember that I am here to completely show you what real life Motherhood looks like! Remember to appreciate that extra curve, dimple and even when you pee on yourself (trust me it’s gonna happen)… after all look at what your body has given you… that precious little baby!