Changes to your body after the birth of your baby

By Bio Island Nutrition Team

No two people are the same, just like no two pregnancies are the same. So the last thing you should do is to look at others and compare yourselves and your bodies once you’ve had children.

You know the thoughts, “Why didn’t I lose all my baby weight like she did?” or “How did she bounce back so fast?”

It is crazy to think of what our body goes through when growing a human inside us. Even before the news of the upcoming birth is announced a woman can experience a myriad of changes. Our taste buds may not stand that once loved Crème Brulee and the thought of having to swallow water can make us cry.

Once you have given birth, this doesn’t stop. It was actually just the beginning.

Like most things during motherhood you’ll rarely ever know what is around the corner until you are there. There really is no way to prepare for how your body will be after birth. Knowledge of the possibilities from those that have gone before you can help ease the shock that will most definitely come and let you know you are not alone.

Many websites will tell you that everything will return to normal a few months after you give birth. That may be true for some, but in reality the majority of us will find ourselves looking into the mirror and reminiscing of what once was.

I thought I was old enough not to wet my pants!

It is very common to have some sort of Urinary Stress Incontinence after giving birth. Yes, the stress placed on your bladder because your growing human used it for months as a trampoline can have lasting effects. Doing your Kegel or Pelvic Floor Exercises can help tighten your pelvic floor muscles but with some women this doesn’t make too much of a difference. Remember it doesn’t have to be something you just put up with. Although “normal” bladder control may resume post-partum, for some it doesn’t. Speak to your GP or Gynaecologist about it and they can help treat this condition.

Woah, those weren’t there yesterday!

About three days after you give birth your breasts fill up with milk in preparation for breastfeeding. They may feel hot and tender and swell to a size you never thought possible on your frame. This is a time to appreciate your body because for a lot of us, even those that didn’t breast feed, can be left with breasts of all crazy shapes and sizes as time goes on.

Hair today, gone tomorrow.

Thanks to the hormones surging around your body during pregnancy your hair can be thick and shiny. Thanks again to your hormones after birth your hair can become thin, dull and even fall out in clumps. Once your oestrogen levels return to normal you should see your hair stay where it should but for many of us the new texture remains.

No I’m not pregnant again so soon!

It is normal to have a pot belly for weeks, even months after birth no matter how toned you were before. You had a human in there that took up residence for months so it may take a while after they have moved out to return to “normal”. But for a large majority of us that pot belly will be your new normal and can make some think that we are still pregnant or even crazy enough to be pregnant again so soon. This doesn’t mean you have to stop wearing a bikini, embrace your extra skin, if we all did there wouldn’t be an issue!

I now have a permanent road map of my pregnancy journey.

Otherwise known as stretch marks. Now this reality may hurt more than the others. Ready? Stretch marks tend not to fully disappear! Although they do fade over time, a long time, there will always be that sweet reminder left behind from your bundle of joy and the journey you both took together.

I’m really happy I swear!

Changes to your body include changes to your brain. It’s quite common to feel sad and weepy a few days after birth. Your hormones are trying to get back into balance and the sleep deprivation doesn’t help matters. If you can’t shake those feelings or they start to get worse making everyday life tasks hard, it’s important that you speak to your GP about how you are feeling. Be assured, your not the only one!

There is so much more that your amazing body can go through which can leave a memorial plaque in remembrance after the event. Haemorrhoids (piles), lochia (bleeding), melasma (brown facial spots), wider hips, or low libido. The list goes on.

Remember what was said before. No two people are the same and no two pregnancies are the same. So no two people will recover the same. Be kind to yourself - You’ve created a human!

This information does not take into account your personal situation and is general in nature. You should consider whether the information is appropriate for your needs and seek professional medical advice.

Always consult your healthcare professional before taking any supplements or if any concerns arise.