Becoming a mother is a selfless act.

You can be prepared for most of the lifestyle changes that come with parenthood. Thanks to babywearing, family, friends, and babysitters, you can still have a social life – maybe even a break once in a while. But what are you not prepared for?

Your Postpartum Body. That's what.

After growing, stretching, and birthing, your body will not be the same. Even bodies that 'bounce back' aren't the same as they were pre-pregnancy.  Women's bodies are amazing, but the mental toll that comes with experiencing major physical changes can be taxing.  After the newness fades and you have found your groove with mothering, you may be left with a body that feels foreign, and you may need a pep talk.

How to Love Your Postpartum Body

Don’t let insecurities keep you from stripping naked and feeling confident.

• Know what is normal: It took 9 months to stretch and grow a baby. Your body will go through stages as it heals and adapts to life as a mother. You will still look pregnant following birth. For some women, this phase lasts longer than others (especially c-section recovery moms). This is normal. You will continue to change over time.
• Look at yourself naked: REALLY look at yourself. Stand in front of the mirror naked. Yes, you will want to start criticizing yourself; it’s been ingrained in you to do so – but try not to. Instead, see the beauty. Your body is incredible; it just grew a human who will never see the flaws that you see.
• Have sex: You are a GODDESS! You birthed a baby, let that confidence roll into the bed with you… Nothing makes you feel good in your skin like good sex.
• Skip the scale: The scale is an item that messes with your mind and can sabotage your hard work! Instead of stepping on it every day, choose one day a week and read the results with a grain of salt. (Engorged breasts are not your friend on a scale!) Or just pack the thing away until you are ready for it again.
• Wear clothes that flatter you: Wearing unflattering clothes will make you hate your body. Splurge on a few pieces that flatter your body right now. 
• Exercise: Besides being good for your health, exercise releases endorphins that make you happy. Get sweaty, join a gym, follow a DVD, use a pinterest workout plan, or just lace up your shoes and hit the pavement each day.
• Drink water: Drink LOTS of water. You will have brighter, firmer skin (not to mention all the other water-consumption benefits)!
• Look at your food choices: Eat whole, real foods and skip the processed items that come in a box. Make freezer meals so you know you have healthy dinners ready. 
• Set Goals: By actively working toward attainable goals, you will be able to see your body as transitional and not your new normal.